Rezekne Castle mountain,view towards Cathedrale
Competition site, indicating the maximum flood water level
Dome Cathedrale, reading a latgalian bible
Pauzing after exploring the site
Pacifying a dogMonday, April 21, 2008
RDS trip to Rezekne
Rezekne Castle mountain,view towards Cathedrale
Competition site, indicating the maximum flood water level Dome Cathedrale, reading a latgalian bible Pauzing after exploring the site Pacifying a dog
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Worship Seminar March 27-29th
What a great opportunity to participate in the WORSHIP SYMPOSIUM “CLOSER” at the end of March!
Psalm 27:8
My heart says of you, „Seek his face!” –
Your face, LORD, I will seek.
And this we did 3 days in various forms. We had symposium lectures, worship music, concerts and the choice of these workshops to shape our skills:
1. Advanced guitar - Karry Godwin (USA)
2. Gospel choir - Raili Orrava (Latvia)
3. Prophetic Worship - David Baroni (USA)
4. Practical sound of worship (soundboard / audio) - Stewart Beale (USA)
5. Songwriting - David Baroni (USA)
6. Creativity & Art in Worship - Austin Biel (USA)
7. The Calling of the Musician - Austin Biel (USA)
8. Leading Worship with Guitar - Karry Godwin (USA)
9. The Creative Power of Praise - David Baroni (USA)
10. Blessed Are The Broken - David Baroni (USA)
11. Sound of heaven on the earth - Jerrel Gilliam (USA)
12. Modern dance in worship - Anna Soboleva (Latvia)
The evenings usually were filled again with worship music and concerts of these christian bands and choirs: Man-hu, Xenos, Roman “Scream” Murashev band, Austin Biel, Riga Gospel Choir....
Thursday to Saturday full programm and each activity meant to connect me with our LORD. I was blessed with different experiences.... First ever, I sang in tongues, I again experienced to intuitively sing songs, I never heard before, as a gift from God to be used for his kingdom and the Holy Spirit gave me HIS pictures, to sketch on paper, during music or lectures.... So I was either singing or sketching..... During workshops I learned about prophetic worship, songwriting, how to be creative in praising GOD and active steps to persue intimicy with HIM!
Hands down – I had awesome days and was more or less floating home in the evenings!
Psalm 27:8
My heart says of you, „Seek his face!” –
Your face, LORD, I will seek.
And this we did 3 days in various forms. We had symposium lectures, worship music, concerts and the choice of these workshops to shape our skills:
1. Advanced guitar - Karry Godwin (USA)
2. Gospel choir - Raili Orrava (Latvia)
3. Prophetic Worship - David Baroni (USA)
4. Practical sound of worship (soundboard / audio) - Stewart Beale (USA)
5. Songwriting - David Baroni (USA)
6. Creativity & Art in Worship - Austin Biel (USA)
7. The Calling of the Musician - Austin Biel (USA)
8. Leading Worship with Guitar - Karry Godwin (USA)
9. The Creative Power of Praise - David Baroni (USA)
10. Blessed Are The Broken - David Baroni (USA)
11. Sound of heaven on the earth - Jerrel Gilliam (USA)
12. Modern dance in worship - Anna Soboleva (Latvia)
The evenings usually were filled again with worship music and concerts of these christian bands and choirs: Man-hu, Xenos, Roman “Scream” Murashev band, Austin Biel, Riga Gospel Choir....
Thursday to Saturday full programm and each activity meant to connect me with our LORD. I was blessed with different experiences.... First ever, I sang in tongues, I again experienced to intuitively sing songs, I never heard before, as a gift from God to be used for his kingdom and the Holy Spirit gave me HIS pictures, to sketch on paper, during music or lectures.... So I was either singing or sketching..... During workshops I learned about prophetic worship, songwriting, how to be creative in praising GOD and active steps to persue intimicy with HIM!
Hands down – I had awesome days and was more or less floating home in the evenings!
Monday, March 31, 2008
Soviet Architecture
Ziepniekkalns - a common view into a backyard
Don't worry - I won't challenge you with stories about soviet architecture.... I was walking home through some unknown part of Riga - Ziepniekkalns! It was getting dark and I faced some very drunken und unfriendly creatures.... So, it got me thinking and observing the surroundings....
Just so much:
Small flats, thin walls (7cm), unpersonal neighbourhoods, physical and emotional unbareable residential situations - 10 floor high buildings at a 2 m distance! Windows 2 m apart, no privacy, every sound is transparent for the community, dirt everywhere, no one feeling any kind of responsibility to keep up common used spaces, no maintenance, no flowers, unpersonal sizes of buildings and urban spaces....
No wonder, Latvians love to spend time in nature, where you cannot be observed, your life traced back, controlled or monitored.... Also, if I had to face such a desolate life, I might get drunk myself, just to forget....
YES, I do understand! Not knowing Jesus would put me into similar situations, without hope and a future perspective... what a difference JESUS makes.... Praise him!
