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!

Return trip to Riga

Lake at Balvi






Mixed... 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!

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....

Snow pictures

view from my window

Icicles

Lake in Tilza

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:

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 fight

Moreen & Jonathan

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!