A Cultural Experience

I need to spend a few moments and share with you all what an amazing cultural experience the wedding was. The service in the church was not unlike a wedding service might be in any small rural community in America. The only significant difference might have been the Latvian tradition of flowers. Flowers are an essential part of Latvian culture. There are flowers everywhere. You can buy them on almost every street corner see them growing naturally along the side of the roads as well as in window boxes on the tiny balconies of the ubiquitous soviet built high rise apartment buildings. Elina once told me that flowers were the Latvians way of maintaining a sense of hope and individualism during the communist occupation. Small bright spots in a gray existence. At the end of the ceremony each of the guests lines up and comes to the front and gives the bride and groom flowers and some words of encouragement, I of course had no flowers with me but I got in line anyway… After the ceremony in the church, the wedding was just beginning. The procession then moved on to the traditional part of the wedding.




En route to the traditional part of this wedding the motorcade stopped at 5 different bridges. At each of these bridges Ricky and Lasma got out of the car and Ricky carried her across the bridge. Each bridge had a different meaning. There were seven total and two of them were done after the traditional part of the ceremony.

The traditional portion takes place in a forested setting. There are three musicians/wedding officials that explain each portion of the process which has four aspects one for each of the “elements” of water, earth, air and fire.

The first element is water. As we waited for the bride and groom to arrive, the musicians played traditional Latvian music. Soon Ricky and Lasma arrived via horse drawn cart. The water portion consisted of them cupping their hands and dipping them into a bowl of water and pouring it into each other’s hands then throwing it out over the guests. Monta was doing her best to translate for me but I am afraid that I will have to do some research to interpret the meaning. This aspect also included the couple each taking one end of a a string and twisting it until the string bunched up ( later at the reception, the twists were counted and it was explained that the number of children the couple would have was in some way related to the number of twists in the string)


From the water element we moved further into the forest until we reached a near by clearing. This was to be the location of the “Earth” component. One aspect involved Lasma being draped with a sheet as she sat and the guests all threw a handful of grain at her. The sheet is then carefully removed and the grain is collected from the sheet. Each grain is supposed to represent a blessing for the new couple. This as each portion was accompanied by music and singing.

The second portion of the “Earth” element was very special and it was at that moment that I was reassured that it was the right thing that I came to be at the wedding. In this part of the ceremony the official asked the couple to bring up four special people. Lasma’s parents were immediately asked to come forward and then Ricky asked his Mother who at the last minute decided to come, and then he looked at me and said “Dad” while he motioned with his head. So I proceeded to the center of the gathering and was given one end of a woven strip of cloth while Zoya ( Ricky’s Mom) took the other. Lasma’s parents did the same and we stood opposite each other forming a cross with the two pieces of cloth. We were then directed to walk in a circle as the music played and the people chanted. We then placed the strips of cloth at our feet and stepped back. Ricky then had to skip in a circle not touching the strips as the official chanted some sort of blessing that Monta later told me was to symbolize a “foundation or grounding “of the relationship. Ricky was then joined by Lasma’s Father and one of his buddies from work. The same process occurred and then we moved on to the next element, Air.




As we were walking away I gave thanks to God that Cindy had continued to look for a way for me to go to the wedding. Thinking about this 18 old…boy who now was a father and facing a huge step in his life potentially standing there basically alone with out anyone to stand with him made me glad that God is in control. A couple of days earlier I had listened as Ricky called his father and asked him if he would be at the wedding. I could see the disappointment in his eyes as he hung up. He has only had contact with his father in the last couple of years after God prompted Ricky ti seek him out and forgive him for abandoning him as a boy. This was a huge step that opened relationship for Ricky and his father but it obviously has not resulted in his father reclaiming that role in Ricky’s life.
In the next portion we walked again for about 10 minutes deeper into the forest where we came to a path that led to a giant swing that was between two trees. The swing’s platform was large enough to accommodate both the bride and groom. Some more music…and singing and we were on to the “Fire” potion. Fortunately the “Fire” element was located right next to the swing. By this time no one was up for another long walk. Keep in mind that the time is now about 6:30 PM. The ceremony at the church started at about Noon.

