Latvia! Some thoughts.

It's official: Robyn, Cole, Trey and I are going to Latvia for four weeks this summer. 

This will be my first trip to Europe, second mission trip, first flight across the Atlantic and longest time out of the country yet. Needless to say there will be a lot of firsts for me this summer. 

Exciting as all of that will be, the purpose of this trip isn't to check another continent off of my list. I'm not going to make it more glorious than it really is, but I think I need to begin now praying that this trip will be more than just a fun month during the summer. 

It is a mission trip, and although I don't expect us to start a revival, I do expect to learn a great deal about ministry in another culture from the missionaries there. I'm confident in my faith, but this summer will challenge me to learn more about how to share that faith with those around me.

 I can't stand the "I'm a hero" mentality we seem to possess when we go to other countries to share the Gospel. There are already strong Christians in Latvia and most every country, and to prance into these countries with the mindset of "I know something they don't" is arrogant and pompous. Christians of other nationalities who have different traditions and speak different languages know God. Their faith is just as strong (or stronger) as any American's, and when we go on these short-term trips, we are there to help in what is already going on! To march into another country as a short-term missionary and demand that everyone match the way the American church (or a particular denomination) does ministry is absurd and unproductive. I hope I keep that in the forefront of my mind not only this summer, but for the rest of my life. I pray that God continually humbles me and teaches me to adjust wherever I may go. 

I will now hop off the soapbox. 

Latvia is a smallish country in Eastern Europe. It is bordered by Lithuania to the south, Estonia to the north and Belarus and Russia to the east. It was formerly a part of the Soviet Union and restored its independence in 1991. As far as religion is concerned, 37% believe "there is a god," 49% "believe there is some sort of spirit or life force" and 10% "do not believe there is any sort of spirit, god, or life force" (Wikipedia). In comparison to the US, in 2007 78.4% of Americans claimed to follow Christianity, while 16.8% claimed to be agnostic, atheist, or having no religion. 

This summer, we will be working with mostly high school and college students. I'm really excited about working with an older age group. Lately kids have not been my forte-- I'm not sure why. Ha. It should provide great learning and ministry experience. 

I'm also grateful to be going with the group I'm going with. Trey actually lived in Latvia for seven years as a missionary kid, so it's comforting to me that he knows the area and might remember some of the language. Robyn is an incredible friend and I have watched her love internationals for over a year, and I've also gone to Guatemala with her for a week. She is extremely humble and sincere in her faith. I have a lot to learn from her. Cole is hilarious and also a great friend. He is wise as well as funny and will add balance to the team. He traveled to Europe last summer, so that is comforting as well. We also may meet up with Trey's dad and a team he is bringing to Latvia this summer, which would be fantastic. 

Overall, I'm just giddy thinking about it. Be praying for our team and for the people of Latvia! :)