Latvia

This picture of Russian Christian women reminds me of my first trip to Latvia with my friend, Ann.  My daughter-in-law had gone to NY with me to meet Ann for a couple of days in NY before departing for the Baltic States (ministering to Russian speaking people).  Ann was supposed to arrive in NY a little before us so we had arranged a meeting place and expected her to be waiting for us.  In preparation for the trip, we both had been instructed that Christian women in Latvia wore no make-up and kept their heads covered with headscarves. So Ann had told us to just look for a woman with no make-up and a scarf on her head.  As we arrived at her terminal, we spotted her, patiently waiting, headscarf and all.  (She's a real jokster!)  So we decided to sneak up on her.  We tiptoed around behind her, eased up quietly and surprised a total stranger! - to our surprise (and embarrassment)!  Ann's flight had been delayed ,and she appeared later - fully made up and no scarf! And we NEVER donned the scarves we had dutifully carried with us.  We also couldn't resist and "snuck" on just a little make-up each day.  By the end of the trip, we had "corrupted" the women, and the younger Christian women had brought their make-up out of hiding!  This picture reminds me of those dear Russian women in Latvia! I left part of my heart there with my dear friend, Vadim, and other Latvian brothers and sisters.  I look forward to Heaven where I can see these faithful Followers of Christ again.  And, as we reflect the beauty of Christ there, we can leave off all the "make-up" with which we try to hide all our imperfections.