Don't worry - I won't challenge you with stories about soviet architecture.... I was walking home through some unknown part of Riga - Ziepniekkalns! It was getting dark and I faced some very drunken und unfriendly creatures.... So, it got me thinking and observing the surroundings....
Just so much:
Small flats, thin walls (7cm), unpersonal neighbourhoods, physical and emotional unbareable residential situations - 10 floor high buildings at a 2 m distance! Windows 2 m apart, no privacy, every sound is transparent for the community, dirt everywhere, no one feeling any kind of responsibility to keep up common used spaces, no maintenance, no flowers, unpersonal sizes of buildings and urban spaces....
No wonder, Latvians love to spend time in nature, where you cannot be observed, your life traced back, controlled or monitored.... Also, if I had to face such a desolate life, I might get drunk myself, just to forget....
YES, I do understand! Not knowing Jesus would put me into similar situations, without hope and a future perspective... what a difference JESUS makes.... Praise him!
Return trip to Riga
Lake at BalviMixed... well, more appropriate would be turbulencing.... feelings, I had on my way home to Riga. Driving through that incredible snowy landscape, made me joyful and grateful, reflecting on all gifts, I got during the last 3 months.... at the same time, I was sad, almost fearful, leaving Tilza! Leaving people, community life and wonderful experiences behind. Facing the next time of great challenges at the office and big decisions.......
And then a big truck passed me on the way... On the left and right of the road was snow and ice, plus frozen ditches. I was far away from any civilization... and the truck was speeding past me, throwing a stone into my front screen.... a huge blast and the crack of the glass shocked me completely! It gave me the rest - I burst out into tears! But in all this, God simply sheltered and protected me... the screen had "just" a diagonal crack... I didn't end up in the ditch and was safely able to stir the car.... nothing terrible happend! Thanks God!
15 km from the russian border...
So, reviewing my emotions and thoughts, my conclusion marked the turning point between Tilza and Riga:
I had this great opportunity to take time off for learning, resting and experiencing peace in God's arms..... and now will be changes again - leaving the retreat place, to get engaged again in the World!
Lucky me, who was able to have this provision - let's face it:
TIME to return! Time off would not be as refreshing as it is, if it would be permanent!!!
Good Friday - Prayer + Fasting day in Tilza
What is the most important treasure in my life?
What would I take, if my house would burn down?
Am I ready to give up anything for the LORD?
Total surrender???
... The answer: Unfortunately there are dreams, possessions and people I have hard times to sacrifice for Jesus! These questions were quite desillusioning and a good way to realize how big indeed Jesus death for me on the cross was!
Next to reflecting about us and Jesus, we heard Brahms requiem (in german)... How awesome! I sucked it all in! The holy spirit can speak in such creative ways just trough music... A great way to experience Gods glory! Wow!
What would I take, if my house would burn down?
Am I ready to give up anything for the LORD?
Total surrender???
... The answer: Unfortunately there are dreams, possessions and people I have hard times to sacrifice for Jesus! These questions were quite desillusioning and a good way to realize how big indeed Jesus death for me on the cross was!
Next to reflecting about us and Jesus, we heard Brahms requiem (in german)... How awesome! I sucked it all in! The holy spirit can speak in such creative ways just trough music... A great way to experience Gods glory! Wow!
Light
The nights in Tilza were not only very quite but also either very very very dark or extremly light.... this picture I took at full moon without tripod and flash....
Good bye
My last school day was already last week! These 10 weeks passed within a blink... incredible!
The Tilza family prepared a farewell party with home made desert by Aija, coffee, presents and the best a performed serenade especially dedicated for me..... Here it is:
The Tilza family prepared a farewell party with home made desert by Aija, coffee, presents and the best a performed serenade especially dedicated for me..... Here it is:
Latvian food
I was very impressed with Aijas cooking for the Tilza crowd every school day. So here is a picture of some yummy traditional latvian soup for you to TASTE. We also exchanged recipies...GREAT for me and YOU, if you want to experiment with foreign cooking!!!!
SNOW
And finally winter arrived in Latvia.... it started snowing and did not stop for days. All nature was covered with a white blanket. The kidds especially had a lot of fun! And because my inner self sometimes still turnes out to be a child, I spent hours outside walking, building snow"women", having snow fights with Jonathan or simply getting wet by forming snow angles in front of the house. We all mostly gathered later on around the stove and the hot cattle to warm up..... But what FUN! I guess my last snowman was at least 15 years ago.... so these were memorable days!!!
snow"women"
Moreen's snow angel
snow"women"
Moreen's snow angel
snow fight
Moreen & Jonathan
Sunday, March 30, 2008
We got 3. place in competition
January we worked for a competition and submitted beginning February!
The jury rated us 3. place.... This is the link for further info and additional pictures:
http://www.a4d.lv/projekti/1081/
the model before transport!
balancing the model down the stairs!
