BACK HOME

Leanne is back home here in Michigan. We're planning to get together so I can show her this blogging thing because people, she has STUFF TO SAY! The insight she sent back from Finland is nothing on the insight she has every day. So keep us on your RSS, she's coming back!

Worship and Cobbler

Hello Friends, I am excited to say I have heard great news. The first news is about the father of a good friend. He raised his own children and has now seen his grandchildren grow up and even go off to college. He is a loving father and grandfather yet, he never chose to be baptized. His family has prayed for him for years to make that decision. Finally, the decision was made - and He was baptized. I cannot imagine the rejoicing going on in the hearts of his whole family. I thought of him taking his very first communion with the Lord today. I couldn't help but think how the angels were rejoicing with his family too .

I also received news about Jess being baptized today. I am so thrilled. Enough of this life is - quite enough. No one can do it on their own. Doug, Tammi and D.J. I know you have been a loving example for her and finally, she has grabbed hold of her one and only real hope. Girl, you have taken a huge step today that can change everything. Just keep holding on to Him. I am so thankful to God for both of these families. I am excited to see how He continues to move in lives. Just when you're about to give up hope. Or just at that point when you are afraid to hope any longer - it's right at that moment He seems to ride triumphantly through.

Our Sunday here in Tampere has been a busy one. I got up a little early to prepare some french toast and fruit for my spend the night guests. I must say, last evening was full of giggles, ice cream and girl talk. It was great! I was so honored to be a part of it. After breakfast, we went to worship with some friends. It is still such an incredible feeling to not be able to understand the tongue in which people speak and yet still completely understand their heart. We then came back to prepare for our evening service. I bought some groceries, made an apple - pear cobbler. MMM! - the smell of cinnamon - there's just nothing quite like it. Then, it was time for worship. We had a wonderful time together. Mike led our thoughts for the lesson. Jim lead us in songs of praise and in the Lord's supper. We had quite a lot of time for prayer this evening. It is so humbling to think our creator, our designer desires us to be in His presence. He longs to hear from us just as we long to hear from Him. After service some cobbler and ice cream was shared then, I went out to pray with two of my friends. What an incredible day of oneness.

I pray your day was also one filled with Him. I pray that walls and barriers were broken down and your hearts were connected as you cried out together to your God. Love to you all in Him. His girl, leanne

Cleaning and Flowerpots

Hei! I hope your day was a blessed one. Mine was busy, exhausting and wonderful. I must say - I apologize to the people who have not heard back from me when they have sent an e-mail. Since I had been away at another house it was difficult to get to the house where Jim is staying then write the Flashnet and also respond to e-mails. I am just now beginning to get to them and will write to you all - I love hearing from you.

About the work here in Tampere. Today was our cooking class although - I believe we could change it to a new name. How about 'puhdistus luokkahuone' which means cleaning class. Believe it or not I can actually say that in Finnish. Finnish is easy to speak, the problem comes in when you must know what it is you are speaking. Anyway, today instead of cooking I suggested that perhaps we should do some cleaning over at one of our friends house. She's had some stuff going on and just hasn't been able to clean in a while. It was great. Once she finally accepted us coming over she relaxed and was so thankful. She did, however, think I had lost my mind when I made the suggestion. But, in between the scrubbing bubbles, the 'Windex' and the laughter many thoughts were shared. It was great and was a gift to us all.

We talked a great deal about how our relationships with the Lord keep changing. The relationship we have with Him is always new. Never stagnant The women are fairly new Christians and are learning so much all the time. They talked about how fear was once such a strong motivator and now, there motivation comes more from love. One of the women described to me her new thoughts on how God works in her life - I thought I would share them with you.

She at one time believed that some people really were loved by God but, she herself was just so-so to Him. She was always afraid of doing something wrong so, fear was her motivation to do what she felt was right - but, she lived in fear. A few weeks ago we shared some scriptures that helped shed some light. She then went home and continued her search for God and found some other scriptures on her own. She began realizing there is no fear in love. Since then she has been given a whole new perspective on her relationship with God. It was so beautiful to hear it in her sweet, soft voice. I will try and capture her words even though I obviously won't capture the sweet, soft accent that goes along with it.

