Our First Camp

We finished our first orphan camp a couple days ago sorry it has taken me so long to update but I really wanted to process and figure out the best way to relay all that happened these past two weeks! Rachel and I were able to get back for the last week of camp after being sick. Coming in halfway through the camp with kids having already built relationships with the other leaders that were there was a little difficult for me at first. My thoughts were they already have built relationships with everyone, why would they want to hang out with me. But God really showed me how wrong I was and how much love that these kids had to offer. All these kids wanted was to be granted that love and attention that they have been denied all their life. Because they have been rejected continuously throughout their lives they have created this "me" mentally where they are only looking out for themselves and wanting what will best benefit them. We had a couple instances where things were stolen at camp and even though my stuff wasn't taken it was still a lesson to us and we had to realize that by stealing it wasn't a personal attack on us but that they saw something they wanted and they took it. God really showed us that we need to be gracious and love these kids through everything. By the end of it we were all EXHAUSTED in every way possible. The last day is where we were able to see the full impact that we had on these kids, most of them were crying and the rest didn't want to leave. These kids have captured my heart and I am so glad that Jaycee had started a ministry that is centered around helping and loving these kids. God is truly working here in Latvia and I'm excited to see what els he has in store for me this summer!



 Thanks for all your love and support!!

Rough Times

Hey guys Rachel and I got pretty sick at camp. We both can't keep anything in our stomachs and we were sent back to Riga to rest and heal. We are feeling really bummed and missing the kids, So if you guys could just keep us in your prayers we could really use it. And also pray for health and strength for the rest of the team at camp. Because they are now two people short and only two days into camp. Thanks for all your love and support!

Traveling

 This is us just starting our 8 1/2 hr flight and let me tell you we did not look this happy afterwards!

We decided to get out and see Sweeden for our 8 hour layover

The Journey So Far...

Well defiantly exciting times here in Latvia. After over 25 hours of traveling we were greeted by Jaycee, Susan and Endija giving us a little red envelope with a clue that sent us on a lovely little scavenger hunt to find our flat. Being utterly exhausted and in a country we didnt know was definitely interesting. But in the end we were able to navigate our way to our new home!
As the surprises continued that night Jaycee and Susan gave us a packing list and told us that we were going to be going to some secret location and that we needed to pack for two days. So EARLY the next morning we got an email with our first clue sending us on another scavenger hunt. That day was full of surprises and some crazy times as were running and traveling from city to city picking up clues. This would have been more fun if it was not 40 degrees rainy and windy! One of our challenges was to have random people teach us how to say certain phrases. So we looked pretty ridiculous as four Arizona girls running around in the rain asking anyone if they could teach us how to say where's the bathroom? and what time is it? in Latvian.The day ended with us meeting Jaycee and Susan at the bus station and heading to our final destination, which ended up being a little house in Slacgriva where we were just able to hang out together and relax for the next couple of days. Which was Awesome!
These last couple of days have definatly been a challenge but as a result we have all learned a great deal more about each other and we DEFIANTLY know how to find our way around Riga.
Right now we are are trying to prepare ourselves mentally, spiritually and physically for this 12 day orphan camp that we are leaving for tomorrow. So please pray for us because it is going to be a long but rewarding 12 days. And also pray that we are able to be a presence of Christ for these kids and that they will feel His love. Sorry i was not able to post sooner but as u can see it has been really crazy here and this will probably be last update for a couple weeks because we are leaving tomorrow for two weeks but i will update as soon as i can!
Thanks for all your support and prayers!