june 28

June 28

This morning we began with pancakes and eggs before talking a walk to the beach for the first session of the retreat for today. While on the beach, were to find a rock that describes us.  There are so many rocks on the shore, so there were so many options to choose from.  We also had a time to walk around and then write a letter to someone (that we could send or not, or it could even be to ourselves or to the Lord).  Some people spent their time on the shoreline, and some of us went into the cemetery that is right there to write.  After this time of reflection and time to get out what we wanted to say on paper, because often it is so hard to say what we want aloud, we returned to camp.  Some particular John Mayer lyrics have been stuck in my head all day…say what you need to say.

For lunch we had a wonderful meal of rice, sausage, tomato and cucumber salad, and bread.  We did a bit of last minute cleaning in the dining room and organized all the sleeping bags and tents in the attic before playing some more King Mau.  The last part of the leadership retreat was a prayer walk.  We picked names from a hat to make partners, and then went for a walk around camp in pairs, talking about our anxieties about the coming week and praying for one another.  It was a very special time, and we were all hoping for another day together in our small group because we were really opening up to each other.

The group from Alabama arrived just before dinner, so after some unpacking and settling in, we had pelmeni (the Russian pasta filled with meat) covered in kreums (a cream type sauce) and cheese and sliced tomatoes and then baked.  After we had our fill, the team had some meetings; Brandon worked on his sermon (he is preaching tomorrow at the church we are going to in Tashu!); and Courtney and I went with some of the other girls to pick some flowers.  It is always an adventure here. When we agreed to help pick flowers we were unaware of the task before us.  We drove in the direction of Liepâja, and whenever they saw flowers that were worthy, we pulled over on the side of the road and cut them down.  We were pulling on limbs and climbing trees and going through ditches to get these flowers that were beautiful, and very wild.  Despite the thorns and prickly stems of several of them, we were able to gather a good bit to take home (the whole back of the van was full).

As camp is beginning to fill with people, we are finding out that sleep may be a luxury.  Adding two three year olds, a seven year old, and a dog to a small room that already had four adults, makes for interesting sleeping arrangements.  Pray for energy and patience as we begin camp!