She began by asking me 'what was that?' about a flower pot. I told her it was called a flower pot. She said that it represented her life. She then said that she was a little seed being planted into the soil. She said as the seed she always saw the same hand first planting her, then watering her, picking out any weeds, keeping pests away and pulling off dead leaves. She said the hand she saw she knew was God's. Then she said the plant begins to grow. It starts sprouting (she said hatching) little buds and gets stronger and taller. The same hand continues to take care of the little plant giving it all it needs. Then eventually, after time, the little plant becomes a beautiful flower. How right she is! I can already see such amazing beauty.

After cleaning for about five hours, I headed out to meet the teens. We met early and walked to our favorite spot in the forest to have a campfire in our firepit. Jim was able to join us and it was so fun. Walking the path there just talking, sharing, getting to know one another even better and of course, picking up sticks. Once we arrived a terrific fire was made and then out came the goodies. They love s'mores and we had two that didn't get to go the last time we made them. We relaxed, roasted marshmallows, played the guitar and then a few went for a swim.

I came home around 10:30, went for a run and now I'm about to fall out of my chair. It was a blessed day indeed and I feel like tonight - cozy, sound asleep, it will also be a blessed night. I pray you are all doing well. I pray you are continuing to grow into the beautiful wonder that the Lord has created you to be. I pray you will allow Him to prune you, protect you and water your soul. I pray your roots will grow deep and strong and you can grow tall in the Lord.

Have a great tomorrow. I will not be writing you - it is my day to breathe. I am really looking forward to just going and getting refreshed in Him. I feel in desperate need for that this week. It has been a doozy. Please, take care of one another. Please continue your prayers for the people here and their spiritual growth. Please also remember the teens. Love to you all through our wonderful Savior and our only hope. His girl, leanne

I Am . . .

I began my day with a hearty breakfast of Russian porridge (called manna), cauliflower, toast and pear juice. How could a day be anything but wonderful after a great start like that? I have now been at my friend, Ilona's, for a week and I believe I've gained ten pounds. She always had Russian candies, cookies or ice cream ready for me. It's a good thing I've moved back to the house - I may have had to begin using self control. Who wants to control themselves around cookies and ice cream?? Besides, she was so excited for me to try all these new things - I figure, I was only being the Lord's servant by eating them. Like I said, - it's probably time to get back to some self discipline and control.

Today was a day filled with mixed emotions. I spent most of it with my children from Kids Camp. It was our last official day of camp. Whew, it's tough seeing their little eyes tear up as you hug them good bye. Well, perhaps I should clarify, It's quite impossible to see their little eyes tear up because my eyes were too filled with tears to be able to even see theirs. I had tried so hard to hold it all together until one of them started then, that was it - my heart was breaking and my eyes were dripping. My last few words to them were ones to reminded them to continue looking for God in all His creation. I also reminded them to continue listening for Him because He was surely going to be talking to them. As they left I was able to present each one a Bible of their own. They were so happy. EEM had graciously sent a box of children's Bibles to Arnold and Wanda and they said I may have the honor of giving them to the children. I wrote a special note to each child. What joy! I had only one Bible remaining - which was perfect, because we can continue to use that one for class. After class I hurried back to the flat because Jim and I wanted to go greet our two new team members, Jim and Diane Folkert. They arrived safely and it's great having them here. We got a hot meal they unpacked and then headed for bed. What a day!

Yesterday seems so very long ago but, I'd like to share with you some happenings of the day. It began by meeting one of Jim's Finnish friends. She was lovely. Then, it was time for shopping then cooking class. For our cooking class we made quiche' and broccoli, potato soup. It was my turn to teach a recipe and they had never eaten either. It was yummy! As usual, somewhere between the chopping, dicing, eating and laughing, oneness of heart and deep discussions occurred. We talked about exactly what our perception of God was. I've really been thinking about this quite a bit because of the teens. I believe it's universal how our earthly Father, and also Mother, somehow translate into our image of our Heavenly Father - I think that it's only natural. I know this topic has been discussed so very often. It's not a new idea. - but, I'm still amazed and frustrated at how often Satan uses us and abuses our hearts. He can use our own relationships and try to convince us that, that is also the reality with God. He is a liar.

