reede, oktoober 01, 2004
In the Caves and on the Bus
I just got back from the bussijamm (bus station). Chris got a call from his friend Josh inviting him to sleep over and then spend the day playing the board game Risk. He was excited to go, but since the family lives in Elva, a small town around 35 km south of here, taking the bus was the easiest option, and Chris was willing to do it. When we got there, the ticket office had just closed, which meant he would have to buy the ticket from the driver, but he was fine with that. So we waited for the bus to arrive, but it never did!! He called his friend who said, "Sometimes the driver gets sick and a bus will just not come. But there is another one at 10:10." That was about a half hour, so we decided to wait. This bus did arrive and Chris dutifully got in line and when it was his turn I saw him (I was standing outside the bus) talking to the driver, eventually get a ticket and then finding a seat. He is getting very independent! He is really trying to learn how to do things here, and I was so proud to see him do it.
He is still adjusting to life in Estonia, though, and we were glad when he was invited to Josh's. He is the oldest son of American missionaries here, and I could see he and Chris being good friends. That is what Chris really needs right now, to feel like he has his own circle of friends.
Earlier in the day, we also went on a trip to southern Estonia with the Friday homeschool group. We visited some incredible sand caves, then went to the ruins of a 13th century Episcopal castle from the Livonian era of Estonia. (see below)
At the sand caves. Mario is standing between me and Chris.
One of the best things about the trip was that Mario came with us, and he and I were able to chat quite a bit. I learned a lot about him, like where he was born (the island of Hiiumaa), different jobs he has had, some of his interests. I think it helped to break down some of the hesitancy he has been feeling, and also gave him the chance to meet others who are working in ministry in Tartu.
I will put more pictures from today on our HP photo site, but that will have to wait until tomorrow.
--Tim
He is still adjusting to life in Estonia, though, and we were glad when he was invited to Josh's. He is the oldest son of American missionaries here, and I could see he and Chris being good friends. That is what Chris really needs right now, to feel like he has his own circle of friends.
Earlier in the day, we also went on a trip to southern Estonia with the Friday homeschool group. We visited some incredible sand caves, then went to the ruins of a 13th century Episcopal castle from the Livonian era of Estonia. (see below)
At the sand caves. Mario is standing between me and Chris.
One of the best things about the trip was that Mario came with us, and he and I were able to chat quite a bit. I learned a lot about him, like where he was born (the island of Hiiumaa), different jobs he has had, some of his interests. I think it helped to break down some of the hesitancy he has been feeling, and also gave him the chance to meet others who are working in ministry in Tartu.
I will put more pictures from today on our HP photo site, but that will have to wait until tomorrow.
--Tim