The fire ring was about 10 feet in diameter and had fern branches arranged radiating from the center for decoration. Ricky was directed to build a fire and once he was successful the men al gathered in a circle and danced around the circle chanting and “high five-ing” while shouting “Hey!” by this time Monta and I were both too tired to try and glean any understanding from the ceremony but it was still fascinating. The girls did something similar after that with Lasma and then everyone had some perogies and sweet bread as a snack. This was washed down by some of the purple Latvian juice which I think comes from some extract from Birch bark.

Then, it was time for a long hike back to the cars and a 45 minute drive back to the reception hall which was located out in the country closer to Limbazi. On the drive to the reception there were the final two bridges to stop at. For these Ricky simply walked along beside his new bride. You could see the happy couple was growing tired like the rest of everyone. They were both very glad to see that I had stashed an energy drink in the car in anticipation that I would probably need a boost in order to make it through the entire event. I had to sacrifice and give my last Red Bull to Ricky.

As we arrived at the reception hall the sky was going twilight. It was probably around 10:00 PM. Before we could enter Ricky had to pass a test. Lasma’s father produced what to me looked like a tenor sax case filled with wood and tools. Monta translated as he told Ricky that in order to be part of the family he would need to show that he could build a “house” for Lasma. As Ricky dumped out the pieces of wood his exhaustion was beginning to show. The wood pieces eventually fit together to reveal a quaint bird house and the tired couple worked together to hold and nail the pieces until the bird house took shape. Success!

The next activity was the cutting of a large heart out of a large piece of cloth that was held at the corners by Jack,. Roma, Mairis and Elnars. The couple each had a scisors and started down at the bottom point of the heart that was sewn on out of decorative fabric. They each made their way cutting along the inside of the heart and met at the point in the crux of the top portion of the heart shape. The couple then stepped through the opening they had just cut to the cheers of the crowd. From there they moved to the doorway to the reception hall where an apple hung by a string. Lasma and Ricky were instructed to simultaneously take a bite out of the apple before they could enter and start the festivities.

The tables were arranged around the outside of the room with a 5 piece band at the front of the room. Traditional Latvian food including carbonade and several different salads. Shortly after dinner the small green bottles of Estonian “Bodca” (Vodca) were broken out and distributed to the tables. Fortunately there was a non-alcoholic sparkling cider option as well. The band played such classics as “Villie Nelson’s…On Zee Rhoud Again” and “You Ain Nothing Bud Zee_ound Doug” and everyone danced spinning around the room. The band played until 3:30 AM and then the DJ started playing music until 7:30 AM.

There is a Latvian tradition of the guests “singing” the couple a lullaby in their room as they retire and then waking the newlyweds in the morning with song. Sounds crazy I know but that is how it is done. This is facilitated by the fact that the reception hall has not only a bedroom for the bride and groom but also two bunkhouse style rooms with many beds for the guests as well. So as people tire throughout the evening they simply go upstairs and have a nap. I have to say it is a bit odd and I managed to find a place to rest that was away from the two bunk rooms where the rest of everyone was sleeping. There was some silence from about 7:30 to 9:00 AM and then people started to wake up and soon they were gathering upstairs, accordion blaring to wake the happy couple.

Once they had awoken everyone gathered for breakfast and cake. It was at this portion that I needed to leave. Scott had asked me to have the car back in Riga by Noon so that wee could be on our way to the camp in Kasdonga where Elina and the resrt of the JV staff was working. The Red Mountain group was arriving at camp that afternoon and we needed to transport them from the bus stations out to the camp. It was tremendously difficult to say good bye to Ricky and Lasma not knowing when I would see them again but so very thankful that I had been able to share and support them in this huge step in their lives.

I returned to Riga and I knew I had cut it short because Runzo was waiting (actually ready!) with all the luggage for their family to spend the week at camp. We drove from Riga through the other half of Latvia that I had never been through. After we arrived and got the team from the busses out to the camp we only had a half hour before the students started to arrive. It was so amazing to be back in that environment knowing just how much God would be working in the lives of both campers and team members.

I stayed up late with Elina ans some of the other interns watching DVD episodes of Prison Break, not wanting to loose any time to sleep. It was so hard to say good bye to Elina again and not know when we would see her. We huged and cried for a few minutes and then Scott and I drove the two hours back to the Riga Airport. We left at 3:00AM and arrived at the nearly vacant airport at 5:05 AM.

