neljapäev, september 30, 2004
Radical Commitment Brings Hope
The following was written by my friend, Jay McGinley. I edited it not because I think his objective is not important, but because I think what he has to say can be applied to other situations as well.
A suggestion? That each of us that are involved examine our commitment level - take encouragement from the commitment we find, FIND the commitment we don't find....
How can the necessary commitment come about? The only way it ever does. It starts with a few INDIVIDUALS that are radically, unmistakably, heroically committed; these committed few hold on, they don't give up. Others start to notice....
Lack of Radically Committed Individuals is the problem.... WE THE PEOPLE MUST LEAD. WE THE PEOPLE, INDIVIDUALLY are the problem. "Be the change you want to see," Gandhi.
Am I as an individual going to be part of the solution, Radically, Unmistakably committed? This is what we must ask ourselves day in and day out. And we MUST TAKE JOY and ENCOURAGEMENT those times that the answer is YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This is what we CAN do. This is what we MUST do.
Hey, this suggestion above, this suggestion is as old as time, and equally old are the deaf ears we humans relentlessly turn to it:
* Do unto others ALL (ALL!!!!!!) that you would have them do unto you.
* Love your brother AS YOURSELF (AS YOUR SELF)!!!!!!! These are extremely radical directives!!!!!!!!!!! RADICAL!!!!!!! RADICAL COMMITMENT (RADICAL SELFLESSNESS!!!!!!!), is the only hope for our brothers and sisters....
ps: We've all heard this one right? "The chicken is "involved", the pig is "committed" :-)
A suggestion? That each of us that are involved examine our commitment level - take encouragement from the commitment we find, FIND the commitment we don't find....
How can the necessary commitment come about? The only way it ever does. It starts with a few INDIVIDUALS that are radically, unmistakably, heroically committed; these committed few hold on, they don't give up. Others start to notice....
Lack of Radically Committed Individuals is the problem.... WE THE PEOPLE MUST LEAD. WE THE PEOPLE, INDIVIDUALLY are the problem. "Be the change you want to see," Gandhi.
Am I as an individual going to be part of the solution, Radically, Unmistakably committed? This is what we must ask ourselves day in and day out. And we MUST TAKE JOY and ENCOURAGEMENT those times that the answer is YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This is what we CAN do. This is what we MUST do.
Hey, this suggestion above, this suggestion is as old as time, and equally old are the deaf ears we humans relentlessly turn to it:
* Do unto others ALL (ALL!!!!!!) that you would have them do unto you.
* Love your brother AS YOURSELF (AS YOUR SELF)!!!!!!! These are extremely radical directives!!!!!!!!!!! RADICAL!!!!!!! RADICAL COMMITMENT (RADICAL SELFLESSNESS!!!!!!!), is the only hope for our brothers and sisters....
ps: We've all heard this one right? "The chicken is "involved", the pig is "committed" :-)
kolmapäev, september 29, 2004
Esimene Hammas!!
Today, Peter got his first tooth (esimene hammas in Estonian)! It seems like we have been checking for weeks, one of us poking our finger in his mouth, rubbing his bottom gum and saying, "Do you feel something?", to which the other would always reply, "No, I don't think so." But today it really happened!
Chris and I were out with Mario at the time, helping the lady who owns the apartment to move some beds (she knows we have a van, so she asked if we could do it), so they were the first ones to make the discovery. But once we got home, Evelyn said, "Peter has something he wants to show you," and Chris and I knew right away what it was. I felt in his mouth and sure enough, there was this little sharp point poking me. Wow! You just never forget these milestones. At least now we know why he was a bit fussy last night.
By the way, thank you to everyone who has been thinking of me and praying for me these past few days as I have been sick. I've had some kind of stomach flu, but much worse than I've ever experienced before, which is what caused us such alarm initially. I'm still not over it completely, but each day I feel a bit better and am able to get some work done, rather than lay around on the couch all the time and feel miserable like I did over the weekend. I'm just glad no one else in the family got it; I wouldn't wish this on anyone.
Today Mario and I went to the office of the mayor of Tartu to schedule an appointment so that we can introduce the Army and ourselves to him. A new mayor just took office because the previous mayor was appointed to a cabinet position in the Estonian government after a big scandal. We know the previous guy was a Christian and likely to be open to supporting our work here; we know nothing about the new guy. Please pray that we will be able to have this meeting with the mayor, and that it will open the door for many opportunities to serve the people of Tartu.
--Tim
Chris and I were out with Mario at the time, helping the lady who owns the apartment to move some beds (she knows we have a van, so she asked if we could do it), so they were the first ones to make the discovery. But once we got home, Evelyn said, "Peter has something he wants to show you," and Chris and I knew right away what it was. I felt in his mouth and sure enough, there was this little sharp point poking me. Wow! You just never forget these milestones. At least now we know why he was a bit fussy last night.
By the way, thank you to everyone who has been thinking of me and praying for me these past few days as I have been sick. I've had some kind of stomach flu, but much worse than I've ever experienced before, which is what caused us such alarm initially. I'm still not over it completely, but each day I feel a bit better and am able to get some work done, rather than lay around on the couch all the time and feel miserable like I did over the weekend. I'm just glad no one else in the family got it; I wouldn't wish this on anyone.
Today Mario and I went to the office of the mayor of Tartu to schedule an appointment so that we can introduce the Army and ourselves to him. A new mayor just took office because the previous mayor was appointed to a cabinet position in the Estonian government after a big scandal. We know the previous guy was a Christian and likely to be open to supporting our work here; we know nothing about the new guy. Please pray that we will be able to have this meeting with the mayor, and that it will open the door for many opportunities to serve the people of Tartu.
--Tim
teisipäev, september 28, 2004
Prayer Requests
We've tried hard not to have this blog be the typical missionary newsletter full of prayer requests. Not that there's anything wrong with that! It's just not where we've been at. So we've taken turns (each blogging two days in a row), sometimes writing essays about what's been on our minds, sometimes writing more of a diary of our life here in Estonia, sometimes boring you to tears when we don't really have much of anything to say!
But today I really feel like we just need to lay it on the line and tell you what we need. Okay?
It's hard to be away from family, and we've got some concerns for health issues (Tim's brother and sister and mother, my mother), job issues (Tim's brother, my sister and niece), spiritual issues, marital issues, etc. My nephew David is in Iraq with the U.S. Army, and this gives a background of anxiety to the whole family -- but he's supposed to go home on leave next month.
It's also been a LOT harder than I ever would have imagined to leave our Chester Corps family. There were some pretty big unresolved problems when we left, and our hearts are still broken over a lot of it. I'm doing better all the time, but I still have dreams about employees, soldiers, etc.
This is such a silly thing, but I'm really struggling with the move to this house. I really LIKED the apartment, and I feel like I'm the one who benefits the least from being here. Every time we go to the apartment (it is where our cadet lives now), I feel homesick. We need to find a place for everything and get everything in its place here.
Our cadet is having a really hard time adjusting to being in Tartu, even though he's been here less than a week! We really need wisdom in knowing how to guide him. He could be such an asset to our work here, and has been already (for example, we've seen his compassion for others). But he needs to be trained, and this is our job. My parenting philosophy bends more in the direction of teaching than training, and I've always said that my 10 years as a stay-at-home mother were the best preparation for officership I ever could have had! So we need to learn how to work with Mario to help him develop his full potential for God and the Army.
Tim has been sick, and I'm worried. On Saturday, I really thought it was appendicitis (Internet diagnosis!) and almost took him to the hospital here. I'm glad we took a wait-and-see approach, because it now seems like just the flu. But I worry that he'll get dehydrated, and his energy level is very low. I'm also worried that the rest of us will catch whatever he has, although so far we seem to be okay.
Peter is thinking about learning how to crawl, and this means that soon we will need to be in the babyproofing stage, and our lives will change quite a bit. (This one sentence packs a punch that only some will understand!)
Christopher is still adjusting to being here, missing his friends in Pennsylvania, trying to find good places to ride his bike, beginning to make new friends. He's also got a lot of work to do with homeschooling. He has tried so hard to put the best face on all of this, but it does wear on him from time to time. We need to find more friends his age here in Tartu (not just at the Kopli Corps -- Tallinn is two-and-a-half hours away!).
We feel a real need to build a TEAM here in Tartu, and so far we're doing pretty well with the five of us plus Mario. But we wonder if there might be someone (or more than one) else who God would bring alongside us. We will need to hire a translator and tutor soon if this doesn't happen, and they would also be part of the team, of course, although in a different sense.
Being physically near each other and actually being in community are two different things, and we long for community not only with our fellow American missionaries (this has been awesome!), but with Mario and any other teammates as well as with our neighbors.
Tim started the second part of his Estonian-language class today. This is Internet based, so I will be able to learn from it too, I hope.
On Sunday, we went to Kolgata (Calvary Baptist Church) with Mario, which is where we also went our first Sunday in Tartu. It was nice to see how far we've come with language in 11 weeks. We are still little babies, but it does not sound so unknown to us now. I was able to make out that the sermon was based on the parable of the Good Samaritan, and many of the hymns make sense to us now (songs are great because they are so repetitive!). It reminds me of going from being totally blind to being extremely nearsighted. We still don't have perfect "vision" but at least we can make out shapes!