As we sat down to eat our hot soup I asked one of my friends how she first came to know the Lord. She said something that has stayed on my mind. As she was describing her hearts transformation she said, "God just said to me like this, I am". She went on to say that she realized that Him saying "I am" was all she needed to know. He had touched her heart. In her mind , that was the perfect place to stop. Story ended. All was explained. Since we had already been together five hours and it was almost time for me to meet the teens - I guess I had no choice but to leave it at that for today.

I left the kitchen and headed to the volleyball court. The night with teens was so great! Oh, how they have wiggled right into my heart. It was a big group and we had a great time playing volleyball. It was followed by some deep discussions and study. Teens really tend to be so honest about where they are with everything. You just have to ask, and then patiently wait and listen to what it is they have to say.

But, my mind tends to run along the same path quite often - and events from the day continue to come back into it. Certainly that occurred yesterday. After the discussion with my friend about meeting the Lord I still found her "I am" comment a bit puzzling. I'm not certain why I did. I mean, I've read how the Lord said "I am who I am" to Moses - I understood the depth of the statement; or did I? I've even listened to a speaker I have on a tape speaking about that very thing over and over again. But really . . . "God just said to me like this, I am." and that was all she needed to know.? What in the world is that suppose to mean?? So, I began praying and asking the Lord for some clarity. Had I missed some hidden secret in this? Had I missed an important message for me? Surely not, I mean, I even listened to a really impressive tape?

I prayed and prayed through out the rest of the day. I crawled into bed last evening with those thoughts going through my mind and through the rest of today even until this very moment. That sentence just keeps circling. You see, since I've had the opportunity to spend a great deal of time together we have been able to share quite a few stories. I now know a good amount about her life growing up. Parts of it were quite difficult. She grew up in an atheist home. As if that wasn't enough, there were also some serious issues in her home that made life a bit difficult. I also knew her heart was completely hardened against the Lord (this in her own words). Why in the world would she want a relationship with a Heavenly Father when her relationship with the only father she knew was awful? I mean she even sought after and received the highest degree available in Atheism from a well known Russian College. And all it took was for her to hear "I am".? That said it all? I simply didn't get it.

Since yesterday I feel the Lord has opened my mind a little and shared a few things with me. I, in turn, want to share some thoughts with you. Remember earlier I wrote about how I feel Satan tries to use relationships and confuse us as to God's reality. Well, I believe when my friend heard the whisper of "I am" in her heart, maybe she was also hearing the whisper of "I am not." You see, her home life was so confusing that the mere thought of a 'father' meant abuse and abandonment. So, the 'I am not' may have sounded something like this - I am not going to ever hurt you, I am not going to leave you alone, I am not going to sacrifice you for my own selfish gain, I am not impatient and rude, I am not demanding and overbearing. Because, I am not, your earthly father. Then our great "I am" began to set everything straight. "I am" going to take care of you. I am going to protect and defend you. "I am" going to always be by your side to comfort you. I am never going to abandon you. I am concerned about every aspect of your life. I am patient. I am kind. I am going to always love you. I am with you so do not be afraid, Remember, I am with you and I am mighty to save. I am takes great delight in you. I am will hush your sorrows with love. I am rejoices over you with singing. I am your true Father and I created you and love you dearly.

Ok, so maybe I'm beginning to understand. Maybe I can now begin to grasp why "I am" was all she really needed to know. Isn't that all that any of us really need to know?

Love to you through our Heavenly Father. The "I am" who created and loves us all. Please continue your prayers for the people in this country. Please also continue your prayers for the team here. Soom Moro. (Tampere slang for 'see you later') His girl, leanne

Hello to everyone at home, I pray today that your step is right in line with His. I pray today that your heart and your mind are focused on Him and His plans for you. As for me, my day was filled. Filled by Him and filled with His people. It was wonderfully exhausting and rejuvenating simultaneously. I spent my morning getting acquainted with a friend of Jim's, my afternoon with the cooking class and the evening with the teens. What a day!

I want to share my day with you, however, I feel the Lord has given me another priority. Tonight will be the last night at my friend, Ilona's house . The Folkerts will arrive tomorrow and I will be moving back to the flat. So, I soon will be heading back 'home' to my flat across town to spend some special time with two special people.

