Lithuania

FYI: I did not proof read this so I apologize ahead of time for all the grammatical errors. It's too late the actually care about grammer and spelling. :)
We have just one full day behind us and a tiring day it has been. We walked a lot more than I think any of us expected but saw some pretty beautiful stuff. Our first visit was to a monastery (right up my alley). From there we walked around a beautiful park and enjoyed the amazing weather (70-80 degree, sunny, and a breeze). Today was primarily sight-seeing, which was nice but it doesn't feel much like we're on a mission trip, but part of the experience is getting to know the country and the people. Lithuania has a fascinating history, and learning about the spiritual life of the general populion, and state of the Methodist church has been quite interesting. I had one moment when I was reminded how great the connecitonalism of the Methodist church is. We were standing around talking with the two women that have been showing us around and their English is not the best, and our Lithuanian is zero, so at times we were having a hard time understanding each other. Once they found out I was a pastor we started talking about ordination and I asked about women clergy, and we were speaking the same language. At that moment, I appreciated all the more that we are connectional. As I said, Lithuania has quite a history, being independant from the Soviet Union only about 20 years, and the impact that has had on the state of Christianity in Lithuania. We visited one church that was very big and beautiful on the outside and on the inside it is in the process of being rennovated after Soviet occupation ruining it. Then we learned that the UMC we are using as a base here in Kaunus was used as a place to play sports and watch movies during Soviet occupation, but now it is a beautiful church inside and out. It is a beautiful sign of God's renewal and restoration. Catholicism is the big denomination here, but people here have no sense of having a relationship with God, and after finally gaining indenpendance, people are materialistic. Most people who affiliate with the Catholic church go just on big holiday and maybe confession once a year and there is no interest in knowing the heart of God. The Methodist church is small here, and they have a lot going against them, but the people I have met are a beautiful faith, and have seen what God has done through them in the short amount of time they have been established, and have hope for their future. They have been persecuted for so long and I imagine that there is nothing easy about recovering from that- something we know nothing about in America. I wonder, though, if I am getting a glimpse of what Christianity in the United States is on it's way to. I thoroughly enjoyed my conversations with Kristina (the pastor's wife) today as I discovered so much about this country I knew hardly anything about 36 hours ago.
So today has been a lot of sight-seeing and relationship-building. Tomorrow we will be working on the house of the oldest man in the church. I hope to be able to hear stories about church when he was younger and life during Soviet occupation.
The people in Lithuania are very stylish and we stuck out like a sore thumb. It is a poorer country, but people obviously put a lot of emphasis on how they look, as everyone looks like they just got of a runway at a fashion show. We have riden a lot of trains and buses, which as been a fun experience. Only one more full day here in Kaunus and then we move on to another town, and then Latvia on Friday. The team seems to be getting along really well. I can tell they are tired, but nobody is in poor spirits about it. It really is a great group with so much to offer, so I look forward to witnessing their growth as the weeks go on, as I experience my own growth as well. Well, I best be moving towards bed now. My thoughts don't feel connected anymore. Hope all is well with everyone following!
God's peace

We've made it to Dulles and now waiting to board for our flight to Germany where we'll catch our flight for Lithuania. Leaving was harder than I thought it would be. I felt stupid. I was nervous and restless. A ride to the airport with friends helped me relax and eased my mind. The team is energetic and excited. I feel good about everything now. Prayers have been felt and I thank God for the peace I have felt the last couple hours after the anxiety I felt before left. I'm hoping to sleep on the plane a feel like i'll be able to. We should be boarding soon so here's to a very boring, uneventful flight over the big pond.

Countdown...

Welcome to my blog! Thanks for following me on this exicting, Scandinvaian journey! Keep checking back here for updates. Once we hit the road I will update it as often as I can. In the meantime, prayers are appreciated. 6 days and counting....