Elizabeth has been doing great with her homeschooling, and it has been a wonderful way for me and Tim to connect with her. We each probably spend about an hour a day with her on it. Yesterday, Tim and Elizabeth started a science experiment with radishes which she is excited about. They also really enjoy doing "Explode the Code" together.
If you have any prayer requests, please let us know!
Thanks for listening; I feel so much better just getting some of that off my chest.
Evelyn
But today I really feel like we just need to lay it on the line and tell you what we need. Okay?
It's hard to be away from family, and we've got some concerns for health issues (Tim's brother and sister and mother, my mother), job issues (Tim's brother, my sister and niece), spiritual issues, marital issues, etc. My nephew David is in Iraq with the U.S. Army, and this gives a background of anxiety to the whole family -- but he's supposed to go home on leave next month.
It's also been a LOT harder than I ever would have imagined to leave our Chester Corps family. There were some pretty big unresolved problems when we left, and our hearts are still broken over a lot of it. I'm doing better all the time, but I still have dreams about employees, soldiers, etc.
This is such a silly thing, but I'm really struggling with the move to this house. I really LIKED the apartment, and I feel like I'm the one who benefits the least from being here. Every time we go to the apartment (it is where our cadet lives now), I feel homesick. We need to find a place for everything and get everything in its place here.
Our cadet is having a really hard time adjusting to being in Tartu, even though he's been here less than a week! We really need wisdom in knowing how to guide him. He could be such an asset to our work here, and has been already (for example, we've seen his compassion for others). But he needs to be trained, and this is our job. My parenting philosophy bends more in the direction of teaching than training, and I've always said that my 10 years as a stay-at-home mother were the best preparation for officership I ever could have had! So we need to learn how to work with Mario to help him develop his full potential for God and the Army.
Tim has been sick, and I'm worried. On Saturday, I really thought it was appendicitis (Internet diagnosis!) and almost took him to the hospital here. I'm glad we took a wait-and-see approach, because it now seems like just the flu. But I worry that he'll get dehydrated, and his energy level is very low. I'm also worried that the rest of us will catch whatever he has, although so far we seem to be okay.
Peter is thinking about learning how to crawl, and this means that soon we will need to be in the babyproofing stage, and our lives will change quite a bit. (This one sentence packs a punch that only some will understand!)
Christopher is still adjusting to being here, missing his friends in Pennsylvania, trying to find good places to ride his bike, beginning to make new friends. He's also got a lot of work to do with homeschooling. He has tried so hard to put the best face on all of this, but it does wear on him from time to time. We need to find more friends his age here in Tartu (not just at the Kopli Corps -- Tallinn is two-and-a-half hours away!).
We feel a real need to build a TEAM here in Tartu, and so far we're doing pretty well with the five of us plus Mario. But we wonder if there might be someone (or more than one) else who God would bring alongside us. We will need to hire a translator and tutor soon if this doesn't happen, and they would also be part of the team, of course, although in a different sense.
Being physically near each other and actually being in community are two different things, and we long for community not only with our fellow American missionaries (this has been awesome!), but with Mario and any other teammates as well as with our neighbors.
Tim started the second part of his Estonian-language class today. This is Internet based, so I will be able to learn from it too, I hope.
On Sunday, we went to Kolgata (Calvary Baptist Church) with Mario, which is where we also went our first Sunday in Tartu. It was nice to see how far we've come with language in 11 weeks. We are still little babies, but it does not sound so unknown to us now. I was able to make out that the sermon was based on the parable of the Good Samaritan, and many of the hymns make sense to us now (songs are great because they are so repetitive!). It reminds me of going from being totally blind to being extremely nearsighted. We still don't have perfect "vision" but at least we can make out shapes!
Elizabeth has been doing great with her homeschooling, and it has been a wonderful way for me and Tim to connect with her. We each probably spend about an hour a day with her on it. Yesterday, Tim and Elizabeth started a science experiment with radishes which she is excited about. They also really enjoy doing "Explode the Code" together.
If you have any prayer requests, please let us know!
Thanks for listening; I feel so much better just getting some of that off my chest.
Evelyn
esmaspäev, september 27, 2004
Tim's Been Sick
Tim has been sick all weekend. I'll give you some web sites to look at since our blog has been so dry. The following is all quoted from other sources; the citings are in the links. Enjoy!
Are you tired of hearing the candidates and the media talk incessantly about military service and the Vietnam War, arguing about who showed up and who didn't, whose "service" was worthy of commendation and whose deserved condemnation? Take a look at Sojourner's latest Web video. It pokes fun at both candidates while asking serious questions about election issues and values that really matter. Be sure to tell your friends.
What is logic, and is it dangerous? This might startle you, but sometimes the reasons people give us to buy their product, to vote for their candidate, or to do what they want, are not logical. Often these reasons are based on emotion and not clear thinking.... Learning to recognize a bad argument (or, a fallacy) when it comes your way and learning how to respond properly is a major part of what logic is about.
Thousands of candidates and elected officials. Who works for you? Who is seeking your vote? Project Vote Smart, a citizen's organization, has developed a Voter's Self-Defense system to provide you with the necessary tools to self-govern effectively: abundant, accurate, unbiased and relevant information. As a national library of factual information, Project Vote Smart covers your candidates and elected officials in five basic categories: biographical information, issue positions, voting records, campaign finances and interest group ratings. What would you like to know?
This is me again. This blog ended up having a theme that I hadn't planned out in advance. Hope you found it helpful!
Evelyn
Are you tired of hearing the candidates and the media talk incessantly about military service and the Vietnam War, arguing about who showed up and who didn't, whose "service" was worthy of commendation and whose deserved condemnation? Take a look at Sojourner's latest Web video. It pokes fun at both candidates while asking serious questions about election issues and values that really matter. Be sure to tell your friends.
What is logic, and is it dangerous? This might startle you, but sometimes the reasons people give us to buy their product, to vote for their candidate, or to do what they want, are not logical. Often these reasons are based on emotion and not clear thinking.... Learning to recognize a bad argument (or, a fallacy) when it comes your way and learning how to respond properly is a major part of what logic is about.
Thousands of candidates and elected officials. Who works for you? Who is seeking your vote? Project Vote Smart, a citizen's organization, has developed a Voter's Self-Defense system to provide you with the necessary tools to self-govern effectively: abundant, accurate, unbiased and relevant information. As a national library of factual information, Project Vote Smart covers your candidates and elected officials in five basic categories: biographical information, issue positions, voting records, campaign finances and interest group ratings. What would you like to know?
This is me again. This blog ended up having a theme that I hadn't planned out in advance. Hope you found it helpful!
Evelyn
neljapäev, september 23, 2004
Mario
Today was Mario's first full day in Tartu; it went very well. I tried to help him get his feet wet and not do too much so he didn't get overwhelmed. Of course, his feet did get wet since it was another rainy day (typical for this time of year), so we didn't walk around town the way I had planned, but we were able to accomplish some much needed errands.
We started the day at the motor vehicle department (ARK) because the van had failed inspection when they found the registration showed it was a diesel rather than bensiin (gas). It seems like a simple enough thing to fix, but because the vehicle is owned by Päästearmee, the paperwork had to be signed by a member of the board (which I am not yet). I found this out only after waiting an hour earlier in the week, so I was able to get a letter giving me power of attorney to sign. It still took a while to explain, and I don't think I could have done it without Mario to explain everything in Estonian. Although he is a timid guy, he handled the situation well. Before I went in, I had shown him what needed to be done, so once we were in the office, he just handled it and I barely had to do anything.
From there we went to the garage to show the new paperwork, pass the inspection and get a new sticker (no new inspection for two years--woohoo!). Again, he just spoke the mechanics and we sailed through. From there, I gave him a driving tour of Tartu (the rain was really coming down by then), showing him places that will be useful to him, like grocery stores, department stores and the bus station.
After a break for lunch, we headed to the phone company to handle some business (again, done in minutes because he could explain everything in Estonian) and I took him to the local Christian bookstore, which he was happy about because he said he likes books. From there, we set out on what was the most daunting part of the day for me. We met a woman in Narva a while ago who told us that her estranged husband lived in Tartu, and that she would like to contact him so that he can see his three children. She gave us his name and the address of his mother, and we promised to visit. So that is where Mario and I headed, not knowing what to expect when we spoke to the mother. It was a challenge to find, because she lives in the Annelinn section of town where 40% of the city's population live in row after row after row of blocky, Soviet-style buildings built in the 70s and 80s. We did find her building and reach her apartment, but when we rang the bell, there was no answer. It was disappointing, but I want to go back again tomorrow.
This last adventure is something we hope to do a lot more, and having Mario will make it possible. It seems like ever since we've come here we've been looking for the big work that we will do, but we keep fining people in places like Tallinn, Narva and Tartu who tell us, "I know someone there who is in need," "I know someone I would like you to contact." So we are paying attention to that and planning to reach out to people on a small scale, almost one at a time. But when we look at it, this is the kind of relationship building that we have seen be so successful in the past, we were just kind of blind to it at the time.
I do ask that you pray for Mario. He seems to have his heart in Tallinn and I think it will take a while for him to consider Tartu home. This is a big step for him, but he needs to be able to get over his initial trepidation. I think he is also feeling a bit unsure of what is expected of him because he has to take direction from the training college, from us, and from the regional office in Tallinn. Pray that we will be able to help him find the balance between the three and not feel pulled in all directions. He is a sincere guy and I think he wants to do well, pray that he will have the strength to do so.
