Latvia: My New Home
I have been in Latvia for almost 3 weeks now...and I am loving it! It is crazy how comfortable I am here. God has made me in a way where I am more comfotrable in places and with people that are more different from me.
It has been a fast and crazy few weeks. The summer months here are very full of events because the weather is so beautiful, but for so short a time.
I went to Uzava, LV to celebrate the Winter Solstice (Janis Day) at GANIBAS campsite. This is the largest celebration of the year in Latvia. At GANIAS, there were about 300 other people from baptist churches around Latvia. Although, I did not understand anything, I had a great time celebrating with so many other Christians.
I had a few days to catch my breath before heading to a week long disability camp. I was able to catch up with a few friends in Riga as well as establish my boundries around where I am staying and in the city.
June 26 I left Riga to be an assistant at a disibility camp, put on by Wings for Wheels of YWAM Riga. The name of the camp was Challange 8, and that it was!
I was a personal assistant for a lady that has Spinal Atrophy (an advnced form of Muscular Dystrophy). My day started at 5:30
am everyday and ended around 11:30pm. I was not prepared for the amount of assisting that would be necessary, but with God's help I was able to do the tasks that were nedded.
Beyond the physical and emotional challenges of the camp, it was a great experience! I was so humbled to serve these people and have fun with them. They are such an encouragement and inspiration. Altough many had severe physical disabilities, they all lived beyond them and gave God all the glory.
The weather was amazing and we all enjoyed the time out in the sun. I was able to pick up on quit a bit of the Latvian language and gain some confidence in talking in Latvian....but I have a long way to go!
Out of the 63 participants, not 1 orthotic brace was present. Not all would benefit from a device, but so many would. I had the opportunity to evaluate about 5 people for future orthotic devices. According to the people and a Physical Therapist, the reason they do not have an orthtotic device is 1. not a candidate according to government criteria, 2. process is too long and hard for them, or 3. they were written off by medical professionals for all sevices.
This camp is the only time many of these people will leave their homes all year.
It was such a huge blessing to be art of this camp. I made many new friends and new connections for future work. God showed me 2 big things this week: there is a definite need for O&P services or those passed up by government services & there is SOOO much more to a person than just the outward appearance!
July 11 the team from Athens, TX will arrive and I will be in Cesis to help where needed. Following that, I will begin my focused language training in Tukums.
Praises:
I didnt drop anyone at camp!
I am becoming more brave to use the little Latvian that I know
Many new friends made at camp
4 people wanting and needing O&P seervices from me
Prayer Requests:
Looking for a different housing option for long-term
Meeting with University O&P director on Monday. Pray I will speak the right words and details will be sorted in a way to help us both. I want to ask to use their lab facility ad equipment in exchange for collaboration time....
Pray for a place to make and get materials neededd to make O&P devices.
Pray for the best way to ship the amazing amount of donated O&P components