I pray for you to continue your walk with Him. I pray He will give you clarity, direction and light on your path. Please continue praying the same for the people of Finland. I also ask, selfishly, that you please continue your prayers for me - Love to you all in Him. His girl, leanne

Stop and receive your gift

Hei Hei, Today was such a special day with the children. I certainly didn't have 300 plus in my class - whew! - what a work you are doing at VBS! Perhaps that will be going on one day here. But, for today, we had a class of twelve.

As class began today the children were coming in one after another with huge smiles and even bigger hugs. They were so happy to be there. Immediately welcome hugs were given and then we quickly began giving instructions and were off. Where are those scissors?, How many do I cut?, Can I use any color? What is this we're making? Then, through all the commotion something stopped me right where I was and completely had me captivated.

In the middle of this busy time one gorgeous little angel faced girl came in and gave me a hug. She is one of the girls that had never heard any stories about Jesus before her time with us. I hugged her back but, she wanted more - she wanted my complete attention. She asked me to get down on my knees to be at eye level with her. I did as she asked but part of my brain was still focused on the children and their projects at the table, getting name tags etc. She was patient with my distractedness and gently covered my eyes with her little hand. She then placed something around my neck. Just a moment later she took her hands off my eyes in order that I could see the gift that I had been given - I must say - no longer was I distracted. I was in awe. One of the most beautiful necklaces I believe I have ever seen had been given to me. It was a little two inch multi- colored cross. It had been hand made over the weekend with a bit of purple yarn and little plastic beads - it was beautiful. She said 'This is a gift for you for telling me about the chicken egg story and Jesus.' - gulp - How humbling a gift. How beautiful a gift. I truly can't belive I am the one able to receive it - it's amazing how quickly a few beads and a bit of purple yarn can bring tears to your eyes and focus to your heart.

Our time together in class was wonderful. It is such a blessing to be here. Today we talked about the kangaroo and other 'pocketed' things. We related it to having the Holy Spirit within us. They loved it. (especially the jam filled pocket blinis) But, all day long this necklace has not only been on my neck but, it's been on my mind as well. I find it to be such a parallel to the way we must also receive the true blessing, the true gift of His cross.

In the middle of my own busyness and hurriedness I need to stop. I need to get focused on what is right in front of me and to listen to what is being said. I need to get down on my knees and look straight into the face of my Lord, the one giving me the gift. He gives me a gentle touch with His spirit and His gift is given. Nothing else is required. I know I don't deserve it - I am amazed that I am the one receiving this gift. But, I need to simply accept, receive and embrace His gift as my blessing. He freely gives His gifts of love, peace, joy, grace and mercy. We simply need to stop and receive them.

I pray that your day was also stopped in it's busy tracks by gentle hands. I pray He touched your day and touched your heart. I'm not certain in which ways He might do it but, with me He used one small girl and a bit of purple yarn.

Love to you all. Moi, His girl, leanne

Worship together around the world

How beautiful to sit in the midst of His people - different backgrounds, different races, different cultures, different languages and sing to the Lord in one voice.

Hei,, Tonight begins 2006 VBS for Trenton Church of Christ - what an exciting and exhausting time for everyone. I am praying that all goes fantastic. I am excited that you will be seeing new faces, deepening friendships and sharing His love and His stories. It's so great to be taking a look around the world and seeing the differences and the similarities in all of us. How comforting to know that there is but one God and He is the same even when we are not.

Today was a great day for worship. The day began by attending worship with friends in town. Jim was also able to join us today - it's great to have him here. Visitors from the Ukraine sang several songs during service, one was ' As the Deer Pants for Water'. They sounded so beautiful. Even if I had not known the words - their faces would have told of their love for the Lord. You could just see it - their 'soul longs after Him'. Then, this afternoon I was able to finish preparing for our evening service - just me and the Lord sitting out on the balcony - how great is that! Then this evening for worship it was so beautiful outside we decided to go out ourselves. It was wonderful. We went to a nearby lake and just sat on the ground and worshipped Him. As we sang in our different voices and different accents so sang the quacking ducks, the sloshing water, the gentle breeze blowing through the trees and the beautiful birds that flew over our heads. We were joined in chorus with His creation. We all must declare the praises of our maker. Isaiah 49:13 - Shout for joy, O heavens; Rejoice, O earth; burst into song , O mountains. It was really such a joyous time to worship Him. We were able to sing, study, pray, encourage and share communion with one another - all for our Lord in the middle of His beautiful world.