--Tim
We started the day at the motor vehicle department (ARK) because the van had failed inspection when they found the registration showed it was a diesel rather than bensiin (gas). It seems like a simple enough thing to fix, but because the vehicle is owned by Päästearmee, the paperwork had to be signed by a member of the board (which I am not yet). I found this out only after waiting an hour earlier in the week, so I was able to get a letter giving me power of attorney to sign. It still took a while to explain, and I don't think I could have done it without Mario to explain everything in Estonian. Although he is a timid guy, he handled the situation well. Before I went in, I had shown him what needed to be done, so once we were in the office, he just handled it and I barely had to do anything.
From there we went to the garage to show the new paperwork, pass the inspection and get a new sticker (no new inspection for two years--woohoo!). Again, he just spoke the mechanics and we sailed through. From there, I gave him a driving tour of Tartu (the rain was really coming down by then), showing him places that will be useful to him, like grocery stores, department stores and the bus station.
After a break for lunch, we headed to the phone company to handle some business (again, done in minutes because he could explain everything in Estonian) and I took him to the local Christian bookstore, which he was happy about because he said he likes books. From there, we set out on what was the most daunting part of the day for me. We met a woman in Narva a while ago who told us that her estranged husband lived in Tartu, and that she would like to contact him so that he can see his three children. She gave us his name and the address of his mother, and we promised to visit. So that is where Mario and I headed, not knowing what to expect when we spoke to the mother. It was a challenge to find, because she lives in the Annelinn section of town where 40% of the city's population live in row after row after row of blocky, Soviet-style buildings built in the 70s and 80s. We did find her building and reach her apartment, but when we rang the bell, there was no answer. It was disappointing, but I want to go back again tomorrow.
This last adventure is something we hope to do a lot more, and having Mario will make it possible. It seems like ever since we've come here we've been looking for the big work that we will do, but we keep fining people in places like Tallinn, Narva and Tartu who tell us, "I know someone there who is in need," "I know someone I would like you to contact." So we are paying attention to that and planning to reach out to people on a small scale, almost one at a time. But when we look at it, this is the kind of relationship building that we have seen be so successful in the past, we were just kind of blind to it at the time.
I do ask that you pray for Mario. He seems to have his heart in Tallinn and I think it will take a while for him to consider Tartu home. This is a big step for him, but he needs to be able to get over his initial trepidation. I think he is also feeling a bit unsure of what is expected of him because he has to take direction from the training college, from us, and from the regional office in Tallinn. Pray that we will be able to help him find the balance between the three and not feel pulled in all directions. He is a sincere guy and I think he wants to do well, pray that he will have the strength to do so.
--Tim
kolmapäev, september 22, 2004
Brothers and Sisters
Psalm 133:1 says, "How good and pleasant it is when brothers [and sisters] live together in unity!"
Today, our cadet moved to Tartu. It was wonderful to see him with his new roommate, and we pray that theirs will be a true friendship of brotherhood!
Tonight, I got together with several of my sisters here (fellow American missionaries). It was so wonderful to be able to chat and eat and pray and just be together. This kind of intimacy and community is something that I have been longing for for so long.
I pray that it is the kind of true fellowship which we will be fostering as we build the Tartu Corps.
Please pray for Mario as he adjusts to being away from his family and friends and corps in Tallinn!
Kapten Evelyn Clark
Today, our cadet moved to Tartu. It was wonderful to see him with his new roommate, and we pray that theirs will be a true friendship of brotherhood!
Tonight, I got together with several of my sisters here (fellow American missionaries). It was so wonderful to be able to chat and eat and pray and just be together. This kind of intimacy and community is something that I have been longing for for so long.
I pray that it is the kind of true fellowship which we will be fostering as we build the Tartu Corps.
Please pray for Mario as he adjusts to being away from his family and friends and corps in Tallinn!
Kapten Evelyn Clark
esmaspäev, september 20, 2004
Hair
I've already told this story to my sister and my parents, but I might as well share it with everyone else! It's another one of those tiny, everyday things that seem like major victories.
I got a hair cut! We intentionally had shorter than usual cuts before we left the US so that we could wait after we arrived here if we needed. My hair doesn't grow too fast, so I usually go for a cut around once a month, but this was more than two months, so I was beginning to look a bit shaggy! We kept trying to connect with some of the other missionaries here to go with us so I would be sure I could communicate to the barber what I wanted, but it never worked out. So today Chris and I headed out hoping for the best.
We went to a barber shop on town hall square, where many tourists tend to be, hoping it might improve our chance of finding someone who would speak English. When it was my turn, I asked the lady if she spoke English, and she said "Ei" (no), but with a big smile directed me into her chair, assuring me (as best I could guess) in Estonian that it would be no problem. She pointed to my hair in different places indicating what I might want done and asking questions in Estonian with words I don't know yet. I pointed to my hair indicating what I wanted and using the few Estonian words I know that were relevant to the situation. She took a long time cutting, I think because in general Estonians are much more careful with foreigners, although she seemed very comfortable with my lack of language skill. I was especially happy that at one point, I was even able to let her know that I wanted it shorter in the back than she had done (even in the States, I would sometimes just leave it rather than bug the barber!). In the end I had a cut that was better than I often get in the US, and it only cost me 50 krooni (just under $4.00). I was sure to tell the woman who cut my hair, "Väga hea" (very good!). Chris was happy with the person he had because she spoke enough English that he could tell her what he wanted, (plus, his is basically a long buzz cut anyway).
We head to Tallinn tomorrow to pick up Mario, the Estonian cadet who will be working with us. We will bring him back on Wednesday, and our adventure will begin. We are really excited about his coming to be with us. Please pray for him that he will adjust well to living outside of Tallinn, will adapt to the schedule of weekly trips to Helsinki, and will be open to what God may be telling him to do in Tartu.
--Tim
I got a hair cut! We intentionally had shorter than usual cuts before we left the US so that we could wait after we arrived here if we needed. My hair doesn't grow too fast, so I usually go for a cut around once a month, but this was more than two months, so I was beginning to look a bit shaggy! We kept trying to connect with some of the other missionaries here to go with us so I would be sure I could communicate to the barber what I wanted, but it never worked out. So today Chris and I headed out hoping for the best.
We went to a barber shop on town hall square, where many tourists tend to be, hoping it might improve our chance of finding someone who would speak English. When it was my turn, I asked the lady if she spoke English, and she said "Ei" (no), but with a big smile directed me into her chair, assuring me (as best I could guess) in Estonian that it would be no problem. She pointed to my hair in different places indicating what I might want done and asking questions in Estonian with words I don't know yet. I pointed to my hair indicating what I wanted and using the few Estonian words I know that were relevant to the situation. She took a long time cutting, I think because in general Estonians are much more careful with foreigners, although she seemed very comfortable with my lack of language skill. I was especially happy that at one point, I was even able to let her know that I wanted it shorter in the back than she had done (even in the States, I would sometimes just leave it rather than bug the barber!). In the end I had a cut that was better than I often get in the US, and it only cost me 50 krooni (just under $4.00). I was sure to tell the woman who cut my hair, "Väga hea" (very good!). Chris was happy with the person he had because she spoke enough English that he could tell her what he wanted, (plus, his is basically a long buzz cut anyway).
We head to Tallinn tomorrow to pick up Mario, the Estonian cadet who will be working with us. We will bring him back on Wednesday, and our adventure will begin. We are really excited about his coming to be with us. Please pray for him that he will adjust well to living outside of Tallinn, will adapt to the schedule of weekly trips to Helsinki, and will be open to what God may be telling him to do in Tartu.
--Tim
pühapäev, september 19, 2004
Tree House
Elizabeth in the tree house that is built into one of the apple trees.
Apples Anyone?
Elizabeth with a big haul of apples. We have five apple trees in our backyard, so we are thinking of creative things to do with apples!
Swing Set
Chris, Peter & Elizabeth on our swing set in the backyard.
Peter With A Toy
Peter with a new toy on the couch in our living room. He is wearing a typical Estonian baby hat. All babies wear hats here, even in the summer!
Play House
Chris Up a Tree
laupäev, september 18, 2004
Weather
"How's the weather there?" is a question I've had more than once, and lately it's been changing, so it's worth talking about.
When we first moved here, it was wonderful: sunshine nearly every day, temperatures in the upper 70s, blue skies, gorgeous. I'm told it was a typical Estonian summer. Then around two weeks ago, it was like a switch was thrown. Almost overnight, the average temperature dropped by around 15 degrees, it got much breezier, and much rainier.
Now I feel like I am in New England in autumn. The weather here even typifies the old New England saying, "If you don't like the weather, wait a minute and it will change." Almost every day we've had at least some rain, and it usually comes suddenly. One minute we are enjoying the sunshine and blue skies that have been around for hours, the next dark clouds come out of nowhere and we are hit with pelting rain. That will go away in a short time and we'll get sun again (and often a rainbow!), but the in another hour we may have more rain.
