SPRING TIME!!!!!!

Yes, it is finally SPRING in Lithuania. The Cherry tree across our balcony is starting to blossom.

I went out to eat after church with Gita in Old Town and lots of people were out strolling down the streets. I bought some flowers from one of the vendors. It is always nice to bring Spring inside our home too :)

Everyone is happy to have the warmer weather come. The outdoor cafes are springing up everywhere. It is a wonderful time of year!

TC Vilnius celebrates seven years

The Teen Challenge Men's Center in Vilnius celebrated their seven-year anniversary this week. It was a great time of remembering all the wonderful things God has done for this center. There was a happy graduate being honored and several former graduates were back to help us celebrate.

This center has had 115 students come through their doors. They have touched many lives. Not all have graduated but all have been given the message of hope through Jesus Christ. Lives have been changed! The visiting students gave testimonies of their changed lives.

During these seven years they moved into the current building and have literally built it up to be a facility that is comfortable and furnishes a good home for the students. Recently, their kitchen was remodeled and they have built steps to the top floor. Renovation has begun there and will provide room for ten more students. There seems to always be more needs in our centers but each place continues to work one step at a time as they help people find freedom in their lives.

Easter

It is Easter Monday, yes another day to celebrate Easter in Lithuania and other countries in this area. It gives a nice day of rest after Easter Sunday.

Bob was invited to preach at Bible Way church just 10 minutes from home. Pastor Anatolij has a strong church that mainly speaks Russian but also has some Lithuanian in the service as well. It was a great celebration with lots of special singing and musical presentations.

We actually celebrated Easter three times since we began Saturday with a dinner in our home with Sharon, Wendell and Josh. It was a good way to begin the weekend.

Easter gives us the answer to life because Jesus rose again and gives us life!!!!!!!

Break time in Latvia

We got to take a few days in March and visit our missionary friends in Jelgava, Latvia. After arriving we were hit with a big snow storm. It was the last winter hit and we had a lot of snow.

The snow didn't stop Jerry and Bob from grilling hamburgers!

We were able to visit with the Frasiers and the Roberts. It was really fun and a nice way to relax.

Latvia really feels like our home away from home. We have always enjoyed our visits there.

Kevin wanted to take his snowball with him in case he would be under attack!

Bette Sue even got to make her snow angel for winter 2009.