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A collection of moments and impressions in Latvia.

Restoration in the making.

As we pulled up outside the building, I was struck by its size and the pile of sand outside it. We scuffled quickly to the front door in an attempt to flee the shower of rain that had accompanied us.

After we managed to unlock the padlock keeping the front door securely closed, our team of 16 piled into the gymnasium room. "Potential" is the best word to describe the first impression of the space, once used for sports, now with random things stored in piles around the floor, waiting for someone to determine their next destination.

We were in Valdemārpils at the property where a restoration/ detox centre for women is going to be set up. At the moment there is no detox facility for women in the entire country. The centre is more than just a distant dream, but although the plans are in motion, it's still only in the very beginnings.

Walking around the building and seeing the partially and 'yet to be built' rooms and areas, I had so much faith that this is going to happen. That not only would this become a place of freedom from addiction, but truly a place of restoration. Restoration of worth. Restoration of health. Resoration of family and bonds. And restoration of hope which will lead women to dream for the impossible to become possible when God is involved.

And so as we left the building to walk along a dirt road back to where we were staying, it was a walking in confidence that one day, in the not too distant future, this seemingly neglected building will once again be filled with life and bring restoration.

The beauty of love expressed.

Last night here at the YWAM base in the country side here in Latvia we got to go to the graduation of one of their Bible schools. It was so precious to experience a little glimpse into Latvian culture.

As each student graduated, friends and family would file up to them and give flowers and chocolate to celebrate them. Not after the ceremony, but as part of it. It was beautiful to watch. One girl literally had her arms overflowing with flowers. Some would give a single rose, others a bouquet of hand picked flowers. All bringing colour and fragrance, and expressing love and appreciation.

Later I commented to someone that I wish we did that too, as its such a lovely gesture. But then the person pointed out to me that our cultures use words to express love and value. And so I realised that where the Latvian people use less words, their hearts are just as abundant with love expressed in a different way.

It reminded me of the value of knowing how a person or culture receives love, so I can intentionally express love to them in a way they can receive it. As well as be open to receive love myself even if its expressed differently from what I am used to.

Sharing in a smile.

I could tell the elderly lady next to me on the bus was also watching with delight. The little boy in the buggy that had just got on the bus with his mum and sister was very cute and active. As we watched him exploring and playing and interacting, I found myself smiling the way a child makes you smile. It's the smile that comes from the welcome reminder of the simplicity of a child's world. The smile that hopes to ignite a smile back from the face to which it is smiling.

As we watched I could tell the lady next to me was also smiling. Not your 'corners-of-the-mouth-turned-up' kind of smile. I haven't seen too many of them from strangers here in Latvia. But she was smiling with her eyes. And as I half-glanced to my side it was such a precious moment of an understanding that we were sharing that smile. And there was a communication without words or language needed. All because of a cute little boy in a buggy.

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