It seems like the rain always comes when we have clothes on the line. We'll decide it's worth putting them out because it is sunny and breezy, then in the afternoon we'll here the sound of rain pelting and Chris and I will dash outside to bring in the clothes before they are wetter than when we first put them out. Most Estonians don't have a clothes drier, so I don't know how they deal with this, particularly in the months ahead when it gets rainier. Before that happens, we plan to get a clothes drier for the house (I know, we are spoiled Americans).
If you are interested, there is a web site showing the weather here each day. If you click on the picture of Raekoja Plats, you will get a live web cam view of Town Hall Square and the kissing students statue.
The next great change will be when we hit winter. I can't wait to see what that is like.
--Tim
When we first moved here, it was wonderful: sunshine nearly every day, temperatures in the upper 70s, blue skies, gorgeous. I'm told it was a typical Estonian summer. Then around two weeks ago, it was like a switch was thrown. Almost overnight, the average temperature dropped by around 15 degrees, it got much breezier, and much rainier.
Now I feel like I am in New England in autumn. The weather here even typifies the old New England saying, "If you don't like the weather, wait a minute and it will change." Almost every day we've had at least some rain, and it usually comes suddenly. One minute we are enjoying the sunshine and blue skies that have been around for hours, the next dark clouds come out of nowhere and we are hit with pelting rain. That will go away in a short time and we'll get sun again (and often a rainbow!), but the in another hour we may have more rain.
It seems like the rain always comes when we have clothes on the line. We'll decide it's worth putting them out because it is sunny and breezy, then in the afternoon we'll here the sound of rain pelting and Chris and I will dash outside to bring in the clothes before they are wetter than when we first put them out. Most Estonians don't have a clothes drier, so I don't know how they deal with this, particularly in the months ahead when it gets rainier. Before that happens, we plan to get a clothes drier for the house (I know, we are spoiled Americans).
If you are interested, there is a web site showing the weather here each day. If you click on the picture of Raekoja Plats, you will get a live web cam view of Town Hall Square and the kissing students statue.
The next great change will be when we hit winter. I can't wait to see what that is like.
--Tim
Seitse "S"ed (Seven "S"s)
So what do we do in homeschooling co-op? This is what we did yesterday, and a pretty good prediction of what we will be doing every Friday this year.
1. swimming with lessons taught by two missionary women here (other weeks this will be sports -- basketball)
2. sauna of course!
3. speech with Chris talking about our first few days and weeks here in Tartu
4. singing ("Hear, O Lord, and answer me, for I am poor and needy. Guard my life, for I am devoted to you." -- Psalm 86:1-2)
5. soup & sai
6. science
7. sardines (a variation of tag) & sunshine (playing outside with friends, Elizabeth also enjoyed dressing up like she used to do at Pauline's)
1. swimming with lessons taught by two missionary women here (other weeks this will be sports -- basketball)
2. sauna of course!
3. speech with Chris talking about our first few days and weeks here in Tartu
4. singing ("Hear, O Lord, and answer me, for I am poor and needy. Guard my life, for I am devoted to you." -- Psalm 86:1-2)
5. soup & sai
6. science
7. sardines (a variation of tag) & sunshine (playing outside with friends, Elizabeth also enjoyed dressing up like she used to do at Pauline's)
reede, september 17, 2004
Friends
Today, Evelyn and the kids got together with several other American homeschooling families that live in the area. The day started with swimming, which the kids were really thrilled with. After they got out of the pool, they went into the sauna (a true Estonian tradition). After that they were back at the house of one of the families where they did a speech class, science and some play. It was a great day for them all, and the kids really connected with their new pals.
Elizabeth even brought apples to share with everyone at lunch. We picked them from the five (!) trees that are in our yard. She has really had a blast climbing the trees and putting apples in a basket to carry into the house.
Gradually, we are all finding our place here and settling in--and it feels good.
--Tim
Elizabeth even brought apples to share with everyone at lunch. We picked them from the five (!) trees that are in our yard. She has really had a blast climbing the trees and putting apples in a basket to carry into the house.
Gradually, we are all finding our place here and settling in--and it feels good.
--Tim
neljapäev, september 16, 2004
Spread the Word
Except for missing a few times here and there, we have been faithfully blogging for 7 weeks today!
Most missionaries send a regular newsletter out to their prayer partners, and this is something that we might do in the future -- once the corps is up and running.
But for the meantime, this "blog" is our main means of communication. So please take a few minutes to share this web site with family, friends, co-workers, fellow homeschoolers, officers, soldiers, La Leche League Leaders, missionaries, etc.!
Now a hodge-podge of miscellaneous news:
Peter is six and a half months old, and last night and today it felt like all I did was nurse him. Of course, this wasn't true at all, and he spends a lot of time with his father, brother, and sister! But it's how I've been feeling, tired and needing a break.
We are doing really well with our unpacking of the house! It is exciting to find our stuff, to hang up pictures and get out toys and things that are special to us.
Today I put the down comforters on our beds. (I said to Chris, the Bible talks about God sending another Comforter! Okay, bad joke!) These were the biggest personal-item investments we made before coming here, and I think they are going to be quite worthwhile. When I was a teenager at 100 Sheridan Street in Portland, Maine, I slept in an attic bedroom that was UNheated. There were many cooooold nights when I remember having every blanket and afghan I could find piled up on top of me. I was warm enough, but all those blankets were heavy! These comforters are super warm but don't have that heavy feeling.
Today Tim and Elizabeth picked two baskets of apples from the apple trees in our yard. Tomorrow we will bring them to homeschooling co-op. In the morning, the kids are having swimming lessons, and in the afternoon will be science.
Chris is doing really well with his homeschooling, making the schedule work for him rather than following the outline exactly.
We are starting to put Peter into some 12-month size clothes. We measured him today and he is 72 cm (28 inches). Clothing sizes here are done in cm, so we were curious to find out how big he is!
We put up a large border in our bedroom that reminds us of Aunt Joann because of the dolphins.
Please comment below or e-mail us! We'd love to hear from you!
Evelyn
Most missionaries send a regular newsletter out to their prayer partners, and this is something that we might do in the future -- once the corps is up and running.
But for the meantime, this "blog" is our main means of communication. So please take a few minutes to share this web site with family, friends, co-workers, fellow homeschoolers, officers, soldiers, La Leche League Leaders, missionaries, etc.!
Now a hodge-podge of miscellaneous news:
Peter is six and a half months old, and last night and today it felt like all I did was nurse him. Of course, this wasn't true at all, and he spends a lot of time with his father, brother, and sister! But it's how I've been feeling, tired and needing a break.
We are doing really well with our unpacking of the house! It is exciting to find our stuff, to hang up pictures and get out toys and things that are special to us.
Today I put the down comforters on our beds. (I said to Chris, the Bible talks about God sending another Comforter! Okay, bad joke!) These were the biggest personal-item investments we made before coming here, and I think they are going to be quite worthwhile. When I was a teenager at 100 Sheridan Street in Portland, Maine, I slept in an attic bedroom that was UNheated. There were many cooooold nights when I remember having every blanket and afghan I could find piled up on top of me. I was warm enough, but all those blankets were heavy! These comforters are super warm but don't have that heavy feeling.
Today Tim and Elizabeth picked two baskets of apples from the apple trees in our yard. Tomorrow we will bring them to homeschooling co-op. In the morning, the kids are having swimming lessons, and in the afternoon will be science.
Chris is doing really well with his homeschooling, making the schedule work for him rather than following the outline exactly.
We are starting to put Peter into some 12-month size clothes. We measured him today and he is 72 cm (28 inches). Clothing sizes here are done in cm, so we were curious to find out how big he is!
We put up a large border in our bedroom that reminds us of Aunt Joann because of the dolphins.
Please comment below or e-mail us! We'd love to hear from you!
Evelyn
kolmapäev, september 15, 2004
Caught Between the Past and the Future
Our Regional Commander, Major Derek Tyrrell, knows we have an editorial background and how interested we are in starting an Estonian-language Salvation Army publication. So he showed us some War Cry magazines from the 1930s. It was so exciting to be able to hold a piece of history in our hands! One thing we found out was that the Tartu Corps used to be at Tähe 124. This is the same street that our apartment was on (and where the cadet will be moving one week from today!).
So today we went out, trying to find the old property. And there is no such number. Tähe doesn't even go up that high on the even side of the street. And it's factories there, not really a place where a corps would probably be. I was so disappointed!!
Now Tim will try to see if his history teacher from his classes this summer can help us find an old map of the city, and give us an understanding of how the numbering worked 65 years ago.
I feel like we can't quite find the past here. There are very likely old ladies who attended Sunday School at Päästearmee. And somewhere here there are properties that were used as Salvation Army corps, open-air meeting locations, etc.
And we are not quite in the future yet, either. Plans are being made to have our offficial corps opening Easter weekend. It was exciting to have the Territorial Commanders, Colonels Lydholm, with us on Monday and think about where we would like to have the meeting, where we might have an open-air and March of Witness.
Captain Dan Henderson, who with his wife Anya are pioneering the work in Narva, the Russian-speaking city in Estonia, keeps telling me to enjoy this time. It will go by fast and soon we will once again have people who need us and depend on us.
I'll spare you my theological reflections on being in both the "already" and "not yet" -- at least for now!
Evelyn
So today we went out, trying to find the old property. And there is no such number. Tähe doesn't even go up that high on the even side of the street. And it's factories there, not really a place where a corps would probably be. I was so disappointed!!