I had left Ricky and Lasma 20 hour earlier. I gave my cell phone that Elina had lent me to Scott and checked in at the counter. I made my way through security and down to the gate. Two of the Latvian interns had told me of two other Americans that they knew were traveling on my flight. It was not to hard to spot them so I asked the two college aged girls if they were headed to the states and passed on the greetings the interns had asked me to give them. I was too tired to hold much of a conversation so I decided to go back and see if any of the shops or news stands in the gate portion of the airport had opened yet.

As I made my way back to the only open news stand back by security. I thought of the last time I made the trip to latvia alone back in January 06. As I passed the large glass wall that allows you to see the people who were back in the airport lobby, I was reminded of the powerfull image God blessed me with that day.(you can read about it by clicking the January 06 link or here ) After buying all the chocolate my leftover Lats would afford I headded back toward the gate. Looking up I was stunned to findout that God had done it once more. As I looked up I saw two figures dressed in Red on the other side of glass hallway in the Lobby. Ricky and Lasma were there in their reception clothes leanig against the rail.

I had no Idea they would be there. I would have never seen them if I had stayed at the gate, but their they were, hugging each other looking longingly across the hallway and thier faces lept alive when our eyes meet accross the glass walled space that sepparated us. I was so shocked and felt so paralysed simply mouthing "I love you" as they waved and blew kisses to me. Ricky was motioning me towards the security check line back to my right. I moved the 100 feet back to the security area unsure what Ricky had in mind. I could see him speaking to the oficial that checks the boarding passes and allows people into the security line. After some classic "Ricky haggling" he convinced the official to take the large envelope he was holding to the girl at the scanner. She quickly scanned the envelope and motioned for me to come get it. I had been standing about 20 feet back from the metal detector not wanting to unsettle the security agents by walking up the wrong way while Ricky was distracting thier attention. She handed the evelope to me and I thanked her repeatedly. I ran back to the glass wall and continued to smile and wave at the newlyweds who had gone to great extents to make it all the way to Riga after an exhausting marathon wedding.

Next thing I know even more haggling...Ricky is interupting the guy talking on his cell phone standing next to him. As Ricky is pleading with this guy and pointing at me I find myself being handed a cell by the guy next to me. Apparently he had been speaking with the guy Ricky was bugging and now I was able to speak to Ricky one last time. I told Ricky he was crazy and that I loved him so much. I warned him that he better take great care of my Lasma and then I had to go. I was worried that I had missed my plane. One last "I love you" and I thanked the guy who lent me his phone. When I got to the gate I opened the envelope and in it were two full 8X10 photos that had been taken the day before and printed out on heavy photo paper, all in the 20 hours since I had left them.

As I looked at the photos I broke down into tears. I couldn't stop as I though about how much God had just blessed me and how uncertain the future was for this young family. Of course the one and a half hours of sleep in the previous 40 hours was not helping my emotional state. I simply stared at the photo of me praying for them as we entered the church and begged God with all my heart to protect these precious kids.

After boarding the plane I passed out before we even taxied to the runway...

Return to Latvia Ricky and Lasma to be Married!

On very short notice after Cindy had searched for months online to find some way for us to be able to get to the wedding we had become resolved to the fact that it just was not an option. Brett convinced Cindy to look one last time and there it was one fare that we could use mostly miles to buy and have it wind up being about a third of the $1700 that the ticket price. Mind you, this was three days before departing to Latvia. Things kicked into high gear quickly and here I am back in Latvia again. Praise God! My original plan was to join Elina out at English camp for the first couple days and then go to Limbazi for the wedding. Turns out God had other plans. Scott Runzo (one of our full time missionaries in Latvia) woke up the morning that I was to arrive with an inflamed achilles tendon( PRAY FOR SCOTT!). The final group from Red Mountain Community Church in Mesa the states was to arrive the following day and Scott was in no shape to take them around Riga as part of their orientation.

Elina and I now were on orientation duty so we have enjoyed our last two days getting to know the group and showing them al little of Riga's rich culture and history. As we were leaving them yesterday I was jealous of the fact that they were about to head out to spend the next week at English camp where so manny lives have been changed. I couldn't help but wonder if some of them would be blessed with the kind of connection to the kids they will minister to that we have had. I am praying that God will impact them in just as powerful a way. Here a a few photos.

