Estonia, Lighthouse VIM Update, Sunday, June 13, 2010

I am writing from a very slow computer in the hotel where we are staying. It reminded me of the piano that I played on this morning. More on that later.

On Friday, we packed up and loaded up in a rented van to go south. We crossed to an island in a ferry, and saw the beautiful Estonian countryside. We stopped along the way and visited a 13th C. castle-museum. It gives new meaning to the song, "A Mighty Fortress is our God." The walls were made of very thick walls that are still in excellent condition. (only some WWII damage from bomb) We visited the many rooms with interesting artifacts from the past.

We arrived at our hostel, that was arranged for us. It would have been fine, except there were 43 people to one bathroom. We did the minimum "requirements" and waited for better things ahead. We made our way to Haaspula (?)for Saturday evening, and this time we had very nice facilities. We ate at a famous cafe where we ate a pear torte that was delicious. We had lots of intresting food, and all of it excellent.

Sunday, we ate breakfast close to the church, and went on over. The pastor was very friendly,and we shared during the entire service. I played by myself (I Sing he Mighty Power of God), and the I found out later that they know those words to a different tune. They didn´t care, though. The piano was very stiff just like this computer--but I got by. It was in tune. Delores sang "Surely the Presence", and I played for all of the hymns that were chosen by the pastor, and were all familiar. Wayne spoke on the "Potter and the clay vessel", and did an awesome job. The pastor was so grateful for everything that we did. It was a small congregation--only about 25 people. He wanted Deloris to sing again, so we "winged it" with "Because He Lives". (she had mentioned that it was one of her favorites, so I knew that she knew it. We had never done it before the service, but it went fine.) I will never forget the communion service where we all made a big circle around the communion table. He invited Wayne to break the bread, and the pastor shared the wine. Wayne spoke the scriptural words in English, and the pastor spoke in Estonian. That will be forever etched in my memory.

We will leave early in the morning (Monday) with nearly a 24-hour trip home. Thank you for your prayers. We have felt Godś blessings.

Judy Werner and the team