Now Tim will try to see if his history teacher from his classes this summer can help us find an old map of the city, and give us an understanding of how the numbering worked 65 years ago.
I feel like we can't quite find the past here. There are very likely old ladies who attended Sunday School at Päästearmee. And somewhere here there are properties that were used as Salvation Army corps, open-air meeting locations, etc.
And we are not quite in the future yet, either. Plans are being made to have our offficial corps opening Easter weekend. It was exciting to have the Territorial Commanders, Colonels Lydholm, with us on Monday and think about where we would like to have the meeting, where we might have an open-air and March of Witness.
Captain Dan Henderson, who with his wife Anya are pioneering the work in Narva, the Russian-speaking city in Estonia, keeps telling me to enjoy this time. It will go by fast and soon we will once again have people who need us and depend on us.
I'll spare you my theological reflections on being in both the "already" and "not yet" -- at least for now!
Evelyn
teisipäev, september 14, 2004
Viewing Things Differently
I've heard that if you lose one of your senses, your others tend to become sharper to compensate. I feel like I am experiencing that type of thing lately when it comes to language (I know Evelyn keeps touching on this theme, but now it's my turn).
Today was a perfect example. I had to take the van to the shop to fix a broken dashboard light and tail light so it could pass inspection. I had been to this garage with an Estonian-speaking friend last week and thought the mechanic understood what was needed, so when I brought it in this morning, I felt confident. But when I went back to pick it up, he showed me the work he had done and when I pointed out that he had not fixed the dash light, he seemed surprised that was needed. I had to wait a few more hours before I had the van back, but eventually I had the work done that was needed.
While the van was being fixed, I also had to go to the insurance office to get new insurance for the van. I had also been here last week with my friend, but now I was on my own with an Estonian speaker and had to answer her questions and fill out the proper papers. It took a while, but I left with the insurance I needed.
I didn't feel especially frustrated with these experiences, but more triumphant that, at the end of the day, I had accomplished what I had set out to do. It seems like the simplest things here take so much longer to do, often because of my limited Estonian. But I'm finding that I can still do what needs to be done through gesture, looking at the context of the situation, by pulling out the one or two words I do understand from a flood of those I don't and still understanding and being understood. These have become my compensation techniques, and although I'm sure they cause plenty of entertainment for those I am dealing with, they give me a great sense of victory in the littlest things, like getting a light bulb changed or ordering form the meat counter at the store.
It's a new way of thinking for me, because I have always relied on words so heavily. I love language and crafting just the right phrase, but now that I can only speak like a two-year-old, it's helping me to view things differently and approach things in new ways. It's suddenly dawning on me that this may be the very thing I need as we begin to start the corps here. I can't rely on what I think I know, but need to look at things in new ways, and maybe even try something unfamiliar or unusual if that is what will make things work. This is still kind of brewing in my brain, but I have a feeling this is the bigger lesson for me. I find that exciting.
--Tim
Today was a perfect example. I had to take the van to the shop to fix a broken dashboard light and tail light so it could pass inspection. I had been to this garage with an Estonian-speaking friend last week and thought the mechanic understood what was needed, so when I brought it in this morning, I felt confident. But when I went back to pick it up, he showed me the work he had done and when I pointed out that he had not fixed the dash light, he seemed surprised that was needed. I had to wait a few more hours before I had the van back, but eventually I had the work done that was needed.
While the van was being fixed, I also had to go to the insurance office to get new insurance for the van. I had also been here last week with my friend, but now I was on my own with an Estonian speaker and had to answer her questions and fill out the proper papers. It took a while, but I left with the insurance I needed.
I didn't feel especially frustrated with these experiences, but more triumphant that, at the end of the day, I had accomplished what I had set out to do. It seems like the simplest things here take so much longer to do, often because of my limited Estonian. But I'm finding that I can still do what needs to be done through gesture, looking at the context of the situation, by pulling out the one or two words I do understand from a flood of those I don't and still understanding and being understood. These have become my compensation techniques, and although I'm sure they cause plenty of entertainment for those I am dealing with, they give me a great sense of victory in the littlest things, like getting a light bulb changed or ordering form the meat counter at the store.
It's a new way of thinking for me, because I have always relied on words so heavily. I love language and crafting just the right phrase, but now that I can only speak like a two-year-old, it's helping me to view things differently and approach things in new ways. It's suddenly dawning on me that this may be the very thing I need as we begin to start the corps here. I can't rely on what I think I know, but need to look at things in new ways, and maybe even try something unfamiliar or unusual if that is what will make things work. This is still kind of brewing in my brain, but I have a feeling this is the bigger lesson for me. I find that exciting.
--Tim
esmaspäev, september 13, 2004
Visit
Today the leaders of The Salvation Army in Finland & Estonia, Colonels Carl and Gundren Lydholm, visited us here in Tartu. I felt a bit nervous having the "big bosses" come, but we met them last year when we visited Estonia and know that they are good people.
It was actually very fun to show off the city of Tartu to people who had never been here before (which we would be glad to do for others--hint, hint). They arrived right around lunchtime, and the rain (almost a daily occurrence here lately) had stopped for the moment, so we went with them to a nice Estonian restaurant on Raekoja Plats (Town Hall Square). Click here for a nice live web cam view of the square. From there, we showed them some of the sites of the city, like the kissing couple statue, Jaani Kirik (St. John's Church), and the Tartu University main building. Of course, the rain came back again, so we weren't out too long, but long enough for the Colonel to spoil Elizabeth by buying her some sweets at the bakery shop on the square.
We were also able to show them the apartment were we lived and where Mario will live, and to give them the grand tour of the house (they congratulated us on the sauna!). They were so encouraging about everything and offered lots of confirmation of God's hand in all that has happened thus far. They are down-to-earth people with a real interest in individuals, and they felt it would help them to understand the work here if they had seen the place. We were able to chat easily with them and enjoyed the fellowship.
It was a good end to what had been a tiring weekend, as Evelyn told you about. For as tired as we felt, the weekend really did draw together the various people from corps in Estonia. And the focus was on strengthening our faith and encouraging us to strive for greater things. I think this is what the Lydholms envisioned for the weekend, and it definitely hit the mark. I look forward to what lies ahead!
--Tim
It was actually very fun to show off the city of Tartu to people who had never been here before (which we would be glad to do for others--hint, hint). They arrived right around lunchtime, and the rain (almost a daily occurrence here lately) had stopped for the moment, so we went with them to a nice Estonian restaurant on Raekoja Plats (Town Hall Square). Click here for a nice live web cam view of the square. From there, we showed them some of the sites of the city, like the kissing couple statue, Jaani Kirik (St. John's Church), and the Tartu University main building. Of course, the rain came back again, so we weren't out too long, but long enough for the Colonel to spoil Elizabeth by buying her some sweets at the bakery shop on the square.
We were also able to show them the apartment were we lived and where Mario will live, and to give them the grand tour of the house (they congratulated us on the sauna!). They were so encouraging about everything and offered lots of confirmation of God's hand in all that has happened thus far. They are down-to-earth people with a real interest in individuals, and they felt it would help them to understand the work here if they had seen the place. We were able to chat easily with them and enjoyed the fellowship.
It was a good end to what had been a tiring weekend, as Evelyn told you about. For as tired as we felt, the weekend really did draw together the various people from corps in Estonia. And the focus was on strengthening our faith and encouraging us to strive for greater things. I think this is what the Lydholms envisioned for the weekend, and it definitely hit the mark. I look forward to what lies ahead!
--Tim
pühapäev, september 12, 2004
Language ... Again
It is very late at night, and we are home after spending the weekend in Tallinn at the Estonian Regional Rally.
I hate to keep blogging about the language thing, but it really is a major part of our lives here.
Today I had the absolutely most frustrating experience yet when it comes to language. And no, it wasn't having to write down the Estonian word for "butter" at the restaurant, because the waitress couldn't understand our accent (althought that was annoying).
In The Salvation Army, we have what we call an "altar call" at the end of a meeting. This is when we invite people to come forward to pray, usually right after the message. Well, I mentioned last night that we had several meetings today. So there was this prayer time twice today. It was SO frustrating for me not to be able to go and pray with people in their own language! I did pray with some (Russian-speaking) people, and I know that God of course understands all languages, but I was just not at all satisfied with the whole thing.
What motivation to learn language!! To not be able to pray ... is like not being able to breathe! Of course, I CAN pray, and there is a lot more to prayer than language, whether English or Estonian or Russian (or Finnish or Danish or Aafrikaans!). But not being able to deal with people at the altar -- this felt like trying to fight with both hands tied behind my back.
More lessons about relying on God to do the work for me. More lessons about losing the abilities I think I am good at. More lessons about the absolutely vital necessity of learning language.
I am tired of learning these lessons right now. And tired (väsinud!) and sleepy tonight.
Some good news! Our Regional Commander, Major Tyrrell, shared with us some copies of The War Cry magazine from the 1930s, in Estonian! I will have to stop there, because they really deserve a whole day's blog of their own! You just cannot imagine the thrill it has been for us to hold this piece of history in our hands.
One very interesting piece of information that we learned from looking at them is that the old corps in Tartu (from before communist times) was on Tähe street, which is the same street where our apartment was, and where our cadet will be living!
