Latvia

Travis and I had a great time in Latvia this summer! Many of you helped us go to Latvia by providing for us financially and by praying for us. We met the most amazing children at the orphanage. They have survived the unsurviveable. They are full of joy and always ready to have a good time. Here is Travis taking the children on a little ride while we wait for dinner.
The kids loved Travis. Most, if not all, of the men in these children's lives have hurt them. Travis had a great opportunity to show them the love of Jesus, and after just a few minutes of checking him out they recieved the love! He gave tons of piggy back rides and hugs.

Working in the Woods

We also worked hard while in Latvia. We truely went to serve. Whatever they needed, we did it. When we arrived at the farm owned by the orphanage (this is where we stayed), we learned that things are done differently in Latvia. They use outhouses, have really cold well water to take a bath with, and heat comes from fire. Simple and quite enjoyable. They needed a fence and we cut over 500 posts out of trees in the forest on their land. The temperature ranged from 35 - 65 degrees. It was great for working. Another group of men were coming in the next week to build the fence so we cut the posts and rails and placed them around the land so that the fence could be built.

Painting

We also painted some houses that they own in a old fishermans village. They needed major repairs and paint. Is that a ladder? In Latvia the answer is, YES.
The children from the orphanage helped us and the end result was beautiful! We all had a great time. These houses are just a short walk from the Baltic Sea.

Visiting Riga

We visited the city of Riga, Latvia and had a great time. Here we are being us! There were several children we wanted to bring home with us but unfortunately it just isn't that simple. We stay in touch with them and pray for their adopted families to find them soon! Thanks again to all of you who helped us go, we will never be the same. We saw God's love in a whole new way. He truely does take care of widows and orphans.

Harlee's visit to Fort Worth for Thanksgiving

We had so much fun! She loves her uncle Travis! She is such a ham! We laughed a bunch and got lots of sugar from her! Thanks Brandy and Mama for bringing her and thanks Mike for letting them come!