The jury rated us 3. place.... This is the link for further info and additional pictures:
http://www.a4d.lv/projekti/1081/
the model before transport!
balancing the model down the stairs!
Friday, February 29, 2008
Tilza pictures
1. Moreen & Wes being recorded for a movie
2. Moreen & Dave working on camera specifics
Community
Something that really impresses me is the nature of community life in Tilza! Last time I arrived – just to spred my sickness in Tilza – everyone was welcoming me as being the guest of honor! People are so warm hearted and loving..... I just love to be there!
The contrasting experience can be entering a bakery here in the big city! Having a fantastic morning, smiling and just being nice to people, can be a major mistake!!! Either people strangely stare at you or they even yell at you, asking why you laugh about them..... No kidding, really happend!!!
Tilza on the other hand seams to me that people still look at each other, talk to one another and maybe also smile on the street... maybe not often, but I already saw some.....
So, my conclusion the country side is more human than the big city! Well, maybe it is a strangers view at a beautiful spot in the country...... not facing any struggles out there and knowing the magical way for a strategical withdraw back to the city..... just a romantic tourist perspective???
Well certainly it is no fairy tale playground in Tilza..... life is very different there! Especially for me being a city kid.....
But the last time I drove out, with every meter I happy anticipated my arrival! I just loved to meet all the people..... Let me tell you about them:
1. Dan & Katie plus their 3 kids – Jonathan (pirate), Anna (princess), Estere (she already now conquers the world and captivates every person around her) – Dan & Katie build up christian youth groups in the neighbourhood..... lots of teenager from the nearby bording school spend their afternoons at the yellow house..... They are also involved in bible studies and camps around Tilza. Besides teaching latvian language to strangers like me, Katie also teaches at primary school English!
2. Kaspars & Liene with David and – yes, I forgot the name, too bad – they are the pastors couple and also involved into all the ministry work in and around Tilza. Liene parallel works at the local bording school!
3. Paula, our sunny american „Grandma” substitude. With her permanent smile and fullhearted laughters, she filles the room with a fascinating positive atmosphere. Paula being in her 60s she decided to spend the rest of her life in Tilza...... „God called me here and I loved this spot” she simply told me!
4. Liga – our native latvian teacher, who does an incredible good job, even when she hates teaching..... yes, she already hated it before meeting me – what a relief!.... Liga is also engaged into youth ministry around Tilza and I guess quite popular among the boys there.... After a long morning teaching, she loves to move and sweep all floors in the house..... the only substitude for that, could be Sports like eg. volleyball! Besides this I she is my latvian-english-german translation champion! If I listen to her switching between latvian and english, I find latvian must be the easiest language among all!
5. Aija – our „chef de cuisine”! She parallel manages to overlook 3 children as a nanny and cooks most delicious food with the kids..... all very eager to help, peeling carrots, stearing pots or cutting cheese..... Every time I have been at her and Ligas place, the stove was spicked with something..... After lunch, that she prepares for us students and all families, she enjoyes sharing a good talk and a cub of dark „non” decaffeinated coffee with me! I will definately start my latvian cook book with her!!! Yes, as you can guess, also Aija is involved into the youth ministry in Tilza and next to this studiing to become a pre-school teacher and supervisor for children. If you ask me, she is already skilled to run for the gold medal!
6. Dave also lives in the yellow house! He is a Scotsman!!! Maybe you would not directly recognize by appearance...... cause he does waer jeans!!!.... but as soon as I tried to communicate, I immediatly doubt to have learned any English language throughout my life at all! Dave is also a missionary, living in Tilza now for 1,5 years! At the moment he attends classes at the Baltic bible institute, so he just arrives at the yellow house sometime at Thursday nights! He loves to have fun and a good laugh! Dave & Wes seem to have found common ground lately, cause they can talk for hours in the kitchen, joking around..... even when they try to explane the jokes, I still mostly do not get them.... don't give up on me folks, I do fancy a good laugh too......
7. Finally Moreen & Wes, canadian missionaries! Wes & Paula are my study companions and Latvian language fighters! Moreen is already fluent in latvian, so she spends the time with paperwork or ministry, when we attend classes. Sometimes, depending on the day, Moreens language skills can be encouraging or devastating! She is sooo good at it and when I was asked the other day to talk about architecture at bording school, she translated for me! Moreen is definately a perfect example, that it is possible to speak this language.
Wes has this very dry and funny humor, I just love..... if I understand what he actually said!..... He combines funny expressions with a good portion of intellectual knowledge and that can be just hillarious...... Besides this he probably knows every hunting or fishing store in this country. I am waiting for him to join the „pinguin fishers” one day.... as Jonathan calles the fisher men on frozen lakes...... those fishers cut holes into the ice and sit around this hole (at every temperature you can imagine) all day long. Not all around one hole for better communication and joining a good beer...... no, the lake is evenly sprinkled with small black dots and probably as perforated as a swiss cheese!
