Children

Last weekend I babysat 15 kids with Kirsten (the other intern) and periodic help from Kristianna (the daughter of the conference director), and some teen girls who came to help on Saturday.

I am certain that this experience was for the purpose of learning to trust God more. Latvian parenting is much different than American parenting, and honestly, it's better, it is simply nerve racking. American parents often seek to control their children and replace care with precaution. This has recently been outrageous as we have seen schools taking away things that are fun from playgrounds because they are vaguely dangerous. While it's obviously different in more urban environments, Latvian parents just let their kids scatter.

One of the first activities we did with the children is make pizza. Kristianna asks, "Connor, will you pass out the knives?" I was a little shocked. It was interesting watching the tinniest ones get tossed about on the trampoline. That was probably the moment in which I said, "God, these children's lives are quite literally in your hands..."

The weekend was truly amazing though. I had such a good time with the kids, I wish I had pictures because they were adorable. The girls loved attention and the guys loved to play and hangout. The oldest, Ginthers, stayed after the conference was over. We went the lake, practiced each others languages, we were pals. I really loved the staff at that YWAM base also, they were all very hospitable.  I am amazed at how quickly relationships can form even with those who do not speak your language.

Also, local strawberries are awesome, especially in cake, and jam.