And the latest from Estonia

It's actually hot here...well, not like Tulsa hot, but hot for Estonia, even at this time of year. It's been around 80 degrees during the day, sunny, and with a breeze in the morning and evening, but pretty still in the afternoon. Although we're right on the sea, the humidity is only around 60+%, so it's a comfortable 80 (for me, the cold person on the team...Kuuli is melting!). Our 'dorm rooms' are really nice, but there's no air conditioning, which would have been fine for me if the weather had been what I planned for...and brought clothes for! Oh, well...we're flexible! Today we went to church and I played a couple of solo bell things and Carolyn brought greetings from Asbury. Victoria started crying during my songs (not sure what that means:))and never stopped the whole service. They have rotating preachers (a full time minister, but he doesn't preach every Sunday), so one of the deacons preached today (shouldn't that be 'praught'?). He was very energetic and emotional. The service was wonderful. Afterwards we had lunch with the whole congregation, and a VBS planning meeting after that. Then ice cream (that's a daily requirement here...and it's REALLY good!!) and then Russ made a presentation to the congregation late afternoon. He talked about Asbury's work in Tanzania, both the water wells and medical trips, which inspired Tonu to incite the congregation to mission work. I believe this is one of our goals for our mission trips...that the partner church would receive our help and in turn reach out to another group in need. This is the first trip to Parnu, and already they're thinking on that plane. That's awesome! So far we keep having great food. Tonight we went to a German restaurant, which the first contact teams have raved about, and their recommendation was absolutely on target. We couldn't all fit at one table, so Marty, Russ and I shared a table with Tonu and Kuuli, and learned some fascinating information about the Estonian culture and history. Let's see, so far I haven't crashed the car, Vicki hasn't broken any bones (although she keeps trying to trip on stuff), Marilene and Carolyn didn't suffocate in the back of the van, Victoria hasn't gotten hit by a car while crossing the street with her eyes closed, Russ hasn't come out of his room without permission, Marty hasn't gotten Kuuli to speak Okie, and Missy hasn't slept. But, we still have the week left! VBS starts tomorrow...I can't wait! More later...

Bob
(Sheryl Tomlinson)