Day 3 of Bear Week - COLD & RAINY BUT FUN

So today was cold and rainy.  You didn't get my post from last night until this morning....so I'm going to sum up today in one post.  What a morning, day, afternoon, early evening, and night!  We have had ENTIRELY too much fun!

Each morning we serve coffee, hot chocolate (cacao (Estonian for cocoa) - almost like "the cow" - that's how it sounds when I say it....if you don't get the "ow" at the end and say "caca" - that's poop!  So every now and then I'm saying....hey...you want a cup of poop...I know....I know) and sandwiches at the "Bridge" and "PO" locations.  At the bridge that crosses from the dorm world, over the river (well that's pretty obvious...it's a bridge) and into the town, they run the operation under a green tent....and they've been pumping out the sandwiches and coffee.    I thought I'd introduce you to their

location. Kevin has been constant for their team at this location for the week....he's been there all 3 mornings and meeting tons of people.  This morning...his teammates were also Daryl and Courtney.  

Now....the other team is affectionately known as the PO team.  The town Post Office is just across the street and their 10 employees venture out for coffee on their morning break.  Matt has been leading the pack up near the square....and they are running a smooth operation under Camp White Tent!  Matt had Masi and Besty with him this morning.  We have the local Russian Orthodox Philosopher.....

He talks to Tarmo mostly....he is pictured above with the "PO team" - minus the photographer & Tarmo (who was probably chasing someone down the street with coffee....he's good that way....persistent and determined)!  Our philosopher is a great guy....pray for Him....he's really interesting and interested! So in the photo above....meet (from left to right) - Kati, Betsy, Philosopher, Hanna, and team leader - Matt.

So the morning was all rain and FREEZING cold!  I mean...it is getting cold, dreary and wet!  But the smiles just keep making it all worth it.  The students....they're coming

ready now....and the little old Russian ladies....who just hunched over and walked away at the beginning....are starting to lift their heads.  Trust is pouring into their souls...and they're liking it!  It's an amazing feeling to watch them break the skepticism and trust....oh what a picture of what our Lord wants.....trust and peace!

As always....after our morning coffee stations, our team heads back to the hotel and meets together. This is our time to pray together, plan for the next day and simply thank God for all he's doing!  After we had this time together...we all headed separate ways for lunch. Several went to lunch at an Italian place and the Griswold's went to a new Sushi place. I know...Estonia and we're eating from other nationalities!  However.....it was all fantastic!  

Funny fact.....so our restaurants were in this BRAND new mall. It is really cool....I mean really.....it's modern, high end stores, clean.....WAY "Apple Computer-ish".....even has an "apple computer" dealer in the mall. At any rate.....cool furniture...cool cafe.....but where in the HECK do you buy lamps (that look like they are Ikea) but ones with a mustache.  There are some of the oddest things here!  But they really all make us smile!  Check out the big ball lights with the black mustaches....so strange!

This afternoon we made our normal grocery store run, made a quick 250 sandwiches, and headed to the Annual Railcar Race. Ok....this is the most irresponsible,

 utterly dangerous but ridiculously fun race thing I have ever done on a mission trip (or really any time...these things fly and people fall off).  There is an old railway along the river.  

They bring an old rail car to the track, setup a computer with a traffic light rigged for starting the gate, and a wired timer on the track.  Risttee had students signing up online to bring their "rail racing" team out for today. So in totally freezing weather here comes like a ton of teams to race.  It was amazing! You should be totally jealous!  I hear Catie from last year's trip was the rockstar....well....I'm making a move on her!  Meet my team below and check out some of the photos from the race!

At the beginning....you could have a practice run...so Betsy and I took it for a spin.  The hardest part is the beginning and having to REVERSE the direction at the half-way mark. It's a "get off, push, and jump back on" move....you should see ours.....Daryl said our reverse was amazing! The girl's team....did not come in last.....just want you to know!

But check out Peep....he was one of the "pushers".....I wonder if that official position name is in the rules book.  At any rate....they had a little help from the "sideline" cheerers....their children yelling, "DaDa, Dada....."!

After we finished the race....at 7:30 we all headed for the Pub.  It was our "open mic" night.....and man was it a riot.  We had a full house and about 10 acts.  We had musicians, singers, poetry, rubic cube players (he solved the cube in 1.234 minutes).....what a fun night.  I've pictured our winner below with other contestants.

It was great to hear familiar pop songs and worship songs in the pub.  Daniel and Josh got on stage several times....what a duo.  I think I like the spoof on "Who's line is it anyway". However....their singing careers are off and running....so they may want to stick with serious singing rather than comedy singing!

The night was fun and ended earlier than last night for some of us!  After falling asleep at 2:30 and up at 6:30 AM......we need some rest.  So thank you again......we're having a life changing experience!  We love Estonia and what God's doing through Risttee and the potential of this Nation.  We love their team and these students.  We love Tartu and our new friends.  

Let me leave you with an amazing scripture that we prayed through during our team meeting!  I hope it encourages you today, tonight, this morning (or whenever your're readin this)......don't forget to join us on the live web cam at 9:28 AM Thursday morning (EST)!  We'll wave from Tartu, Estonia at 9:30 AM (or 16:30 local time).  Click on this link http://lv.raad.tartu.ee:10105

Loving Him......& always for His glory!

The Estonia Team

Isaiah 62:2 - 5

Foreign countries will see your righteousness, and world leaders your glory.  You'll get a brand-new name straight from the mouth of God.  You'll be a stunning corwn in the palm of God's hand, a jeweled gold cup held high in the hand of your God.  No more will anyone call you Rejected, and your country will no more be called Ruined.  You'll be called Hephzibah (My Delight), and your land Beulah (Married), Because God delithgts in you and your land will be like a wedding celebration.  For as a young man marries his virgin bride, so your builder marries you, And as a bridgegroom is happy in his bride, so your God is HAPPY WITH YOU!

How incredible......Jesus...it makes my heart swell, my confidence strong, and my cup full that You delight in me and that you are happy with me.  I love that I'll get a brand-new name....and pray that it will be worshipper of the King or lover of Jesus or beautiful daughter or my sunshine or my beloved joy or my word lived out!  Keep me (us) focused on Kingdom change.......oh how we long for the day we see Your glory in the fulness it will be!