All these people practically live & work together including me for this term! It is great to arrive, knowing someone is waiting and looking forward spending time together!
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Tilza pictures
Katholic church, Tilza
The Cross at kath. Church
some vehicle along the way
The Cross at kath. Church
some vehicle along the way
russian orthodox church in Tilza
AUDIO BOOK
Being sick gives you lots of time....... and so I listened to Hape Kerkelings’ audio book „Ich bin dann mal weg!” („I am gone now!”).
Hape is a german comedian, who walked the St. James pilgrim route in 2001. 800 kilometers from the pyrenees to Santiago de Compostella in Spain. So this book is about his encounters along the way!
I just loved his stories.... and because they were send one by one as mp3 files via skype.... yes, through my very slow wireless connection.....I got quite desperate in between downloading for hours. But finally today, I was able to listen to all parts – what a glorious day!
Hape is a german comedian, who walked the St. James pilgrim route in 2001. 800 kilometers from the pyrenees to Santiago de Compostella in Spain. So this book is about his encounters along the way!
I just loved his stories.... and because they were send one by one as mp3 files via skype.... yes, through my very slow wireless connection.....I got quite desperate in between downloading for hours. But finally today, I was able to listen to all parts – what a glorious day!
„GO HOME”!!!
I am sick, since almost 4 weeks now!
It all started on my way to the bible seminar in Smiltene on the 02.February. Smiltene is approx. half way back from Tilza to Riga and I decided weeks ahead, that I would take part in that old testament seminar, which took place at a New Frontiers church – pentacostal movement! It was a great evening with lots of worship, prayer and good bible teaching!
I actally planned to stay the night in order to also join the second day as well, but it turned out different!......
God send me home.... he directly told me to leave and drive home that night! And on the next day I knew why....
Arriving in Riga around 24h, I felt very tired and went to bed without even unpacking stuff! During the night I developed 40 degrees fever that stayed for 2 days. I felt terrible, every movement hurt. So I basically just slept! Since then I got not only this sudden 40 degrees fever on/off, but also various other sypthoms like a cold, swollen lymphnots, allergic reactions on medications, inflammations somewhere in my body.... after tests the docs cannot find reasons! So besides taking antibiotics, anti-inflammation druggs and drinking 2-3 liters a day, there is not much what can be done about it... we will see....
There are some chances being at home: sleeping, reading, listening to music or seminars, watching my movies all over again..... I got time! Lots of time to think, pray and finally do NOTHING!
Also the nice thing about being sick is, lots of people call or drop by to either enquire about me or to shop for groceries! They even drive all across town just to deliver milk and tea!..... Unbelieveable!..... TRUE friendship and pure love of CHRIST! Wow!!!
According to the medication and me sitting here writing again... I must be on the mend......
It all started on my way to the bible seminar in Smiltene on the 02.February. Smiltene is approx. half way back from Tilza to Riga and I decided weeks ahead, that I would take part in that old testament seminar, which took place at a New Frontiers church – pentacostal movement! It was a great evening with lots of worship, prayer and good bible teaching!
I actally planned to stay the night in order to also join the second day as well, but it turned out different!......
God send me home.... he directly told me to leave and drive home that night! And on the next day I knew why....
Arriving in Riga around 24h, I felt very tired and went to bed without even unpacking stuff! During the night I developed 40 degrees fever that stayed for 2 days. I felt terrible, every movement hurt. So I basically just slept! Since then I got not only this sudden 40 degrees fever on/off, but also various other sypthoms like a cold, swollen lymphnots, allergic reactions on medications, inflammations somewhere in my body.... after tests the docs cannot find reasons! So besides taking antibiotics, anti-inflammation druggs and drinking 2-3 liters a day, there is not much what can be done about it... we will see....
There are some chances being at home: sleeping, reading, listening to music or seminars, watching my movies all over again..... I got time! Lots of time to think, pray and finally do NOTHING!
Also the nice thing about being sick is, lots of people call or drop by to either enquire about me or to shop for groceries! They even drive all across town just to deliver milk and tea!..... Unbelieveable!..... TRUE friendship and pure love of CHRIST! Wow!!!
According to the medication and me sitting here writing again... I must be on the mend......
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Pirates
Did you know we got pirates in Latvia? Real ones: scary, dreadful, creative and treasure hunting ones..... who are they? They all look different but have this one common symbol – back scarfs and black eye lids.....
If you see one around.... be careful..... your possessions are in great danger!!!
And if you believe it or not, I met one last week in person! My goodness, that was a agile one!!!.....fighting for his honor, searching for treasures everywhere and you know - he found many of them... we had troubles to hide our pressious belongings...... He would have found everything with his perfect instinct for values, that we would have tried to hide..... so it did not help, we surrendered!!!
Now there is one thought that kind of makes me wonder..... Do Pirates have a certain statue, or can they actually appear looking like every person? Cause how will I know in the future, if I am facing one??? Maybe they also adapted to this strange new world and do not anymore treasure hunt with ships on foreign islands, but they also expanded their territories on the continent.....