This evening several of us went to a movie and then out to get pizza. We had four new faces to our teen group tonight. First of all, Ilona's son, Vadim, decided to join us - His mother has been a part of the church here for almost three years and he has never come to anything - Oh, I was so excited when he called to say he was coming! Then, Hannah and Reijo, a young couple from our church, also joined us. I have really been praying about and working on getting them connected in with the teens somehow. Finally, the Lord said, tonight was the night. And then of course Jim. I was so glad the kids were finally able to meet him. I have been praying about this since before I ever arrived in Finland. It was such a time of rejoicing for me - to see the kids I've been working with, praying with, studying with finally making some connections with adults other than me. I will soon be leaving and getting them connected with people who are actually going to be staying here - that was a joy!

Tomorrow brings Kids Camp - I'm excited to see what the Lord has in store around that corner. But for tonight - it is late and I must get home across town. I will continue to keep you all in my prayers as you begin your VBS. Please remember to keep His people here in your prayers also. If anyone wants to learn any Finnish, Russian or Vietnamese words to praise the Lord with - Please just write and ask - I probably won't know them but, I do know many people who do!

Sure do love and miss you all. I will be glad to see your faces and hear your stories about the summer. Never can I stop thanking you for the e- mails - they are such an encouragement and inspiration to me. If you have written in the past few days and not heard back from me yet - please be patient. Living away makes it a little more difficult but, we'll be joined by a couple soon and I'll be back here. Meanwhile, please continue to write.

I would like to close with a prayer of blessing that comes from the first chapter in the book of Ephesians. It was from our time of worship this evening. I have paraphrased it in order to be specific to you. I ask God to give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know Him better. I also pray that He will open the eyes of your heart. I pray that you will be enlightened and understand the hope to which He has called you. I pray that you will know you have a glorious inheritance as His child. I also pray that you will understand the incomparable great power that is at work for all who believe. Last, I pray that you feel the fullness, live in the fullness, embrace the fullness of Him who fills everything in everyway. Moi, His girl, leanne - *remember - go jump in His River! - Dance , sing and shout with all His creation.

Let's go live in that River

(E-mail from 7/29/06 --ed.)


Moi friends! I hope your yesterday was one filled with Him. My day was a bit busier than I had anticipated but, today I was able to continue my 'fill up' from the Lord. He has a way of working those things out! I remain at my friend's house and she is such a blessing. She reminds me a bit of Lisa Thompson - so you can just imagine how sweet her spirit is. She has a soft, gentle demeanor and is full of joy in the Lord. I am grateful to be with her and her son. He has won my heart over too! He is seventeen and just a great kid! He is into aviation and I'm thinking if he ever comes into town perhaps Paul and Mark can take him on a little adventure. He is in school to become an aviation mechanic so, maybe they can work out some kind of deal. A flight for a tune-up???

Anyway, this evening I went to a worship service with one of our teens from the group - Roman, I've mentioned him before - he is my interpreter and friend. He, also is seventeen and wow, you can see the Lord has great plans for him! - But, the worship, it was wonderful! During worship we sang a song I just can't get out of my head. The words of the chorus went like this, "Lord, let me sit in the river of your Spirit", "Lord, let me stand in the river of your Spirit", "Lord, let me live in the river of your Spirit and let it wash, just keep washing over over me". Oh, truly, I worshipped with those kids tonight - what a privilege to hear their voices crying out to their God. This generation of Finns - they are looking - they are seeking - and He is answering their call!

I have a friend who continues to ask me the same question, "So, what are you going to do once you get home?" I mean, this question has been asked of me three times within the last twenty-four - thirty- six hours. The answer is simple - I don't know. You may ask, "What does that possibly have to do with the preceding thoughts?" But it totally does. I don't know why it is the Lord has brought me to Finland - of all the crazy places, and why it is I am so attached to the people here, especially the teens. I simply don't know. I've not figured it out - it makes no logical sense and I am well aware that it doesn't. I don't know what He has planned for these kids. So many doors have been blown open and at the moment there doesn't really seem to be a door stop in place to hold it that way. I don't know the plans - and that's okay - I know He has a plan and that's good enough. It goes back to what one of the kids said early on in this trip. "I don't understand it, I don't even know if I really believe but, I just go ahead and believe it anyway." Really, there is nothing more than that - we can't possibly have any better plan for ourselves than He does. We can't possibly have a better plan for anyone else than Him. So, it's all okay. Perhaps this little box where I'm standing, 'preaching' my guts out on is just for me - but, perhaps it's for you too? I pray that we are all crying out to our Lord, "Let me sit, let me stand, Let me live in the river of your Spirit, let it wash, just keep washing over me." Then and only then will He have full control over the direction of our lives.

