In spite of the fact that much of our scheduled summer changed at last minute, July (and early August) was a very busy month. Matt spent much of the month helping to build a playhouse in the back yard of the Viimsi Church. Then in the last week of August we all headed south with two teens from Viimsi – Martin and Kadri – to help the Antsla Church with their annual summer kids’ camp. Almost 90 kids this year!
This year we have been trying to move closer to Viimsi but we have been stymied all summer long. Then, unexpectedly we found a very well priced and well placed project in Tallinn’s city center. The house is nicely renovated but the apartments need complete renovation. We’ve applied for a mortgage and made our bid. Hopefully in the next few weeks we’ll know if everything goes through. If it does, we’ll be building for the next few months. Please pray for this process. Here are some pictures of the house and apartment pre-purchase. If we get the loan, we’ll upload more pictures as the project progresses.
Today we’ve just returned from Viimsi Church’s 85th anniversary celebration and are heading to Saaremaa (Estonia’s pastoral island getaway) for a few days of rest and recuperation. Stay tuned!
August on the Corkboard
- Preach in Viimsi (Aug 9)
- Viimsi 85th Anniversary (Aug 14-16)
- Bible Study: Gospel of Mark (every Tuesday)
- Preaching in Avispea/Rakke (Aug 23)
- Liturgical Service (Aug 23)
- Lea back to work (Aug 21)
- Lea’s birthday (Aug 27)
Hi Matt and Lea,
How are you? Any news on the house or the loan?? Have you had any further thoughts about coming to Geneva? We’d love to put you up and spend some time with you. Maybe we should talk things through on the phone. When is a good time to call?
Have a great week-end.
Ian & Teri
Hello again! We’re back from Spain. Had a wonderful time, relaxing with family.
I’m thrilled that you’re even considering coming to our Forum in Geneva. We just had a planning meeting yesterday and things are shaping up nicely. There’s still lots of room- and if you can bring someone with you – someone who fits the profile of ‘actual’ or ‘potential’ leader (not necessarily in the church as such, but a Christian with leadership capabilities in his/her field), then please feel free to invite them in our name. I have just invited Andrew and Amy and suggested they bring Ian and Sarah Aitken with them… As far as accomodation goes, we could probably put you all up or find alternative housing. This would limit the cost to just the registration fee. For Estonians, there might be some scholarship money available.
I wonder what has happened on the loan? Bet you’re eager to make a move. Please stay in touch.
Grace and peace to all!
Ian
Hi Matt and Lea,
Just signed on to your website and looked at the pictures. I love the corkboard. A bit slow on my computer but gives an excellent insight into your life and world! Margie told me last week that you had found the apart. in central Tallin and had made a bid. Looks very nice on the outside. A lot of work on the inside! However this may be a great work project for you and others!
I was concerned that things did not work out as you had planned for the summer. Glad to hear that you have been busy and ‘productive’ nonetheless. It’s great that you’re having opportuntities to preach in Estonian.
We tried to call you last week just to catch up but not surprisingly there was no answer. We’re about to leave for a 10 day holiday in Spain (courtesy of our son’s in-laws). We’ll have talk again when we return home in early September.
We had an excellent time on the summer project in Roubaix (near Lille, France). Margie and George were also in Albania. Margie has some ideas for next year’s AD 2010! (I’ll send you a separate e-mail with newsletter attachment).
Must go. Blessings on you both. Thinking of you as you preach on 23rd and as Lea goes back to school and… by the way… Happy Birthday!!
With love and prayers, Ian and Teri
Great to hear from you guys. Sorry we missed your phone call but looking forward to the next attempt. Building plans have indeed been exciting and I’m looking forward to the project with a mix of excitement and anxiety. Of course, all depends on the loan which we’ll find out about early next week.
The summer’s disappointments were a hard pill to swallow. But on reflection, I’ve gleaned some important realizations as well. I’m hoping to get some time in the Fall to sort through it all and see what if there are lessons to carry forward. Lea and I have entertained the thought of joining your conference if there are still spaces open and if we can leave the kids with family here.