Head ööd (goodnight!),
Evelyn
I hate to keep blogging about the language thing, but it really is a major part of our lives here.
Today I had the absolutely most frustrating experience yet when it comes to language. And no, it wasn't having to write down the Estonian word for "butter" at the restaurant, because the waitress couldn't understand our accent (althought that was annoying).
In The Salvation Army, we have what we call an "altar call" at the end of a meeting. This is when we invite people to come forward to pray, usually right after the message. Well, I mentioned last night that we had several meetings today. So there was this prayer time twice today. It was SO frustrating for me not to be able to go and pray with people in their own language! I did pray with some (Russian-speaking) people, and I know that God of course understands all languages, but I was just not at all satisfied with the whole thing.
What motivation to learn language!! To not be able to pray ... is like not being able to breathe! Of course, I CAN pray, and there is a lot more to prayer than language, whether English or Estonian or Russian (or Finnish or Danish or Aafrikaans!). But not being able to deal with people at the altar -- this felt like trying to fight with both hands tied behind my back.
More lessons about relying on God to do the work for me. More lessons about losing the abilities I think I am good at. More lessons about the absolutely vital necessity of learning language.
I am tired of learning these lessons right now. And tired (väsinud!) and sleepy tonight.
Some good news! Our Regional Commander, Major Tyrrell, shared with us some copies of The War Cry magazine from the 1930s, in Estonian! I will have to stop there, because they really deserve a whole day's blog of their own! You just cannot imagine the thrill it has been for us to hold this piece of history in our hands.
One very interesting piece of information that we learned from looking at them is that the old corps in Tartu (from before communist times) was on Tähe street, which is the same street where our apartment was, and where our cadet will be living!
Head ööd (goodnight!),
Evelyn
laupäev, september 11, 2004
September 11th
We are here in Tallinn again, spending the weekend at the Kopli Corps. It is the Estonia Regional Rally, with special guests from THQ in Finland and also from South Africa (our partner-in-mission territory)!
So of course it is 9/11 (11.9 here, but you know what I mean!) and the World Trade Center and Pentagon attacks have been in the back of my mind all day, along with the recent terrorist attack at a school in Russia.
It was quite a thrill to play my horn in an open-air meeting in the Town Hall Square here, with Salvationist bandsmen from:
America
Estonia
Finland
Denmark
South Africa
Australia
Canada
England
Scotland
The kids performed some of the songs and dances they learned at music camp last month.
It is hard for me to put into words how we felt as we did things that we have dreamed about for years!
It is late here and I need to try to get some sleep, as we have three meetings tomorrow (after four meetings today!).
109 countries. And counting. We are the world!
Evelyn
So of course it is 9/11 (11.9 here, but you know what I mean!) and the World Trade Center and Pentagon attacks have been in the back of my mind all day, along with the recent terrorist attack at a school in Russia.
It was quite a thrill to play my horn in an open-air meeting in the Town Hall Square here, with Salvationist bandsmen from:
America
Estonia
Finland
Denmark
South Africa
Australia
Canada
England
Scotland
The kids performed some of the songs and dances they learned at music camp last month.
It is hard for me to put into words how we felt as we did things that we have dreamed about for years!
It is late here and I need to try to get some sleep, as we have three meetings tomorrow (after four meetings today!).
109 countries. And counting. We are the world!
Evelyn
reede, september 10, 2004
The Far Side of the Sea
Greetings from Tallinn! We traveled up today through loads of road construction (thanks to EU funds) and spend the afternoon taking care of Army business, and the evening here at the Kopli Corps. We planned to stay at the Army's camp in Loksa, but decided the hour-each-way trip would be too tiring at 9:00 at night, so we are sleeping at the corps, where they have a fold out couch and two cots for us to sleep on. At least we will be the first ones to the meetings tomorrow!
I mentioned last night that for our "family item" in the Sunday afternoon meeting, we plan to do a choral recitation of Psalm 139. This has always been a favorite scripture of mine, but it took on new meaning when we went to missionary training in Colorado. When I think of the verses that say, "If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast," it serves as a great comfort, now that we have settled on the far side of the sea. Sometimes, it is the simple knowledge of God's presence that can be far more powerful than a deep theological point. God didn't come to Estonia with me; He was here long before I ever arrived, and He will be by my side doing His work--and I get to be a part of it. How humbling.
Of course, to do this, I need to be open to God's will, and willing to change myself if needed, as the Psalm ends, "Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting."
Maybe a bit too reflective, but especially when I have those anxious thoughts, I need to know that I can be lead into the way everlasting."
--Tim
I mentioned last night that for our "family item" in the Sunday afternoon meeting, we plan to do a choral recitation of Psalm 139. This has always been a favorite scripture of mine, but it took on new meaning when we went to missionary training in Colorado. When I think of the verses that say, "If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast," it serves as a great comfort, now that we have settled on the far side of the sea. Sometimes, it is the simple knowledge of God's presence that can be far more powerful than a deep theological point. God didn't come to Estonia with me; He was here long before I ever arrived, and He will be by my side doing His work--and I get to be a part of it. How humbling.
Of course, to do this, I need to be open to God's will, and willing to change myself if needed, as the Psalm ends, "Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting."
Maybe a bit too reflective, but especially when I have those anxious thoughts, I need to know that I can be lead into the way everlasting."
--Tim
neljapäev, september 09, 2004
40's Not So Old
Just a quick word tonight because it's late.
Thanks to everyone who remembered my 40th birthday. It was a great day. We visited the town of Voru in Southern Estonia, and although it was pouring rain, we still saw some interesting sites. I always enjoy exploring the country. In the evening, Evelyn and the kids took me to a Chinese restaurant (yes, they have them here!) and when we got home, they improvised a homemade ice cream cake with ice cream and wafer cream cookies. It was a fun way to begin my 40th year.
I've been asked by several people what it feels like to be 40, but to be honest I don't feel any different. I guess I've always thought young, so hopefully that will carry me for a few more years ;-)
You probably won't hear from us for a few days because tomorrow morning we head to Tallinn for a weekend rally for all of the Salvation Army corps in Estonia. We will be doing a "family item" in the Sunday afternoon meeting; it will be a recitation of Psalm 139, which the kids learned in Colorado.
--Tim
Thanks to everyone who remembered my 40th birthday. It was a great day. We visited the town of Voru in Southern Estonia, and although it was pouring rain, we still saw some interesting sites. I always enjoy exploring the country. In the evening, Evelyn and the kids took me to a Chinese restaurant (yes, they have them here!) and when we got home, they improvised a homemade ice cream cake with ice cream and wafer cream cookies. It was a fun way to begin my 40th year.
I've been asked by several people what it feels like to be 40, but to be honest I don't feel any different. I guess I've always thought young, so hopefully that will carry me for a few more years ;-)
You probably won't hear from us for a few days because tomorrow morning we head to Tallinn for a weekend rally for all of the Salvation Army corps in Estonia. We will be doing a "family item" in the Sunday afternoon meeting; it will be a recitation of Psalm 139, which the kids learned in Colorado.
--Tim
kolmapäev, september 08, 2004
Birthday
Today is Tim's 40th birthday.
Chris was telling us about some advice he'd heard about not kissing a girl until she is in awe of you. That's got me thinking about all the ways that I'm in awe of Tim! I won't go into them here, but it is a worthwhile question to ask. Who are you in awe of? And why?
So now this song has been going through my mind ...
And I'll stand in awe of you, Jesus
Yes, I'll stand in awe of you
You are God in Heaven
And here am I on earth
So I'll let my words be few
Jesus, I am so in love with You
And I'll stand in awe of you
Yes, I'll stand in awe of you
And I'll let my words be few
Jesus, I am so in love with You
The simplest of all love songs
I want to bring to you
So I'll let my words be few
'Coz Jesus, I am so in love with You
I wish I knew how to include a music clip like Tim does.
But, anyway, I will let my words be few tonight.
Just spend a few minutes thinking about my question. Feel free to e-mail or comment below if you want to chat more about it.
Evelyn
Chris was telling us about some advice he'd heard about not kissing a girl until she is in awe of you. That's got me thinking about all the ways that I'm in awe of Tim! I won't go into them here, but it is a worthwhile question to ask. Who are you in awe of? And why?
So now this song has been going through my mind ...
And I'll stand in awe of you, Jesus
Yes, I'll stand in awe of you
You are God in Heaven
And here am I on earth
So I'll let my words be few
Jesus, I am so in love with You
And I'll stand in awe of you
Yes, I'll stand in awe of you
And I'll let my words be few
Jesus, I am so in love with You
The simplest of all love songs
I want to bring to you
So I'll let my words be few
'Coz Jesus, I am so in love with You
I wish I knew how to include a music clip like Tim does.
But, anyway, I will let my words be few tonight.
Just spend a few minutes thinking about my question. Feel free to e-mail or comment below if you want to chat more about it.
Evelyn
Birthday
I can't believe I missed another day of blogging! Absence makes the heart grow fonder.
We started watching the movie "Meet Joe Black" and it didn't end till after midnight. In America, it would be a special treat to see a movie on TV. But here, it seems like there is one on almost every night. And we don't even have cable, just the regular three channels! The movies are in English, with Estonian substitles, which is a great way for us to learn language. After a long day of unpacking and struggling to put together a new computer desk, it was a welcome break. But, its long running time meant I never did make it down to blog. Vabandust (sorry)!
