Elder & Sister Davis actually like snow, so when it started snowing in Riga, Latvia we ran to the window to watch those lovely flakes drifting to the ground. Never mind that we had to travel to Estonia in two days, we love the wonder and magic of falling snow. In Riga, the snow mostly melted away before we left, but on the way to Tallinn, Estonia we saw lots of snow and a big drop in temperature.
Snow on tree boughs reminds Sister Davis of white frosting...it makes everything look better!
We were headed to Tallinn for a Super Saturday where we had been assigned the job of teacher training. Sister Koiv had arranged for the youth to do service for people who needed some cheering up. Boys shoveled walks, girls did dishes and decorated homes for Christmas. Four groups of youth were sent out to serve others and report back. Sister missionaries, Robinson and Kohler, were asked to help take gingerbread to some older members who don't get out much.
Sister Kirisberg, the Institute teacher, took a group of girls out to serve others with plates of gingerbread.
There are more church members with cars in Tallinn, so it is easier to do service projects away from the church building. In Riga, where few members have cars, we have to be a little more creative with service projects.
The youth came back for in time to eat a spaghetti lunch, made by Sister Koiv and Sister Bonner.
The youth then went into the chapel and talked about the experience their group had giving service. It was amazing how useful they felt as they helped the older people. One girl said she had never been to an "old persons" house before but the lady was so grateful for her group coming to visit her, that the girl realized, small things can make a difference in someones life. She left that home feeling great that she had done something nice for someone and made them happy.
Even the boys had a good time shoveling snow because the man they visited was so grateful for their help...he just kept saying, "Thank you" over and over. These are valuable lessons being taught to the youth in the church in Estonia. Serving others brings you joy and a feeling of fulfillment.
After that, Elder & Sister Davis taught the concepts of "Context & Content" in gospel teaching. We enjoyed the experience because we had been trained in the MTC (Mission Training Center) to do this type of teaching but have never had the opportunity before. Sister Koiv translated for us and within 20 minutes we had the concept taught to four teachers. Everyone seemed to enjoy it...but we probably enjoyed teaching more than they enjoyed learning it.
And with our job done...we could relax a little in Tallinn.
The next day, we were going to Tartu, Estonia for church (about a 3 hour drive).
We headed out early Sunday morning, with still a lot of snow on the ground....
As we traveled, the sky lightened up...and at 9:30AM we got to see the sunrise!
They don't call it the "dark days of winter" for nothing here. It is dark by 3:30 in the afternoon...and it seems the sun rises at 9:30 in the morning. Since we have craved sunshine lately (it has been overcast and dreary for weeks) we enjoyed those shining rays coming through the car windows though outside it was bitterly cold.
Another sunrise...another new beginning.
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