Elina, Fletch and Scott...Waiting fro Red Mtn

Riga is so Beautiful

You can take the Girl out of America...But you cant take the American out of the girl!

Red Mtn. Group

Chili Pica!


Today I head for Limbazi. Ricky has been in Estonia working for a while, he just got back last night. I will meet up with him and tomorrow is the start of the TWO DAY wedding. This will be a tremendous cultural experience! I can't wait to see the kids. Please be praying that God blesses this huge step in their lives!

Meet Elina

For the last two years Elina has been living with the Aylwards in Peoria AZ and attending Southwestern College of the Bible. This May was her graduation and she then returned to Latvia. Elina completed her degree in Marriage and Family Studies graduating Suma Cum Laudi. Her goal is to establish a Christian family counseling ministry in Latvia in the long term. Her short term goals include returning to the states to complete a Masters degree in Counseling. Currently she is back in Latvia working with this years English Camps.

On this recent trip to Latvia I was able spend some time with Elina and help with orientation for a great group from the states, Red Mountain Community. She dove head first into ministry as soon as she returned to Latvia. After the camps this summer she will be applying at Mathew's Baptist Church in Riga to start a work in their Family ministry.

We also recieved some great news a few days affter I returned home. The Runzos have a Vonage phone that allows calls to the states for a flat rate and Elina called with news that she had been accepted to Denver Seminary. We are all praying that God will work out the details to allow her to attend either this Fall or in the Spring. Please be praying for this as well as her dream of starting a Christian Family Ministry in Latvia.

Saying good bye again as I was leaving Latvia this time was a very difficult experience. Since I had to be at the airport at 5:30 AM and leave Kosdonga at 3:00 we simply stayed up all night and talked and hung out with some of the JV interns. It was another tearful goodbye and I was worried about her being all alone and the American interns will be leaving soon. They are the ones she has spent most of her time with since returning home and it will be hard when they leave. But God is in control and lets face it. It takes about 3 minutes after people meet Elina for them to fall in love with her, so I know that HE will provide a network of people to surround and support her in the future and if it is His will then she will return soon to attend Denver.

Please pray for Elina and her dream of starting a Christian Family Ministry

What God is doing in Monta's life...

As we were deeply missing Latvia this summer, I emailed Monta and asked her if she would mind typing up some of her thoughts about how her life was different now a year later after accepting Christ. These were her thoughts.



“I used to think that I was never good enough to cut it”

I listen to last year’s theme song for our camp “Think Again” - “What I was made for” and it brings so many memories back and a huge smile on my face. Suddenly everyone’s here again. We all dance and sing. We play games and learn. We do it all with so much joy and that’s when we understand – we can cut it! And you know why? Because we’re not alone!

Last year around this time I was just an average girl who was enjoying her summer holiday, working and preparing to go to camp for the first time in her life. To the camp that changed my life. It wasn’t the first time I heard about God, of course, but it was the first time when I felt Him being right there with me. Instead of spending one week in the camp I spent there 2 weeks. I learnt so much from all those amazing people who were so passionate about God that it assured me - I was ready. I will never forget July 12, 2006 when I became a Christian. I won’t have the chance to spend this wonderful day with my American friends this year… But I won’t be too sad about it, because I know I will meet them all one day again!

They were all so right saying that becoming a Christian doesn’t mean that all the problems will suddenly go away and never come back. Probably this year has been even harder that the last one. But it all has seemed so much easier, because I am not alone anymore. I always have someone who looks down on me and I know He smiles. Sometimes I believe that He frowns upon my actions, but even when I do mess up He still loves me and still keeps me near. Becoming a Christian changed me. It changed the way I think, changed the things I love and it changed the way I looked at the world. It also changed the way people looked at me, but still there are so many people who only think I have become a better person. And I know it’s only because of this endless love that surrounds me.

Not always I felt like I had it. There have been times when I felt like I don’t deserve it and there have been times when I had completely abandoned the idea of me becoming a better person or God loving me or being close to me. I must admit – there have been times when I’ve been so angry that I have yelled, screamed and cried. But over and over again I have learnt to give myself to Him and that is when the peace and calm come over. I wish I knew how to live like that every single day of my life. But I have learnt so much. Mostly I must thank Anete who leads our little Bible study group and has been so supportive. And than all the Americans who have been through so much with me. Especially Sara – I don’t know what I would do without her.

