We’ve been in Haapsalu, Estonia for over a month now.
Certain aspects of our lives have gone so much better than we originally dared to even hope for. For example, kids attending an Estonian daycare here in the city – their days are filled with outdoor play, walks to the beach, bird watching, geocaching, going to the theater, swim and dance clubs, organic foods and plenty of rest time. Where can I sign up for myself?!?
Language barrier is still very much there though but Levi’s teachers have been saying that they believe he is starting to understand simple phrases.
The little off-season vacation rental we are renting is also much better than we hoped for. It’s a heritage house, owned by swedes, with lovely 100-year old FUNCTIONAL fireplaces. We were able to get a delivery of firewood and now it’s all nicely stacked away (Thanks Mom!). We are ready for winter.
Things that are difficult are mostly to do with my (Anneli) impatience. My head is filled with questions such as: ” Am I on the right track what comes to ministry” or “Do I have the right approach with people?” or “Where are we going to live come May?” OR “Why is it taking so long?”
We also really miss our church community back in Toronto…
I need to learn how to chill out.
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Otherwise things are moving what comes to ministry.
John was asked to help out with an existing youth group here at a church. He attended one event already and tomorrow there’s another new Friday night gathering.
We have also partnered with the Second Harvest type organization here in the city. There’s a handful of volunteers and a director (her name is Anu) who hand out free food on Sunday evenings. The clients of this little food bank mostly come sent by the city – they have to register on the phone to receive a bag of food on a weekly basis. There are pros and cons to this system. On one hand this is a way to successfully weed out aggressive clients that would otherwise come and demand more than the food bank is able to give. On the other hand, Estonia is shame/honor society and there’s a great number of people in need who go without because they do not want to tarnish their reputation by being an “abivajaja” (ing. help-needy).
Since John and I have come on board with the Haapsalu Toidupank (Haapsalu Food Bank), it has freed Anu up to dream bigger what comes to reaching more people. We have some new ideas cooking, like increasing our “food runs” to the capital and handing it out in the rural communities.
Thank you for praying! More posts will be added soon!
With love,
Anneli
