Today was "Latvia Prep Day." Steve and Debs gave us a rundown of what to expect and how we can prepare ourselves. it's weird to be in a position of knowing what to expect for a change - I almost miss not knowing. Part of what made Zosna Camp so awesome last year was the combination of not knowing what to expect, and then realizing that it's such a crazy place that even if you did have expectations, they probably weren't going to be met. It's that unpredictable. I'm sort of on guard against falling into the trap of feeling more important than I really am, or of hoarding any sort of information or power in regards to the Latvia portion of the trip. Just because I've been there before and have an idea about what to expect doesn't give me any special rights. It's been a lesson in humility this summer to continually try and let others step to the front even when I feel it's my "right" or prerogative to have control over a certain area. I came into the summer thinking I was going to be in a little more of a leadership role than I ended up fitting into; honestly, the role I'm in right now is probably perfect for me, but that still doesn't keep me from craving or lusting after more control and power (even though I know that I'd hate it if I ever got what I wanted).

Yesterday afternoon I had a real great time with Olav. I dropped him off in Sogndal at his sister's house, and drove his car back here; he's letting us borrow his car for the rest of the summer, as he will be visiting the U.S. until August and won't have any need of his car until then. It's extremely generous of him to let us borrow his pride and joy (a late 1980's Saab turbo; I love driving Saabs!). We stopped for lunch on our way down to Sogndal and visited a farm which has been in his family for several generations. It's right on the side of Molden (the mountain we hiked earlier last Sunday, I think), which is right at the junction of two arms of the fjord. The farm is located at an absolutely gorgeous spot, where you can see mountains and water all around you. We've been joking about co-purchasing the place should it ever go up for sale, fixing it up a little bit and turning it into a working farm again. A pipe dream, to be sure, but a fun one. And, you just never know...

Once I got back, we had a rousing game of football and then an absolutely delicious fish dinner to cap off the week. Now that this past week is over and it's just us and the Brits left here at Elvheim, I have Latvia on the brain like nobody's business. I absolutely love it here at Elvheim... but this time would be pointless if we didn't take advantage of the time we've spent in the Word and with each other. And Latvia is a perfect proving ground. That camp, those kids, that while environment is an amazing opportunity for ministry and for growth... plus, it's got a special place in my heart. I'll have a bit of a different role at camp this year, a little more involved in planning and coordinating some activities and events... which is both an exciting and terrifying prospect.