Looking back – I don’t think that I could compare who I was and who I am now. It would be impossible. I don’t think I have become somehow better – I’m different. And I try to live the way that God has planned for me. Things go wrong, I get His messages too late or just don’t understand them, I do bad things, I still hurt people some times and they still hurt me, but I have never felt better. I just have to be reminded from time to time that everything that is happening is only to make my life better. Sometimes I have tough lessons to learn and I do it and I know that when I do God looks at me and smiles. Could I ask for anything else? And it’s only the beginning of my journey!

The Last Day With The KIds

These are some photos from Cindy and my trip to Limbazi last spring break. It was a really tremendous time for us to encourage the kids in some really tough choices that needed to be made. God showed us once again that He is faithful and in control.

Some Photos From Limbazi

Back in LV

WOW! It is really hard to believe that we are back in LImbazi for our Spring Break! It has been a wonderful trip and sooooo great to see everyone again. Cindy and I came by ourselves and the kids and Elina are staying at my folks house for the week. This time school is in session here and we have had the chance to attend lessons with Richards, Jack and Roma at the Russian School as well as speaking in Ieva's mother's English class about what high school is like in America at the Latvian School. We also had dinner at Ieva's home on Wednesday evening which was a wonderful time as well. Last night we went to youth night and got a chance to hang out with everyone. I am waiting for the battery to charge so I can add some photos so be paitent.

Along with the fun of suprising everyone and visiting the schools we we also got to experience the Latvian health care system first hand. My back decided to seize up on me and so between the urging of several well meaning Latvian women and Cindy too I was left with little choice but to visit the hospital in Riga. Praise God for muscle relaxants and a very nice doctor who happened to speak English. Unfortunately the X-Ray technicians did not so poor Rita had to accompany me into the X-ray room and translate. Rita and her boyfriend (Laos) were such a huge help we can't even begin to thank them a enough. My back is exponentially better now and improving each day so be praying for the ride home.

Well when the camera is charged I will add some photos.

Chau for Now!
Curtis

We Love you Limbazi...Share your thoughts.

A moving video of the final moments in Limbazi as God cements the bonds of friendship between people from AZ and LV.

We're back home but missing our Latvia home...

Hello everyone...
Just wanted to let you know that we all made it back safe and with no problems. It has been amazing for us to look back on the last 3 weeks and see what God has done. We are all missing Limbazi a lot! We love you all and are praying for you everyday that God would become more real to you and Jesus would become closer.

We are giving a report this Sunday to our church here in Arizona and we are going to talk a lot about the trip. We would like to create a poster of what camp has meant for all of you in Limbazi. If you could take some time and write a comment about what camp has meant and how God has affected you that would be awesome! I know some of you have already commented on this and we will use those comments too.

Thanks you for allowing us to come to your town and meet you and have friendships with you. My life has been changed by knowing you and seeing what God has done in you. We all miss you like crazy! Let's all keep in touch until God brings us together again. :)

Jon Hatch

Baltic Baptisms, Marlee, Jessica, Justin.

While we were in Latvia God moved in the hearts of several of our team to obey Him in Baptism. Marlee, Jassica, and Justin all took a cold plunge in the Baltic Sea.

Goodbyes are so difficult...

We have had a wonderful experience and goodbye is so hard to say. We are in London now waiting to board the plane for home and internet has been hard to come by but everyone is well, and three of our team members were baptized in the Baltic Sea before we left. It has truely been wonderful and I will update with some details when we get home. See you all at the airport.

Limbazi... Let us know your thoughts!!!!

Hello Limbazi... We would love to know what you thought about the camps, the concert, and what the time God allowed us to spend with you means to you. Did God change your life? Tell us your thoughts and feelings by clicking on the "comments" link at the bottom of this post.

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It's 2:50 AM...

We just returned to Limbazi from Riga where we each took one Latvian with us to a Christian Rock concert. The band “Delirious” played and it was fantastic.

