Estonia, Parnu VIM Update, Thursday, July 29, 2010

Hello Everyone,

Today was the last day of VBS, the kids were wonderful. Grant taught them how to sing a song in Swahili and showed them some pictures of the children from Tanzania. The lesson for today was Jesus looking for the lost lamb. The craft was to make a sheep out of pipe cleaners and cotton. The children played several games like limbo, captains coming and the small children drew on the sidewalk with chalk. Our gift for them today were the dove key chains that an Asbury member made for them. The key chains were a very special gift for them.

Today I realized that just being involved with the children made a huge impact on them. I had two little girls give me their craft for today as a gift. I really didn't get to speak with these girls during the week, but it meant a lot to me that just being involved was a big deal to them.

Every night the boys and I have been playing a game of soccer and more and more children come to join in on the game. The team is well and ready for the next part of our adventure.

Love,
Lauren and the Estonian Team

Estonia, Parnu VIM Update, Thursday, July 29, 2010

We have been on the go from morning until late at night. VBS was great. The painting project was finished yesterday so the whole team was with the children today at VBS. They loved the backpacks, activity books and t-shirts. We had wonderful attendance and working with the volunteers here has been fantastic. We have definitely made many friends. We head to Tallinn tomorrow morning and will meet Mall at the Lighthouse.

Thank you for your prayers. It has been hot but today we had a break. It was much cooler this morning and there was a lovely breeze.

Beth and the team

Estonia, Parnu VIM Update, Wednesday, July 28, 2010

HOT! HOT! HOT! I guess we brought Oklahoma weather to Estonia with us! This HOT weather has broken a 50 year record.

Today at VBS the theme was God Changes and we talked about Paul and Silas going to Prison. We had 66 children come today. We are hoping for 80 tomorrow. We made kites during craft time and played several relay games. The little kids played with a parchute. Everyone is doing well and ready for the last day of VBS. There will be a Celebration Picnic following VBS tomorrow (Thursday).

Love,
Lauren and the Estonian team

Estonia, Parnu VIM Team Update, Tuesday, July 27, 2010

On Monday, the team assisted with Mission Bible School at Agape Church with 46 children participating. Then on Tuesday, 51 children attended! The team also enjoyed shopping and dinner with Tonu, Kulli and Meeli, who are the pastor at Agape Church in Parnu, his wife, and the president of the Baltic Methodist Theological Seminary in Tallinn, respectively. Thanks for the continued prayers for our team as they serve with our connecting congregation in Parnu.

Estonia, Parnu VIM Update, Sunday, July 25, 2010

Hey everyone, from the team in Parnu, Estonia. We are having a wonderful time. Everyone is strong and ready for VBS tomorrow. The past three days we have been traveling and finishing all of the preparation for VBS.

Today at the church service there were several missionaries from Estonia, Brazil and America. We were asked to present a children's story and a couple of children's songs. We sang Deep and Wide and This Little Light of Mine. It went very well. The Brazilians were asked to perform a drama. The drama was very moving and powerful. They did an excellent job.

For a little of R&R after putting the final touches on VBS, we went to Hessburger (McDonald's) and went to the beach for a swim. Hope you all are having a wonderful week and I will be talking to you soon.

Love,
Lauren and the Estonia Team