Where To Now?

Well, I gave out before I got this written last night, so it's now Sunday morning. When it comes to the second day of Annual Conference, and you didn't sleep through the night, it can be a challenge to stay focused and alert. I have to confess to experiencing some head nods on Saturday... but we persevered and had a great day! Today's sessions involved more of the business of the church. Richard and I stayed for the Bible study time, discussion of the Bishop's address, worship and food, of course. When the lay persons and clergy persons split up for their meetings, we cut out to go visit Wesley Camp. It's always beautiful out there, but today even more so as we were able to see for the first time the new cabin that is being built on one of the platforms. You can see the new addition to the camp skyline on the far right when you approach from the road... It's going to be a great addition, and allow for longer use of the camp in spring and fall if it...

Today was a full day of fellowship, worship, reports, discussions, prayers, messages, food, hugs, cool breezes, smiles, and more food. It took a little time to get the translation going, so I missed some of the content of Edgars message, but I'm sure it was great. This was his first message to the annual conference as its District Superintendent and he looked like he was enjoying himself. Bishop Alstead shared a good message about transformation (and in English so no translation needed). Before lunch, the group was sent out on a mission to talk to the people of Liepaja... basically street evangelism. We figured there weren't too many English-speakers on the streets of Liepaja, so instead we went shopping. I know. So American. But you can't NOT go to Laima. Those of you who get to have chocolate when I get home will thank me. New Testaments ready to go out to the people of Liepaja Of course, the Latvians know how to walk out on the street and just strike up a c...

After a long and restless flight, we (Richard Payne and I) are safely in Latvia for the 2017 Annual Conference of the Latvian Methodist Churches. After a wind-tossed landing in Riga, we hopped in the car with Gita M. and Ericka for the 3-hour drive to Liepaja. It was cool outside! *sweet sigh* Our only stop was at the StatOil for a potty break and a snack. No hot dog this time, but a very tasty cream-filled shortbread baked wonder. I just love Latvia. We went first to Liepaja LAMB for hugs and for Richard to join the Wesley Camp board meeting. Gita and I helped Daina "correct" the cats tails (i.e. remove unwanted leaves) so that she could love her arrangements more. She and Astra had spent part of the day out in the woods chopping down grass, cats tails, flowers, and berries to use in the arrangements that will decorate the church for the Annual Conference. They are so gifted! We also enjoyed the youth practicing their praise songs for the worship time. Gita and I h...