My last two days in Lejasstrazdi were full of fun and joy, as well as heartbreak when we had to leave. On Wednesday, we went with all of the kids to the Cinevilla Studio backlot, which was built for the historical drama “Defenders of Riga.” Guys and girls dressed up as opposing armies for a “battle” of hide-and-seek. Unfortunately, the girls were the “bad” army, so we ended up losing, but it was a lot of fun!
After lunch back in Lejasstrazdi, we helped the Tate Springs group decorate for “Sam Bradley’s birthday party.” Mr. Bradley was with us for his 12th trip to Latvia and, a few years ago, started sponsoring a birthday party for the kids in the orphanage because most of them have never had a birthday the way we think of it. After singing Happy Birthday to all of the kids and enjoying some cake, we had a little carnival with face-painting, “tattoos,” a ring toss, and other games. A man from Tate Springs, Rick, reflected later how some of the older guys would play the ring toss and run over to Rick afterward like little kids to tell him how many times they won and the prize they got. They were so excited! It’s kinda funny to watch, but then you realize that these are sixteen- and seventeen-year-olds who have been forced to grow up way too fast. They still have a child’s heart and a lot of brokenness that can only be healed by Christ.
I’m short on time now since we’re about to leave Riga for the next orphanage, so I’ll write more later, but rejoice with us that Gatis, a 10-year-old boy who stole everyone’s heart, accepted Christ our last night in Lejasstrazdi. I was so blessed to be with him when he made his decision—it was incredible to see the Holy Spirit working as prayed to accept Christ!