So today is Tim's Big 4-0. We are going to drive down to Voru, a town where the Army wants to open the work. Because even though it's his birthday, it's still a workday (as with parenting, officership is a 24/7 job)! And we want to check the town out before our TC comes on Monday and our corps assistant moves here on 22. September.
More later!
Evelyn
We started watching the movie "Meet Joe Black" and it didn't end till after midnight. In America, it would be a special treat to see a movie on TV. But here, it seems like there is one on almost every night. And we don't even have cable, just the regular three channels! The movies are in English, with Estonian substitles, which is a great way for us to learn language. After a long day of unpacking and struggling to put together a new computer desk, it was a welcome break. But, its long running time meant I never did make it down to blog. Vabandust (sorry)!
So today is Tim's Big 4-0. We are going to drive down to Voru, a town where the Army wants to open the work. Because even though it's his birthday, it's still a workday (as with parenting, officership is a 24/7 job)! And we want to check the town out before our TC comes on Monday and our corps assistant moves here on 22. September.
More later!
Evelyn
esmaspäev, september 06, 2004
Labor Day
Well, we actually missed blogging one day, and were surprised we didn't hear one word of complaint! We expected to be flooded with e-mails from blog junkies who couldn't bear to go a whole day without reading about our exploits! ;-)
Actually, I did try to blog, but blogspot must have been having technical difficulties or something. Anyway, I'm back tonight! Hope you missed me (us)!
Maybe it was good that I didn't blog last night, because I was really upset about something. But I was still able to write out my thoughts, in a private e-mail to my homeschooling La Leche League friend Pauline. I am so grateful for e-mail (and Instant Messaging!) -- it's so great to be able to continue friendships with people even after moving halfway around the world.
Well, today was Labor Day holiday for you folks in America. For us in Estonia, it was another workday. For the Clark family in particular, another day of taking care of the apartment (moving out a no-longer-needed bed) and the house (assorted cleaning and unpacking, including buying a computer desk so we can finally set up our personal home computer!).
Today was officially Elizabeth's first day of homeschooling. For some reason, the link didn't seem to work before, but the web site is www.sonlight.com -- it's our first year using a curriculum and so far it's been fun.
Anniversaries are always a big thing with me, and all day long I was mindful of the fact that it was exactly two months ago today that we arrived at the airport in Tallinn.
The day after tomorrow is Tim's 40th birthday. So often in the Bible, you read about things that lasted 40 days (the rain when Noah was on the ark, Jesus fasting in the desert) or 40 years. Some people think that the number 40 is sort of like saying "umpteen" and it just means "a lot" of days or years or whatever. But whether literal or approximate, 40 years is a long time. In my hometown newspaper, you often see personal ads that say, "Lordy, Lordy, Look Who's Forty!" with a baby or childhood picture to embarrass the person turning 40. I'm afraid I don't have anythink like that to show you, but I would love to hear any story "pictures" that you might have to tell on him.
In America, today is the official end of the summer season. Here, we are already seeing winter coats in stores and people beginning to bundle up. The weather is a lot like Maine, so it did start to get a bit cool as August ended, particularly at night. But the kids, especially Elizabeth, are still enjoying our big backyard here -- playing in the sandbox and picking apples from our apple trees!
Evelyn
Actually, I did try to blog, but blogspot must have been having technical difficulties or something. Anyway, I'm back tonight! Hope you missed me (us)!
Maybe it was good that I didn't blog last night, because I was really upset about something. But I was still able to write out my thoughts, in a private e-mail to my homeschooling La Leche League friend Pauline. I am so grateful for e-mail (and Instant Messaging!) -- it's so great to be able to continue friendships with people even after moving halfway around the world.
Well, today was Labor Day holiday for you folks in America. For us in Estonia, it was another workday. For the Clark family in particular, another day of taking care of the apartment (moving out a no-longer-needed bed) and the house (assorted cleaning and unpacking, including buying a computer desk so we can finally set up our personal home computer!).
Today was officially Elizabeth's first day of homeschooling. For some reason, the link didn't seem to work before, but the web site is www.sonlight.com -- it's our first year using a curriculum and so far it's been fun.
Anniversaries are always a big thing with me, and all day long I was mindful of the fact that it was exactly two months ago today that we arrived at the airport in Tallinn.
The day after tomorrow is Tim's 40th birthday. So often in the Bible, you read about things that lasted 40 days (the rain when Noah was on the ark, Jesus fasting in the desert) or 40 years. Some people think that the number 40 is sort of like saying "umpteen" and it just means "a lot" of days or years or whatever. But whether literal or approximate, 40 years is a long time. In my hometown newspaper, you often see personal ads that say, "Lordy, Lordy, Look Who's Forty!" with a baby or childhood picture to embarrass the person turning 40. I'm afraid I don't have anythink like that to show you, but I would love to hear any story "pictures" that you might have to tell on him.
In America, today is the official end of the summer season. Here, we are already seeing winter coats in stores and people beginning to bundle up. The weather is a lot like Maine, so it did start to get a bit cool as August ended, particularly at night. But the kids, especially Elizabeth, are still enjoying our big backyard here -- playing in the sandbox and picking apples from our apple trees!
Evelyn
laupäev, september 04, 2004
For Pete's Sake!
Today is Peter's six month birthday! I thought I'd celebrate by sharing about how he's doing since we've come here.
He is still an incredible joy to us all. He is generous with his smiles, especially when a stranger in a store or on the street tries to get his attention. It is hard to imagine life without him.
He is a big boy. I'm not sure of his exact weight because we don't have a scale, but he is wearing 9-12 month clothes. He has been healthy, except for a little cold he had a few weeks ago. He still has remnants of the reddish hair he was born with, but only around the lower part of his head; the rest has gone blonde, so he looks like a bald guy with just a little hair wrapping around the back of his head! His eyes have stayed blue, so it looks like he and I will be two against the three brown eyes in our family.
He is getting more and more mobile. If we lay him on a flat surface, he will roll from front to back with no problem. He loves to grab things and put them in his mouth, and in the past month has really mastered the use of his hands so that he can now very intentionally grab for things. He has a play blanket with toys attached to it, and he loves chomping on a soft carrot until it is drenched with drool! He doesn't crawl yet, but we had him on the floor tonight and he used his arms to turn his body and get closer to the things he is interested in. He has a range of a good foot or two. He can also sit up on his own for a few seconds at at time, or longer if we support his legs.
He has a special relationship with each of us, and definitely lets us know if there is one person he wants over the other. It is especially cool to watch how Chris and Elizabeth fawn over him. Chris can often walk with him and calm him if he is upset; often he will put Peter on his shoulder and hum to him until he falls asleep. Another thing Peter loves is to go on Chris's shoulders; he will yank on Chris's hair, and Chris goes in whatever direction Peter pulls.
Elizabeth is Peter's personal court jester. No one can bring him to full belly laughs the way she does. She often doesn't even have to do too much, and he will just break out in a giggle. When she walks into the room, he usually brightens right up. He has an incredible knack for grabbing her hair, which she is trying to grow longer. Even if I am holding him and walking past Elizabeth, Peter will find a way to snag an handful of her locks!
Now that he is six months, we set up a high chair for him in the kitchen. It is the same one that my sister Susan's twins used, and Elizabeth after that, so it has lots of special memories. The kids are dying to give him solid food, which he hasn't had except for the bit our landlady gave to him. Probably soon he will have some mashed potatoes, applesauce or banana. We'll let you know :-)
Peter has had an incredible impact on our lives. He has reminded us to slow down (because you can't do anything fast with a baby in tow!), enjoy the little things in life and take things as they come. We needed that in this time of transition.
I'll try to get some pictures of him soon and post them so that you can share our joy.
--Tim
He is still an incredible joy to us all. He is generous with his smiles, especially when a stranger in a store or on the street tries to get his attention. It is hard to imagine life without him.
He is a big boy. I'm not sure of his exact weight because we don't have a scale, but he is wearing 9-12 month clothes. He has been healthy, except for a little cold he had a few weeks ago. He still has remnants of the reddish hair he was born with, but only around the lower part of his head; the rest has gone blonde, so he looks like a bald guy with just a little hair wrapping around the back of his head! His eyes have stayed blue, so it looks like he and I will be two against the three brown eyes in our family.
He is getting more and more mobile. If we lay him on a flat surface, he will roll from front to back with no problem. He loves to grab things and put them in his mouth, and in the past month has really mastered the use of his hands so that he can now very intentionally grab for things. He has a play blanket with toys attached to it, and he loves chomping on a soft carrot until it is drenched with drool! He doesn't crawl yet, but we had him on the floor tonight and he used his arms to turn his body and get closer to the things he is interested in. He has a range of a good foot or two. He can also sit up on his own for a few seconds at at time, or longer if we support his legs.
He has a special relationship with each of us, and definitely lets us know if there is one person he wants over the other. It is especially cool to watch how Chris and Elizabeth fawn over him. Chris can often walk with him and calm him if he is upset; often he will put Peter on his shoulder and hum to him until he falls asleep. Another thing Peter loves is to go on Chris's shoulders; he will yank on Chris's hair, and Chris goes in whatever direction Peter pulls.
