Ohio doesn’t usually get a good snow before the first of the year, but this is our second good pummeling in December this year. I enjoy it, of course. It’s a nice change and reminds us of home in Latvia.

Chris went out yesterday to help day chop wood for the stove, in snow. Hard work will keep you warm, though. I went out for a bit, but since I’m really trying to not get sick, I didn’t stay out long. It was very refreshing though. I love the smell of snow, the crunch of it under my feet, though. I don’t care if everyone thinks I’m crazy, I like winter.

I guess this is the time that makes me wish I had kept up with my blog more often. I would have written about the fun we had in Pennsylvania, catching up with really old friends, and the amazing time in Louisiana with some of our closest friends ever. I would have shared pics and would be smiling.

But now is not that time. Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the last day, you’ve no doubt seen or heard about the shootings in Colorado. In the early morning 4 were shot at YWAM Denver. 2 have since died. This hit us hard as we did our training with YWAM at this base and know the majority of the staff there. The 4 that were shot were new to the base, so we did not know them, but all of our friends there are reeling from the tragedy.

This morning we got word from our friends in Latvia that our National Director, Maris, died this morning. Even though I’m writing that, I can’t comprehend it. He was not old; nearing 50. They seem to think that it was a heart attack, but are not sure at this moment. Chris and I are spinning right now. We can’t make any sense out of this. Maris was a friend of ours and Chris’ immediate supervisor. We often would visit and trade meals. I would make him lasagna and he would cook his amazing šašlik for us. I will miss him tremendously. YWAM Latvia, as a base, will feel this strongly, as well. Please keep us in your prayers.