For example, this weekend Tilza was a gathering place for Pirates..... they actually met at the russian border, far away from the sea, but I am sure this also has an important meaning.... maybe they thought about new strategies..... exchanged new hunting ideas, were attracted by a very famous lake with a small island.... maybe also Tilza is THE famous Pirates touri destination???.... what do I know???.....
BUT one thing was important: they all gathered to celebrate one special occasion – THE birthday!!! The famous Christopherous Pirate turned wiser and grew taller than he ever was before..... He actually is one of the Pilgrims among the Pirates and his sisters are among the most beautiful princesses in this country.....
Did that attract all international Pirates?..... Not only.... there is more to it, than beautiful princesses ........ a Pirate needs challenges, good fights, new hunting experiences... and proper food!
All this was provided and so it turned out to be a huge celebration......
If you see one around.... be careful..... your possessions are in great danger!!!
And if you believe it or not, I met one last week in person! My goodness, that was a agile one!!!.....fighting for his honor, searching for treasures everywhere and you know - he found many of them... we had troubles to hide our pressious belongings...... He would have found everything with his perfect instinct for values, that we would have tried to hide..... so it did not help, we surrendered!!!
Now there is one thought that kind of makes me wonder..... Do Pirates have a certain statue, or can they actually appear looking like every person? Cause how will I know in the future, if I am facing one??? Maybe they also adapted to this strange new world and do not anymore treasure hunt with ships on foreign islands, but they also expanded their territories on the continent.....
For example, this weekend Tilza was a gathering place for Pirates..... they actually met at the russian border, far away from the sea, but I am sure this also has an important meaning.... maybe they thought about new strategies..... exchanged new hunting ideas, were attracted by a very famous lake with a small island.... maybe also Tilza is THE famous Pirates touri destination???.... what do I know???.....
BUT one thing was important: they all gathered to celebrate one special occasion – THE birthday!!! The famous Christopherous Pirate turned wiser and grew taller than he ever was before..... He actually is one of the Pilgrims among the Pirates and his sisters are among the most beautiful princesses in this country.....
Did that attract all international Pirates?..... Not only.... there is more to it, than beautiful princesses ........ a Pirate needs challenges, good fights, new hunting experiences... and proper food!
All this was provided and so it turned out to be a huge celebration......
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Tilza - First days
My second day off from work started with the first language class in Riga. And guess what people I met???.... missionaries..... as this is nothing new lately, I did not exactly wonder...... Among the group of 10 students I was the only business person! People from Agape Latvia, the Bridge Builders and individual missionaries met to learn Latvian! All of them very dedicated Christians who helped to build up this country... some of them already for a couple of years.....
After the language class I rushed on to a bible study with Fran, who I keep meeting with since Summer. She also works as a missionary for Agape Latvia..... surprize, surprize :-)) ..... Together we explore the wonders, how God created women..... some toppic I found, I would like to improve my knowledge on!
At 15.00 h I was picked up by Mo & Wes to travel to Tilza! The journey took us 4 hours by car..... No, it is not that far!!! But the streets are no highways here! And trucks are slow on small roads.... besides driving quicker than 70km/h could cost you your car or your life or both..... just considering the bumps in the roads or traintracks to cross!
We arrived and I was immediatly integrated into family life! Wow! We just planned to stop by the latvian teacher to say hello.....BUT instead the evening stretched until 21.30 h. I played cards with the 3 kidds, got some tea and cake to start with..... lots of talking afterwards.....
Then they took us to the yellow house, where we had our seminars and guestrooms. Everything very simple, but clean! Comparable with a youth hostel 20 years ago! There was a community kitchen, serveral meeting rooms and I got a full 6 bed room for myself! So choosing the bed was hard!!!
The first floor of the house is heated with a wooden stove! A radiator system (fed by the wooden stove) provides for the heating system upstairs! This is worth while mentioning, as heat does not come natural living in the country..... either you feed the stove or the house will be cold... and that means really cold! Isolation is just known since 1995.......the traditional system is a solid wooden wall... u-value ~ 10???
My first language morning began early at 9:00 am! All seminar days had the same classes..... First in the morning learning new vocabulary by repeating the words or playing games..... starting light is nice if you are not a morning person..... Grammar started after the first coffee break..... being drugged, learning latvian grammar was easier..... all practicing included games.... kind of children games, but this was also how I felt, not being able to say the easiest sentences without help.... but the games were FUN..... we got to talk about own pictures describing, what we saw......colours, adjectives, objects. Starting next week, I will practice my new learned stuff with an old lady in the afternoons....
Here are some examples, what I learned this week:
Kas tas ir? - What is this?
Tas ir kruze! - This is a cup!
Kada ir kruze? - How does the cup look like?
Kruze ir dzeltena! - The cub is yellow!
Cik? - How many?
