And they all go home.....

Wow....wow....wow.....that's about the only way to start this blog! First and foremost.....I'm sorry!  I'm sorry I left you hanging!  I'm sorry that you've clicked on this link and realized that time and time again, yesterday, I left you hanging!  So....let me catch you up!  First off....Courtney is SO much better!  Thank you for all your prayers....she rested much of the day on Friday!   

Friday morning was another cold, but clear day!  We were ready for the students and our banner asked "We all worship someone/something....who or what do you worship?"  What a way to end the week!  What a question to ask.  We are all going to worship.....whether it's money, fashion, status, a friend, a spouse, a girl/boyfriend, a family member, electronics, rockstars, movie stars......but we WILL worship something!  As I ride through the country side of Estonia....green fields laced with white plastic covered hay bales....there are LINES of them along the forest at the edge of the grassy fields.  Letters in a row spell out "STOP RUSSIA TERROR IN GEORGIA"....what a reminder that I am totally, completely, so unimaginably blessed beyond measure.  I take worship for granted.  When you've been in bodage or enslaved.....freedom has a new meaning.  I was reminded  this week through Risttee Church, the Univ of Tartu students, and high school students of LIFT......that I have a reason to worship & should do it in EVERYTHING I do....it's freedom of SIN....it's salvation through Christ Jesus....what do you worship?

So the tables were full....at the PO location and the bridge!  We were "sold" out at about 9:15 AM!  This morning we changed things up, went all out, and we gave them

snicker bars with their coffee!  The crowd at the bridge was huge...and everyone posed for a photo!  Then....our own Kevin decided that he'd be a freshman of the Univ and "walk the bridge"...don't tell....he could get a ticket for it!  

We went our different ways for lunch.  The afternoon was final site seeing (Harrison - the Estonian movie star (ha)) took Matt & Kevin to see the lake (which moves like the sea or ocean) and castle, the Griswold's ate with Tarmo and visited with Peep, Courtney rested and I had one of my high school students from English camps this summer to the train to Tartu and spend the day with me.  Here's the crazy thing.....she skipped school (we spoke English all day...that counts), jumped a train to go 70 miles to Tartu, caught a city bus, and then found me at the hotel!  Did I say....she's FIFTEEN! This country is so safe!

So after our last minute things, we reconvened and headed to the movie night where 

they were giving away a iTouch, Nannos and iTunes cards. We slipped out early and headed to LIft!  This is their high school ministry!  Wow...that's about it in a nutshell of how to describe Lift!  I was so surprised....in a great way!  From driving up to the "night club" that looked like a strip club, to the full light setup in the club, video loops, words, small groups at tables, worship, and incredible talk with Timo.  So challenged to pray for this ministry and these people. Timo's story and convictions blew me away!

Daniel V...leads this time!  He's amazing....a 20 year old

full-time student, full-time leader in the church, and simply an incredible man fast after the heart of Jesus.  It oozes from his pores....which is really challenging to see!  It was a different night for them....an acoustic set, short talk by Sam about wisdom and who do you consider wise, and then small group time around the tables!  For me....it was "heaven-like" to hear the familiar melody, know the words in English and then layer the Estonian language with the only words I know.....all the time knowing that we serve a God who created ALL tongues...ALL races...ALL people...and He receives all of our words at ONCE!  Oh but taste of glory...a drop in the bucket....a mere speck in the canvas of what we will see, hear, and be a part of when we see Him face to face....in moments like these....I long for heaven!

We packed up the stuff from Lift and all went to eat.  Daryl & Betsy spent time mentoring and pouring into Innar and Siiri (this amazing couple/elder in the church at 24 years old)!  The rest of us...it was party style...18 of us crashed a restaurant and had dinner!  Then Hanna and Eva had a party celebrating the new home...we crashed it too.  harrison drove us home...to sleep our last night in Hotell Dorpat.  Oh how I dreaded the good-byes.

Breakfast was at 8:30 AM.  Peep came early and the rest showed up around 9 AM.  There was Tarmo and Agne, Kuldar and Krisol, Matt, Courtney, Masi, Helena, Daniel, Eleri, Kevin, Innar and Siiri, Eva, Hanna, Harri, Betsy and Daryl & Kati.  This morning the bacon was fried crisp (which wasn't normally), boiled eggs, and cheese....and of course, lattes and coffee!  Then...a quick group photo in the lobby and we were off to the bus station.  The joy in all of our faces....hiding the sadness of departure on our cheeks.  The sparkling eyes of happiness....only glistening because the tears await.  So we loaded our bus for Talin...as they waved good-bye.

With a lump in my throat and tired fingers that type, I pray....

God, I want to worship you with everything I do, with everything I am, can be, will be, with every word, every action.  Lord....I want to worship you when there isn't music!  But rather....in all things!  God of all creation....maker of heaven and earth....King of Kings and Lord of Lords...you are Almighty God.  Thank you Jesus that you've loved us, still love and you will always love us.....your children!  Thank you for using me, out team, to bring Glory to Your Name.....I am humbled by your love and humbled to be called Beloved?

Jesus....swing wide the gates of favor and mercy on Risttee.  Overwhelm them with people longing to have the peace that surpasses all understanding.  Consume their minds and thoughts with You!  Cover them with your armor and keep them in the palm of your hands.  God....use them for GREAT things!  Lord....let them know and believe that you can use a small Nation to change the world!  Use those of us who are small & weak for your name and your fame and your renown....so that there is not mistake that Your Kingdom WILL Come!  Amazing grace....how sweet the sound....who saved a wretch like me!  

Tomorrow morning, Sunday, I'll fill you in on our day in Tallin and our trip to the airport!  But for now....thanks for your amazing prayer and support!  You've been so appreciated and loved by us.....

From the bus....

The Estonia Team