Dizzy

Recently, we met Jack and Lyra, an American/Lithuanian couple living in Vilnius. While visiting their home we got to meet "Dizzy" too.

Dizzy is a Lovebird and he is very loving! He quickly came to check us out and was very friendly. He even gave both of us kisses on our lips. Then he tried to eat from Bob's cookie! We had fun laughing and watching Dizzy check out everything in the kitchen. (Lyra was snapping pictures.)

It was a nice evening with all three of our new friends!

Visitors

Norm Edwards, our Area Director, was in country for some meetings with the Pentecostal Union leadership and to see some of the ministry projects in Lithuania.




Our friends, Sergei and Nina (and little Sergei???), were in our home for a visit. It was nice to get caught up on the news in their lives and learn more about the Romanchik family.

Snow already?

We woke up this morning to snow on the rooftops or a very heavy frost. Our heat has been on for two weeks already and looks like it will stay on until next spring!

The colors were quite good this year. We had some pretty bright colors in our yard.

Šakotis - Tree Cake

Šakotis (pronounced Shakotis) is a traditional cake made in Lithuania. These "tree cakes" are served on special occasions such as, birthdays, anniversaries, and weddings. One Šakotis maker said, " In 1410 Lithuanian Knights who participated in the great Battle of Grunwald were recorded to have a huge supply of tree cakes, famous for their long lasting freshness--up to five weeks." So, as you can see, they have been enjoyed for quite some time!

Possibly the secret to their long-lasting freshness is the number of eggs they use in one cake. A good cake has at least 30-35 eggs in it. It takes 40-45 minutes to bake on a rotisserie-type cone in front of an open fire or in later years, in front of a hot oven. You can see pictures by going to the following link, http://gyvenimas.delfi.lt/archive/article.php?id=14071231&ndate=3805410578400. (You will need to copy and paste the link in your browser. )

We visited a restaurant in Ignalina that is connected to a bakery where Šakotis is made. Here is a picture of Bette Sue standing by one of the largest ever made. We also discovered that there were different versions from other countries. The differences were in the thickness and crispness of the cake.

These are pictures of "Tree Cakes" at recent weddings we attended. The taste is more like a cookie. It is one of Bette Sue's favorites since it is not very sweet but even Bob enjoys eating it!

Teen Challenge Lithuania Conference

On Saturday, October 3rd, Teen Challenge Lithuania had their second annual conference. This year 116 were in attendance. Our speaker was Jan Barendse from Holland. Jan and his wife opened the first Teen Challenge Center in Europe several years ago. He was able to relate and bring many insights to the conference for students and the leaders.

Reports were given from each center. It was exciting to hear testimonies of students in the program and ones that graduated and are living a successful life in Lord after being restored to their families and going forward with new hope in their lives. There was a special time of prayer for leaders and students at the close of the meeting.

Jan is pictured here with Ivanas Skulis (Chairman of the TC Board), Stasia (interim TC Director), Jan, Robertas (Stasia's husband and Director of the TC Farm), Rimantas Kupstys (Pentecostal Union Bishop).

Hard-working Bob

Along with the teams, Bob was working hard too. His specialty this time seemed to be insulation. He also keeps things in order and takes care of the team's needs.

We take the teams to Trakai Castle. It is always a great place to relax!