Cipari - Numbers
Pulkstenis - Clock & times
Kas mil ko? - Who loves who? (nominative-accusative)
Es esmu/ man ir - To be/ to have
Mani sauc Claudia. - My name is Claudia
Kur tu dzivo? - Where do you live?
Es esmu no Vacijas. - I am German.
Tagad dzivoju Riga. - I live in Riga now.
Cik ilgi tu jau dzivo Latvija? - How long do you already live in Latvia?
Es dzivoju jau divus gadus! - I already live here for 2 years.
Ko tu dari? - What do you do?
Es esmu arhitekte. - I am an architect.
Kur tu strada? - Where do you work?
Es strada Riga! - I work in Riga!
Does not sound much for 3 days??? ....... Well, let me tell you, I was definatly racking my brains off day after day.....
After the language class I rushed on to a bible study with Fran, who I keep meeting with since Summer. She also works as a missionary for Agape Latvia..... surprize, surprize :-)) ..... Together we explore the wonders, how God created women..... some toppic I found, I would like to improve my knowledge on!
At 15.00 h I was picked up by Mo & Wes to travel to Tilza! The journey took us 4 hours by car..... No, it is not that far!!! But the streets are no highways here! And trucks are slow on small roads.... besides driving quicker than 70km/h could cost you your car or your life or both..... just considering the bumps in the roads or traintracks to cross!
We arrived and I was immediatly integrated into family life! Wow! We just planned to stop by the latvian teacher to say hello.....BUT instead the evening stretched until 21.30 h. I played cards with the 3 kidds, got some tea and cake to start with..... lots of talking afterwards.....
Then they took us to the yellow house, where we had our seminars and guestrooms. Everything very simple, but clean! Comparable with a youth hostel 20 years ago! There was a community kitchen, serveral meeting rooms and I got a full 6 bed room for myself! So choosing the bed was hard!!!
The first floor of the house is heated with a wooden stove! A radiator system (fed by the wooden stove) provides for the heating system upstairs! This is worth while mentioning, as heat does not come natural living in the country..... either you feed the stove or the house will be cold... and that means really cold! Isolation is just known since 1995.......the traditional system is a solid wooden wall... u-value ~ 10???
My first language morning began early at 9:00 am! All seminar days had the same classes..... First in the morning learning new vocabulary by repeating the words or playing games..... starting light is nice if you are not a morning person..... Grammar started after the first coffee break..... being drugged, learning latvian grammar was easier..... all practicing included games.... kind of children games, but this was also how I felt, not being able to say the easiest sentences without help.... but the games were FUN..... we got to talk about own pictures describing, what we saw......colours, adjectives, objects. Starting next week, I will practice my new learned stuff with an old lady in the afternoons....
Here are some examples, what I learned this week:
Kas tas ir? - What is this?
Tas ir kruze! - This is a cup!
Kada ir kruze? - How does the cup look like?
Kruze ir dzeltena! - The cub is yellow!
Cik? - How many?
Cipari - Numbers
Pulkstenis - Clock & times
Kas mil ko? - Who loves who? (nominative-accusative)
Es esmu/ man ir - To be/ to have
Mani sauc Claudia. - My name is Claudia
Kur tu dzivo? - Where do you live?
Es esmu no Vacijas. - I am German.
Tagad dzivoju Riga. - I live in Riga now.
Cik ilgi tu jau dzivo Latvija? - How long do you already live in Latvia?
Es dzivoju jau divus gadus! - I already live here for 2 years.
Ko tu dari? - What do you do?
Es esmu arhitekte. - I am an architect.
Kur tu strada? - Where do you work?
Es strada Riga! - I work in Riga!
Does not sound much for 3 days??? ....... Well, let me tell you, I was definatly racking my brains off day after day.....
Sunday, January 20, 2008
Tilža
Tilza - This is the place where I will spend half of the coming weeks, practicing my latvian.....
Class will be as follows:
We will talk, talk, talk..... I have to bring some large scale photographs and explain the picture in latvian......to beginn with.... :-(( ...... Just wonder, how I will manage???
We will be 3 students, all beginners.....
Study times form 9-13.00, lunch and then talking with people from the village..... none of them will speak any english..... Uuuuuuuhhhhhh! Scary!......But FUN too...... let's see, how fluent I will be after 10 weeks....
In case you have trouble to find Tilza on the map.... I had as well......I finally found it 15 km from the russian border...... and this is the approximate location... look out for the arrow....
Class will be as follows:
We will talk, talk, talk..... I have to bring some large scale photographs and explain the picture in latvian......to beginn with.... :-(( ...... Just wonder, how I will manage???
We will be 3 students, all beginners.....
Study times form 9-13.00, lunch and then talking with people from the village..... none of them will speak any english..... Uuuuuuuhhhhhh! Scary!......But FUN too...... let's see, how fluent I will be after 10 weeks....
In case you have trouble to find Tilza on the map.... I had as well......I finally found it 15 km from the russian border...... and this is the approximate location... look out for the arrow....
