A beautiful day in Birzai

[Broderick]

We had an amazing day with the church in Birzai. We met and
worshipped with them and enjoyed a great afternoon of fellowship with
them after the service. Arbata and sugar cookies, but it was the
company that was sweetest of all. :)
Many of the old faces were there, some that we did not even remember,
but they remembered us! The church has been such a transformation
from last we saw. They have a fully functioning sanctuary, washing
machines for their clothes washing ministry, a shower that is getting
regular use for their showering ministry and a finished third floor
where visiting staff, or nursing students can stay. It is also used
for temporary housing for people displaced from there homes.
We participated in the worship experience as best we could. All the
songs and service being in Lithuanian made for a little bit of a
challenge for our group, but as Steve later stated, despite the
language barrier, the love of Christ is universal and was felt by all
during that worship experience.
For those of you that are reading this that came on previous trips,
the following people give their love and thanks for all your
efforts.
Nijole,
Povilas
Viktor
Regina
(and yes, Ben, you were mentioned several times. I had to inform them
you were coming again in two yeas. That is ok, right?)
After church, we grabbed lunch at a local pizzaria so we could enjoy
the beautiful day outside. We were having a grand time until Jen
found herself in a little mixup with the local law enforcement (see
pics). After having cleared that up, we took in a few sites like the
Radvilla castle and the footbridge over lake Sirvena.
After all that exercise we took a break to recap and attempt to plan
our week. Then offering it to God to choose what he wanted, we headed
home for a relaxing evening with our host families.
A good nights rest ahead of us and then our first day of full work at
the help center.
Thanks be to God for all the amazing people that we were touched by
today. May we have as close an impact on them this week as well.