I share all this to say - God has a plan for you too. I don't know what it may be. You might not know what it may be. And really, that's okay. He does. I have received so many e-mails from Christians who seem to feel lost in this place we call 'home'. I want to remind you that this is not our home - and we don't have to feel so lost. We just need to feel and be connected - connected to the one who created us. Connected to the only one who knows us. Connected to the one who gave us our gifts and made us for His amazing purpose. You guys, let's quit dipping our toes in at the side by the bank, let's go and Live in that River. I'll bet the water is just fine!

I sure love you all. Take care of one another. Thank you for you encouraging e-mails and your continued prayers for this country. The Lord is hearing your prayers and is answering them this very moment - perhaps when you look in the mirror this evening you may see the reflection of the next missionary to Finland looking back at you. Perhaps when you look at the face of your sweet child out to play - you will be looking at the next missionary to the Finnish people. I don't know His plans - I just know that He has them. And they are already being set in place. Love to you. Enjoy your time of worship tomorrow morning. His girl, leanne

Birds and Eggs

Moi, I send my apologies for not getting a note to you yesterday. It was a rather busy day. I began early and then, when I went back to finish writing, the computer refused to cooperate. It was too late and I, too tired to deal with it all. So, again please accept my apologies.

Jim has returned to Tampere - I am so glad to have him back! What a blessing and joy. He is now in the apartment and I have gone to live with a friend not too far from here. I will be returning to the apartment on the first or second of August when another couple will also be joining us. The couple is from Rochester Church of Christ. Neither Jim nor I have met this couple but are we are looking forward to their arrival. With that in mind, please know that it may be a bit more difficult to write each day since I am no longer living here. So, please be patient with me.

Let me begin with yesterday and its happenings. Wednesday is kids camp as always. The children are all so cute! So much more than a simple cuteness though - children are so amazingly beautiful and open. Open to knew thoughts, open to others and open to His spirit leading them. They have not yet been hardened by the world and taught to be prideful or arrogant. No wonder the Lord tells us we are to be more like them!

Before class Roman and I had a devotional and a prayer - this is customary - (I feel strongly that before anyone ever opens their mouth to teach about the Lord they need to seriously pray first.) Anyway, before we even finish with our prayer which was fifteen minutes before class should start we hear little taps at the door. They are so anxious to get started. As we open the door we are greeted by several beautiful little Asian faces. - Remember the whole 'lost' man and his brother who had the four children between them? Well, not only are they coming regularly and have now brought friends and cousins from their temple - yesterday - the friends brought a younger brother and also another friend (at the end of class - he asked Roman to ask me if it would be all right for him to bring a friend on Monday.) We currently have ten children now coming from this Buddhist temple. To think, I was just praying for them to return - IF - that was the Lord's will. What was I thinking???

Yesterday our lesson was on birds - I wanted to talk about something they would see and connect with everyday. We took a look at an egg and I compared that to the cave where they laid Jesus. When first you see an egg you may not think it is beautiful or special. It does not look as though something is happening inside but rest assured, there is. It does not appear as though life would soon begin to move and crack the little egg but of course, it does. Just like it did with that cave where they laid Jesus. I'll tell you what - I was amazed at what occurred during the lesson.