Let me catch you up a little on the last couple of days. Wednesday evening we had our last evening youth service. After the discussion groups broke up we were praising God that four more girls had given their lives to Christ! Yesterday was so busy I could not get an update in so please bear with me here. The reason it was so busy was because it was the last official day of VBS and we had a parent’s night. Turnout was great and the kids all did a great job. Today the VBS kids came back for a half day party of water balloons and ice cream. Then we jumped into busses and headed to the concert.

It was awesome to watch Monta and others whose lives had just been changed, worship God with all of their hearts and experiencing the pure joy of their new lives in Christ. There were also some great conversations on the bus ride home. I will try and get some pictures and video up along with some more details later today after the sun comes up, but I just wanted to share some quick but incredible details of the last couple of days with you.

God Bless
Curtis

"Hello From the Team" Video

Meet Monta...Her life was changed at camp

Hello, my name is Monta.

I would like to tell you about myself. I actually grew up in a family where people had a lot of faith in other people, science and themselves. In my family no one really believes in God. One of my Grandmothers when I was little taught me a few prayers, and this was the first time I came across God and Jesus.

But because I was so little it didn’t make much sense to me I had not read the Bible or ever gone to church for services. When I was ten, my parent divorced. I actually thought I took it really well and it made me even more sure that I was the one who could deal with all of the problems…I could do it all on my own.

I never complained about my life I thought it was good. It got better when three years ago I went to Luxembourg and spent two years there. I thought my life was perfect but it wasn’t really because of all the stress I had, being in a new place and meeting new people. I got into a few eating disorders, but when I noticed it got me into more trouble I stopped doing that. I got back on track pretty fast and it seemed like life was good again. During this me and my mom became really close and I liked that. She was my role model, and she’s really convinced that we are the only ones who can lead our lives and really change them.

A year ago we had to move back to Latvia. I didn’t want to but we still came back. And that is how the worst year of my life began. I felt lonely even though I had friends around me and I had good grades, and my relationship with my parents was good, but I felt lost. This is when I started hurting myself. I was partying like crazy, drinking, smoking, and I didn’t want to stop, because it was the only thing that made me happy, this is what I thought. The few times I got scared and I started questioning myself. How long am I going to do this?... Why can’t I stop? The more I questioned myself, and people around me the more confused I got. This was probably was the hardest time of my life. I was empty and I did not know how to fill myself up. Then one day my English teacher offered for me to come to this camp. She knew that I was speaking English a lot, so I decided to come. Though when I heard that it will be around God and Jesus I had second thoughts. But then I figured it doesn’t bother me that much and I could still go and have fun, and make new friends. The first day here seemed like a mistake, but the next day it got better and we all became better friends, and I enjoyed every second I spent with these people.

But the best parts were in the evenings when the kids from Arizona came and gave their testimonies and Jon would talk. I could have listened to Jon for hours. I also felt myself changing. I felt things that I had not felt in a long time. I was truly happy and that was when I finally realized that it all had happened because I finally and truly let God guide me in my life. I even went to church on Sunday with them and I felt so grateful that they took me with them.

I don’t think I will be able to pay them back all those good things they have given me. With their faith and compassion in everything they do have showed me and given me new life. But above all that they have taught me that God is in my life and if I give Him my life He’s going to make something beautiful out of it. Basically I want to ask God to bless all of these people who are here and I wanted to thank the Lord for bringing them here. They are the best people I have ever met and no matter what I do and where I am I will still know they will always be in my heart. And maybe one day we will meet again and I know we will.

Talent Show Tonight

Tonight our team and the locals will share their talents with each other at a talent show it promises to be great fun. VBS went well today and after the kids went home the girls all took Hailey to dinner for her birthday.

Richards Testimony

Way cool!!!! The Video Worked!!!!!

Ok... So now I can explain a little bit about the "rain Dance"...Last night it rained here for the first time since we have been here. In the middle of the evening program after a long hard day of VBS, the rain just poured down and everyone's attention turned to the windows. The next thing you know, a couple of the younger Latvian boys were out splashing in the puddles, and then a couple more went out, and within seconds the meeting had moved outside. It was a great relief from the heat (not the humidity but at least the heat) Hailey had just given her testimony prior to the rain and had proclaimed the joy God has given her and how Christians were not just a bunch of people who did not know how to have fun. It was neat to watch God create an opportunity to prove her testimony.

A video experiment?????Dancin in the rain!

More VBS