Party!

Yes, party, because after years it was finally time: the day/family center Tabita was officially opened on October 23! Because of the virus, it was decided to keep it small-scale. The pastors who prayed for this moment for years and all the volunteers were invited to attend the opening. Mudite, the founder, has told us the story of how it once started…. It is special to hear that I was the very first volunteer and after a period of absence I am now closely involved with Tabita day center again. We also had a meal together and a delicious cake with coffee for dessert. I am happy that I was able and allowed to be there.

In Latvia, measures have also been tightened up because of the virus. As a result, we cannot work with the children / youth in the center and eat with them as we were used to. Food bags are currently distributed to the kids from Monday to Thursday. Since last week I have been involved in the preparation of the food bags on Wednesdays and Thursdays and I also help with the distribution. We are really looking for creative opportunities to stay in touch with them these days.
There is, however, the possibility to work 1-to-1, obeying the rules. The plan is now that I will start working again with the oldest teenage girls from next Friday, I also started with them three years ago at the center. In addition, where possible and necessary, I will continue to help with the food bags on Wednesdays and Thursdays.
And…. maybe I'll even prepare a real Dutch kale stew for the team one day 🙂

Fortunately, the Freedom61 cafe is still open and here too we adhere to the stricter rules. To be honest, it is not easy to travel by train, where people often do not use their masks or only half in a full compartment. However, I also really want to stay involved in the work in Riga and make sure that I at least follow the rules regarding the virus.
The team is expanding and this makes it possible to be active in groups: partly in the cafe and partly on outreach to reach the women on the street.
We experience that there is more and more trust in us and really see that something is changing!
As team we hope and pray that the cafe does not have to be closed, because at this time of the year we really want to be there for the women!

I live in the house for almost a month! I have had a lot of help with the administrative part and also with the move itself. Three young men did the lugging and drove back and forth from the flat to the house several times. They were toppers who wanted to do it for me. After the last ride we ate pizza together and they were my first real guests 🙂 It really is already my home and I have already had many women and families visiting. My desire that it is a house where everyone can experience God's love and go home blessed! I already experience that God is using this place as a refuge for those who need it and I am grateful that I have the space and opportunity to share this beautiful place with others!