Saturday, January 19, 2008
Time for changes
The next 10 weeks will be time for changes....
What changes??? Well, some....
Here is the list officially, so that you can hold me accountable, for what I did or did not do...
Every day devotional time
Writing my journal
Bible school
Learning latvian with regular homework
Starting counceling again
Regular sport (swimming or gymnastic)
Information about internet wire connection at my flat
Excursions by car :-))
Cooking and baking
Some shopping, I keep postponing since months
Organizing my paperwork
Accounting, organizing my little finances
What changes??? Well, some....
Here is the list officially, so that you can hold me accountable, for what I did or did not do...
Every day devotional time
Writing my journal
Bible school
Learning latvian with regular homework
Starting counceling again
Regular sport (swimming or gymnastic)
Information about internet wire connection at my flat
Excursions by car :-))
Cooking and baking
Some shopping, I keep postponing since months
Organizing my paperwork
Accounting, organizing my little finances
Driving taxi
My last taxi drive was a hugh success! I was so proud of me!
Wanna know why? I understood the driver!!! :-))
I was on my way back from an appointment in the city, lots of heavy stuff to carry and it was my first day in new shoes..... yap and my feet wanted a car :-))
First thing, I got into the taxi at a hotel here in Riga.....The driver tried to arrange a fare prize in english, which was much to high.... and by that move, I already knew, he was about to cheat me..... BUT here comes the latvian language into play..... I answered in Latvian, that it would be much less to take me home. AND this guy was quite surprized....
Wow I thought to myself, works somehow.....
Next move, I asked to turn on the taxi meter..... He reluctantly turned it on.... and probapbly hated me for it......BUT not on normal day fare, but higher night fare! As if I would not notice.....
So I told him to change...... AND we reached my flat without me being cheated at!
WHY?.....cause I tried not only to understand but also to speak Latvian!
You probably cannot imagine how much these 3 sentences meant for me!
It made my day... I’ll tell you!
Wanna know why? I understood the driver!!! :-))
I was on my way back from an appointment in the city, lots of heavy stuff to carry and it was my first day in new shoes..... yap and my feet wanted a car :-))
First thing, I got into the taxi at a hotel here in Riga.....The driver tried to arrange a fare prize in english, which was much to high.... and by that move, I already knew, he was about to cheat me..... BUT here comes the latvian language into play..... I answered in Latvian, that it would be much less to take me home. AND this guy was quite surprized....
Wow I thought to myself, works somehow.....
Next move, I asked to turn on the taxi meter..... He reluctantly turned it on.... and probapbly hated me for it......BUT not on normal day fare, but higher night fare! As if I would not notice.....
So I told him to change...... AND we reached my flat without me being cheated at!
WHY?.....cause I tried not only to understand but also to speak Latvian!
You probably cannot imagine how much these 3 sentences meant for me!
It made my day... I’ll tell you!
Sabbatical leave
Yupeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!
I am off work...... for now!
I took a sabbatical leave until end of march to learn latvian language and to intense my scribture study again! Both is essential for my life right now!
So this is the schedule for comming weeks
MON – probably work
TUE – language class in Riga
WED-FRI – Language classes in Tilza (15 km from russian border)
SAT/SUN – in Riga
Well, we will see, what this time will bring!
New experiences, new people to meet, seeing countryside of Latvian...
AND the best is.... I was allowed to take the company car, which makes me flexible and I can drive where ever I want.... Isn’t this great! Wow!
I could even go to Tallinn again or drive down to Lithuania.... I guess, now I am getting to exited here.... Probably there won’t be time for that, but on the other hand, if not now, when ever? I will consider this the next weeks......
I am off work...... for now!
I took a sabbatical leave until end of march to learn latvian language and to intense my scribture study again! Both is essential for my life right now!
So this is the schedule for comming weeks
MON – probably work
TUE – language class in Riga
WED-FRI – Language classes in Tilza (15 km from russian border)
SAT/SUN – in Riga
Well, we will see, what this time will bring!
New experiences, new people to meet, seeing countryside of Latvian...
AND the best is.... I was allowed to take the company car, which makes me flexible and I can drive where ever I want.... Isn’t this great! Wow!
I could even go to Tallinn again or drive down to Lithuania.... I guess, now I am getting to exited here.... Probably there won’t be time for that, but on the other hand, if not now, when ever? I will consider this the next weeks......
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Cleaning my flat!
Saturdays are usually my cleaning days..... after a long week, my room definately has the need for tidyness.
So routine is: Kitchen first, then bathroom, tidying everything else, hoovering and then ironing..... the full programm! After that taking the washing to cleaners and shopping for groceries on the way back! By that time it is already late afternoon..... Time for leisure activities......
