How can I even begin to sum up this camping trip? I admit, I was a bit nervous as to how it would go, but that fear was quite unnecessary! It was some of the greatest fun I’ve had in a LONG time! And I should have known that it would be, since I was spending the time with my closest friends in this country! We just returned from our 3 day adventure last night, and while I was more than happy to finally have a shower, I was sad to have to return to the regular world.

There were 6 of us… and our little 2-door car only holds 5, and tightly. In order to get there with our gear, 2 of us went on the bus and the other 4 in the car. On the way to Sigulda, Andis and I took the bus (Ieva & I took it home), and by the time we arrived, the others had not only found an awesome place to camp, but also had a good amount of things set up and everything. We were impressed… they had found this site in the middle of nowhere but it was perfect! Secluded, near a little lake (though the cleanliness of it was questionable) yet somewhat close to everything we wanted to do & see. We couldn’t have asked for more beautiful weather, either. It was in the high 80’s the whole time… quite a blessing in Latvia!
Save a short cultural meltdown that Chris had (check out his blog), I think everything went great. We cooked šašlik (like pork shish kabobs, but so much better) over the fire, played some soccer (yes, even me!) laughed a ton, had some great talks and, of course, with a band, you have to have worship around the campfire at night! (Actually, it seemed everywhere we went there was singing! They even got a small audience and applauds while singing in the castle tower!) Chris and I challenged everyone to turn off their cell phones while we were there… somehow I ended up with possession of Peteris’ & Andis’ phones… There were a few times they suffered through some withdrawal issues, and I admit I may have had a little too much fun keeping them from them, but it was really good for all of us.

Touring the castle and such was fun, though not the real reason we went. Weeks ago we all realized we were going to be going 30 different ways all summer. Peteris is leaving in about a week for the rest of the summer (going to America!), we’re all working with different camps and teams, I’m directing this 5-week TESOL school, and Chris is staffing a Music Ministry seminar for 6 weeks (which Andis & Ieva are now going to attend!)… life was going to get crazy, so we all wanted to get away together (and out of our area) before that happened. We’re all so glad we did it! Being able to escape the rest of the world and just be together for a while. I will forever remember this trip with a smile… I’m so thankful for these friends that God has given us.

Some would say that we’re here in Latvia for them, to help them, to encourage them and such. While I think I would agree with that, I would say that’s only half the reason. I’m finding that the longer I’m here, the more I need them. They teach me so much (and not just Latvian). I do need them, and I find myself loving each one of them more and more.

(More pictures are in our website gallery.)