First, we began class by playing some games connected with the lesson, then we fed the ducks and we came back in where I let them guess what animal we might be talking about. I gave them enough clues and they finally guessed that it was a bird. Then, I jumped in my lesson - I told them I now wanted to tell them about something that happened to Gods' son, Jesus. I like to 'throw' them off - keep them guessing and then later connect the two things together in order that they will not soon forget. Ha, yesterday - I was so beaten to the 'punch line' - When I was almost through with the lesson one of the little girls from this temple *please remember her mother said they had NEVER heard any stories from the Bible as far as she knew prior to our class. Okay, so, I'm telling the story and one of the little girls with eyes as big as you can imagine just couldn't help herself. She interrupted me and began speaking so excitedly in Finnish to Roman. I'm certain you've guessed it but, she was telling him that the story of Jesus sounded a lot like when the baby birds come out of the egg! That the two stories are very similar. Oh, my - she connected it on her own. She taught the lesson - and she taught it much more eloquently than I ever could have. Roman and I were stunned. WOW! Do you think the Lord is calling to her or what? I am certain that she will never look at an egg or a bird the same ever again. She will probably forever remember our Lord and His promises when she looks up into the sky to watch the Barn swallows fly above the clouds. How incredible is our God!!! I can't help but think she is going to share that story with her friends and her family. Can't you just imagine her being in the school playground as a flock of birds fly overhead and she begins re-telling the story of our Lord. Or, perhaps her mom will call her in after she has baked some cookies one day and as she sits down to take the first delicious bite she looks over and sees a cracked egg still on the counter and again she re-tells His story. I don't know how or when it will happen - I am just certain that it will. Again, can I just say, How incredible is our God!!

You may also remember, I said a few days ago that I was going to ask the Lord to let me speak Finnish to better teach class. Well, can I just say He did - through a little girl with beautiful brown eyes and silky black hair.

As if that isn't enough to fill an entire week - Today was our cooking class. I thoroughly enjoyed both our soup and hot tea along with our conversation. I was taught how to make a Russian cabbage soup today - oh, so yummy. I will give you the recipe at a later time but not today. And also, I was taught how to drink traditional Russian tea - manners and all. I am always curious and ask many questions so, I asked and they taught. I love it. Traditionally, the Russians do not put sugar in their hot tea (the only kind of tea there is). Sugar was far to valuable and seldom seen. They did have jams and jellys though and a spoonful of whatever flavor you had was almost always stirred into a piping hot cup of tea. It was - much to my surprise - delicious! You should try it.

During our conversation we again centered on the Holy Spirit. It was an easy going - let us look at the Bible conversation. But there seemed to be some confusion on what it meant to walk with the Spirit. I shared with them something that I will now share with you. In Galatians 5, when Paul is talking about the Spirit one of His sentences in the NIV reads: Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. I wrote this in my note to you the other night. I kept thinking upon this and remembered a time when Shane and Lauren, my beautiful children, were both small. If we were walking to the park or down the street or in the store or wherever, Lauren always wanted to run ahead of me and Shane inevitably wanted to drag his feet and lolly-gag behind. I would need to call the one back and ask the other to join me. With Lauren always wanting to be ahead she might go in the wrong direction - she couldn't see me because she was always wanting to see what's coming up next. Being patient and waiting to see where we were going seemed almost painful for her. Whereas, Shane on the other hand, always was 'draggin his feet' taking his good old sweet time getting wherever it was we were trying to go. So, in order that my children would be where I wanted them to be as opposed to where they wanted to be I would simply hold out both my hands and they knew that they were to hold on to them and 'keep in step with me.' We would go together. That way I knew they were safe, I knew where they were headed and I knew what I had planned, that was what would be accomplished. Okay, you probably get the point - We are so similar, in my mind, to that today - I don't know about you but I think I, like my children am often wanting to be one step ahead or one step behind the Spirit. He is constantly having to hold out His hand in order that I might hold on and simply walk with Him.

I was also able to be with our teens tonight - they are such an absolute joy! I love spending time with them. I do however, feel the Lord is widdling down the group. The ones who really seem to want to know him are certainly the ones who are consistently coming on our study days. I think that is a blessing because we are truly able to study and talk openly. This evening we talked about many things. We talked about their family - home life - friends etc. We talked about their ideas on God and how He fits into all the pieces of their life. I am eager to see where the Lord will be leading them. (But, not so eager that I am trying to run ahead of the Spirit.)

That is all for tonight - I am so very tired. Tomorrow is my day of rest and breathing. Please remember, I will not be sending out a flashnet tomorrow. I will return on Saturday. Thank you can not be said often enough for your encouragement through e-mails, your love and your prayers. Goodnight. Love to you all, His girl, leanne