Monday, June 20, 2011

June summer and then spring


Erik works on his soccer/football skills much of the time, if not outside, then with a nerf ball inside - or a balloon.

We have experienced unusual warmth in the beginning of June, temperatures even climbing above 80 degrees at times. But, the more typical weather- of and on rain, cool in 60s and 70s has returned- just in time for the longest day of Summer. Lithuania has a special celebration- Jonines- which for some celebrates anyone with a name remotely resembling John. For most of the rest there are tales about special powers for those who wait up on this longest day of the year, and special herbs and flowers that get special attention- and in general and excuse for a big party. The holiday has risen in importance over the years we are here so that now it is a paid holiday.

And we have been blessed by another box from Gamma- on the occasion of special size clothing we needed to order from the states... and of course extra goodies come with that.



We have the unusual opportunity to participate in two small churches where there is children's ministry happening during the service (at least some of the time) and the children are basically our boys' ages. In both cases it is the pastors' families who make up most of the consistent SMALL grouping of kids. Perhaps this is a blessing of having our children late in life... it is fitting in with the people we work and minister with in a lot of ways.




The new favorite past time for the boys is LEGOs. We have had them for over a year, but now they are pretty passionate- and becoming quite creative about them. A number of their friends and the kids in school play with them too so that has added to their interest.

Monday, June 13, 2011

more May activities

David's group trip to mini-zoo near Klaipeda.




End of Preparatory class- promotion to 1st grade. Last class together with parents and party afterward. David was already finished with his group so he observed with us too and joined in the after party.






A visit at Grazina's house. She has moved to Klaipeda now so we see her much more often, at least once a week at our house too to give mommy and daddy a break.



David's class event- the mini-zoo was post-poned due to bad weather but the certificates were presented that day with the 4 boys and their parents. The girls of the group were absent.




These pictures are from a 4 day seminar group I helped to facilitate- Hospital chaplaincy was the topic. Very stimulating discussion, excellent presenter- Nora Ausriene- in LT language, diverse group which was able to finish the week all feeling positive about it.



David is now on 2 wheels and of course very proud of the fact.

Wednesday, June 1, 2011

Vilnius weekend and a view of Klaipeda

We attended the wedding of Chris and Yulia in May. Chris was chaplain after I was and Yulia has graduated from LCC. Meanwhile the boys were at a mall play center new to them with our friend Grazina's sister watching them.


We are so thankful for the green of warm weather. It was long in coming this spring.

Here the boys are looking over Klaipeda from the 21st floor of one newer building.

And the sailing event of that day.