Since I do not have a washing maschine, washing my clothes is a bit complicated..... Riga unfortunately, does not provide common wash rooms....... A new buisiness idea, in case architecture will not work out ;-))
A friend from church is helping me with my normal stuff..... I am taking the clothes with the trolley to her flat, doing the washing there and taking the wet clothes home for drying..... Sometimes I also get them delivered via bus stop transfer.... Thats Fun! Ruth tells me, what bus she is at and I am waiting at the busstop until she arrives..... quick exchange of bags and thats it.... I am very happy for this support!
Blankets and towles I usually bring to an expensive cleaning service. They tumble dry all clothes together! My first experience with that service was a bit devastating, cause I never tumble-dried my normal clothes before and some of my stuff, I could not waer afterwards...... simply to small! So my conclusion was, just to take the stuff there, that can be dried without problems.....
The prove.....before and after pics....
So routine is: Kitchen first, then bathroom, tidying everything else, hoovering and then ironing..... the full programm! After that taking the washing to cleaners and shopping for groceries on the way back! By that time it is already late afternoon..... Time for leisure activities......
Since I do not have a washing maschine, washing my clothes is a bit complicated..... Riga unfortunately, does not provide common wash rooms....... A new buisiness idea, in case architecture will not work out ;-))
A friend from church is helping me with my normal stuff..... I am taking the clothes with the trolley to her flat, doing the washing there and taking the wet clothes home for drying..... Sometimes I also get them delivered via bus stop transfer.... Thats Fun! Ruth tells me, what bus she is at and I am waiting at the busstop until she arrives..... quick exchange of bags and thats it.... I am very happy for this support!
Blankets and towles I usually bring to an expensive cleaning service. They tumble dry all clothes together! My first experience with that service was a bit devastating, cause I never tumble-dried my normal clothes before and some of my stuff, I could not waer afterwards...... simply to small! So my conclusion was, just to take the stuff there, that can be dried without problems.....
The prove.....before and after pics....
Winter impressions on a work day
On a coooooooold Friday 3 people from our office drove to a compitition site in one of Rigas subburbs to take pictures and get familiar with the site. It was sunny but –15 degrees Celcuis and we were dedicated to be quickly back in our warm office. Thanks God we took our bosses jeep, cause it turned out to be frozen and very slippery.
Our idea was to drive up to a high-rise building and to take top-view pictures..... Every residential building has a door code. But actually I do not know, why a system like this gets installed at all! The trick to get in is.... to look carefully at the number buttons and then press the glossy buttons instead of the matte...... this is not only how we got in, but also how bums get into heated buildings, sleeping right in front of your flat door during the nights......
Well, an elevator from 1969......fitting exactly 3 people...... providing an handwritten emergency number to call!!!....... took us all the way up to the 12 floor.... 2 scary and noisy minutes until we savely arrived..... Being nervous and cold made us speak louder and a bit silly too..... Obviously this was to loud for a bum sleeping in the warm corridor next to the elevator we took. So we just quickly took pictures and entered back into the scary vehicle......
Walking the site was quickly done.... for nice walks it was simply to cold! The landscape is so beautiful at a sunny and snowy day like this. But the cold makes you move speedy and without the fun to relax about the wonderful set around you!
When looking at the picture of Reinis (in a warm big jacket) and Dace (in a mini skirt and a short jacket), I am still wondering about female latvian beauty attitudes....... I myself was packed into long trousers..... very unsexy BUT warm..... a big warm jacket, boots, gloves and a scarf wrapping everything else exept my eyes......
Last stop was the daugava river..... beautifully frozen! If the weather will last for a couple of weeks, people will actually cross the river from shore to shore for shortcuts..... some also use the river for sport activities as skiing or skating...... a lot of fun!
Our idea was to drive up to a high-rise building and to take top-view pictures..... Every residential building has a door code. But actually I do not know, why a system like this gets installed at all! The trick to get in is.... to look carefully at the number buttons and then press the glossy buttons instead of the matte...... this is not only how we got in, but also how bums get into heated buildings, sleeping right in front of your flat door during the nights......
Well, an elevator from 1969......fitting exactly 3 people...... providing an handwritten emergency number to call!!!....... took us all the way up to the 12 floor.... 2 scary and noisy minutes until we savely arrived..... Being nervous and cold made us speak louder and a bit silly too..... Obviously this was to loud for a bum sleeping in the warm corridor next to the elevator we took. So we just quickly took pictures and entered back into the scary vehicle......
Walking the site was quickly done.... for nice walks it was simply to cold! The landscape is so beautiful at a sunny and snowy day like this. But the cold makes you move speedy and without the fun to relax about the wonderful set around you!
When looking at the picture of Reinis (in a warm big jacket) and Dace (in a mini skirt and a short jacket), I am still wondering about female latvian beauty attitudes....... I myself was packed into long trousers..... very unsexy BUT warm..... a big warm jacket, boots, gloves and a scarf wrapping everything else exept my eyes......
Last stop was the daugava river..... beautifully frozen! If the weather will last for a couple of weeks, people will actually cross the river from shore to shore for shortcuts..... some also use the river for sport activities as skiing or skating...... a lot of fun!
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