Elizabeth is Peter's personal court jester. No one can bring him to full belly laughs the way she does. She often doesn't even have to do too much, and he will just break out in a giggle. When she walks into the room, he usually brightens right up. He has an incredible knack for grabbing her hair, which she is trying to grow longer. Even if I am holding him and walking past Elizabeth, Peter will find a way to snag an handful of her locks!
Now that he is six months, we set up a high chair for him in the kitchen. It is the same one that my sister Susan's twins used, and Elizabeth after that, so it has lots of special memories. The kids are dying to give him solid food, which he hasn't had except for the bit our landlady gave to him. Probably soon he will have some mashed potatoes, applesauce or banana. We'll let you know :-)
Peter has had an incredible impact on our lives. He has reminded us to slow down (because you can't do anything fast with a baby in tow!), enjoy the little things in life and take things as they come. We needed that in this time of transition.
I'll try to get some pictures of him soon and post them so that you can share our joy.
--Tim
reede, september 03, 2004
Corps Assistant
I had a long blog all typed with some great news, but just before I published it Internet Explorer crashed (thanks Bill Gates). So here we go again, but probably with less detail (but you can always email if you have questions!)
We will have a corps assistant soon! His name is Mario Küttim, and he is a first-year cadet at the Finland and Estonia territory's training college. They don't have a residential training program, but instead the cadets work in corps and attend classes once a week. That means Mario will be traveling to Helsinki on Tuesdays, but will work with us the rest of the time. We will be his field training officers while he is here (our friends from our training days will have a good laugh at that!).
We are happy to have an Estonian working with us. He grew up in Tallinn, the capital city, and so working in Tartu will expand his view of the Army in Estonia. Today, our regional commander said to me, "When he is commissioned, Mario will be the first male Estonian officer in over 50 years." What a humbling thought to be a part of his training.
He will be living in our old apartment, which adds to the blessings of moving to this house, since it opened the way for him to come here. He will share the apartment with a young guy who is developing the military ministry for Agape Eesti (the Estonian work of Campus Crusade for Christ). I think this relationship will also help Mario to grow as a Christian.
Please pray for Mario, that he will adjust to life in Tartu, that he will be able to use his spiritual gifts here, that he will be safe in his weekly trips to and from Helsinki, and that he will continue to grow in the calling God has placed on his life. And please pray for Evelyn and me as well, that we will have the wisdom to help Mario become an officer who will serve God, the Army and his country well.
--Tim
We will have a corps assistant soon! His name is Mario Küttim, and he is a first-year cadet at the Finland and Estonia territory's training college. They don't have a residential training program, but instead the cadets work in corps and attend classes once a week. That means Mario will be traveling to Helsinki on Tuesdays, but will work with us the rest of the time. We will be his field training officers while he is here (our friends from our training days will have a good laugh at that!).
We are happy to have an Estonian working with us. He grew up in Tallinn, the capital city, and so working in Tartu will expand his view of the Army in Estonia. Today, our regional commander said to me, "When he is commissioned, Mario will be the first male Estonian officer in over 50 years." What a humbling thought to be a part of his training.
He will be living in our old apartment, which adds to the blessings of moving to this house, since it opened the way for him to come here. He will share the apartment with a young guy who is developing the military ministry for Agape Eesti (the Estonian work of Campus Crusade for Christ). I think this relationship will also help Mario to grow as a Christian.
Please pray for Mario, that he will adjust to life in Tartu, that he will be able to use his spiritual gifts here, that he will be safe in his weekly trips to and from Helsinki, and that he will continue to grow in the calling God has placed on his life. And please pray for Evelyn and me as well, that we will have the wisdom to help Mario become an officer who will serve God, the Army and his country well.
--Tim
neljapäev, september 02, 2004
Healing
So you've heard by now that we've moved into a house owned by an Estonian family, who are in Prague teaching at the International Baptist Seminary. They have SO MANY cool books in the house, and we're just starting to open our eyes and see them. Most are in Estonian, but there are many in other languages as well, including English!
My eyes fell on one on the bookshelf right next to the computer. The author wrote one of my favorite pregnancy books (with his wife), Praying for Your Unborn Child. But this book was written much earlier, before he was married, when he was a Catholic priest! It's called Power to Heal and it's pretty awesome.
I think that when the same thing (song, Scripture verse, phrase, topic, whatever) keeps coming up over and over in different ways, it's probably something I should pay attention to. Well, this subject of healing has been haunting me for at least a year (my Aunt Joann died 14 months ago). I often begged God to heal our friends with mental illness when we were in Chester.
There's an interview in the latest issue of Journal of Aggressive Christianity with a Salvation Army officer:
"I have witnessed sight restored to the blind, the lame walking, a dead child restored back to life, an insane girl becoming conscious, a paralysed man revived, a dumb man speaking again to the glory of God. Our God is still in the business of healing his people.
The positive effects of miracles does a great deal of good:
1. Brings many people to believe and trust God,
2. Reveals the awesomeness and reality of God in the midst of his people,
3. Confirms my call to Officership - Isaiah 61:1-4 etc.
4. Creates an awareness of God's presence in men and women who are available for Him to use."
No answers here, only questions!
Evelyn
My eyes fell on one on the bookshelf right next to the computer. The author wrote one of my favorite pregnancy books (with his wife), Praying for Your Unborn Child. But this book was written much earlier, before he was married, when he was a Catholic priest! It's called Power to Heal and it's pretty awesome.
I think that when the same thing (song, Scripture verse, phrase, topic, whatever) keeps coming up over and over in different ways, it's probably something I should pay attention to. Well, this subject of healing has been haunting me for at least a year (my Aunt Joann died 14 months ago). I often begged God to heal our friends with mental illness when we were in Chester.
There's an interview in the latest issue of Journal of Aggressive Christianity with a Salvation Army officer:
"I have witnessed sight restored to the blind, the lame walking, a dead child restored back to life, an insane girl becoming conscious, a paralysed man revived, a dumb man speaking again to the glory of God. Our God is still in the business of healing his people.
The positive effects of miracles does a great deal of good:
1. Brings many people to believe and trust God,
2. Reveals the awesomeness and reality of God in the midst of his people,
3. Confirms my call to Officership - Isaiah 61:1-4 etc.
4. Creates an awareness of God's presence in men and women who are available for Him to use."
No answers here, only questions!
Evelyn
kolmapäev, september 01, 2004
First Day of School
1. September is traditionally the first day of school here, and in all of the former USSR. Even if the date falls on a weekend, the schools will still have their opening ceremonies on the first day of September; it's just tradition.
Unfortunately, today was marked in a terrible way in the opposite corner of the former Soviet Union (we are northwest; this was southeast): "Attackers Storm Russian School" and "Deaths in Russia School Attack" tell the story.
We know that some of you read stories like this, and worry that we are in danger. We are so far away from Chechnya and any of this sort of thing. If you want to picture what life is like here in Estonia, go spend a day at an Ikea store. Try to read the Swedish names of furniture (impossible). Enjoy the food in the cafeteria. Let your little ones play in the ball room.
We spent today much as we have spent almost the past six months straight -- packing and cleaning and unpacking. I was glad to get almost all of our homeschooling stuff sorted and organized and put away. We are excited about beginning a new school year in a new way for us, using Sonlight curriculum.
Tim got a few birthday cards in the mail today. He turns 40 in exactly one week!
It was pouring down rain, with thunder and lightning, last night and much of today. Elizabeth was disappointed that she wasn't able to go outside and hunt for snails, which has been her latest joy. Instead, we watched a couple Chronicles of Narnia videos together.
Tim made shells for supper, just a simple pasta dish that he always used to make for potluck dinners at the corps in Chester. But it was nice to have that much normality to our lives.
Chris has a question he's been wanting to ask people lately. If the tenth plague killed all of the firstborn Egyptian males, then why didn't the Pharoah die? Please e-mail him at chrisjohnclark@juno.com if you have an answer!
Evelyn
Unfortunately, today was marked in a terrible way in the opposite corner of the former Soviet Union (we are northwest; this was southeast): "Attackers Storm Russian School" and "Deaths in Russia School Attack" tell the story.
We know that some of you read stories like this, and worry that we are in danger. We are so far away from Chechnya and any of this sort of thing. If you want to picture what life is like here in Estonia, go spend a day at an Ikea store. Try to read the Swedish names of furniture (impossible). Enjoy the food in the cafeteria. Let your little ones play in the ball room.
We spent today much as we have spent almost the past six months straight -- packing and cleaning and unpacking. I was glad to get almost all of our homeschooling stuff sorted and organized and put away. We are excited about beginning a new school year in a new way for us, using Sonlight curriculum.
Tim got a few birthday cards in the mail today. He turns 40 in exactly one week!
It was pouring down rain, with thunder and lightning, last night and much of today. Elizabeth was disappointed that she wasn't able to go outside and hunt for snails, which has been her latest joy. Instead, we watched a couple Chronicles of Narnia videos together.
Tim made shells for supper, just a simple pasta dish that he always used to make for potluck dinners at the corps in Chester. But it was nice to have that much normality to our lives.
Chris has a question he's been wanting to ask people lately. If the tenth plague killed all of the firstborn Egyptian males, then why didn't the Pharoah die? Please e-mail him at chrisjohnclark@juno.com if you have an answer!
Evelyn
