Sunday, Dec 20
Greetings all!
Today was my last full day in Aseri. It is amazing how the people we meet and fellowship with become such a big part of our lives. These brothers and sisters here are family - even when we do not always understand what the other is saying. I told the church this morning that although we do not speak the same language, it is amazing that because we have the same God, we can speak the same language in our hearts.
Church was good. We had another 2 hour service. Their is much singing, prayer, scripture reading, and people talking. Of course they wanted to hear me speak - it was basically a requirement. :) It's hard to get up and speak when the topic is "anything" and you have to pause after each sentence for translation. :) Although I would have rather just watched, I knew I must say something. God is good and He gave me something (I had time to prepare last night). Viktor was not at church because he had to work. He works 24 hour shifts and usually has Sunday off, but evidently he was in the hospital the Monday and Tuesday before I arrived. I cannot get more info than that - I even asked one translator, but she thought it might be rude to ask. I'll see what I can find out. I saw Viktor yesterday at the children's Christmas party - he looked very tired. I hope it is not my being here that is wearing him out. Please pray for him. It has been good that I have been in Aseri since Thursday and he at his home near Tallinn so that he could get rest.
A lot of kids from the after school program came again today for church - I think because I am here. This shows that a foreigner can help the church reach out.
I will spend the night in Aseri tonight and head to Tallinn tomorrow. I still have 2 days left before heading home. I look forward to having a service with you, my family at FUMC, and fellowshiping with you: (1) We speak the same language, and (2) you are dear to me. :)
I will sign off for now. Good night to you! (Actually good afternoon to you!) :)
- Rachel
P.S. - for those of you who wonder how I get internet: I have my Blackberry. It works and every night I have been typing these letters on it. Really I cannot wait until I have a normal sized keyboard again!! Viktor has internet and I will see if I can use his internet tomorrow! :)
"But I trust in you, O Lord; I say, 'You are my God.' My times are in your hands..." -Psalm 14-15a
