tartu

caravaning in estonia is not altogether that difficult. most places we've visitied are about 3 hours max driving distance. but somehow the ohio like terrain is relazing to us all. there's something about the flatness, the nearly naked pines and subtle two lane road we call a highway. it just casts quietness over the vans and soon we find ourselves drooling with mouths agape. i've mastered the art of dozing thru bumps, foreign radio shows and the shifting of gears... among other things.
needless to say, we arrrived in tartu bright and chipper, tho a bit stiff.
after settling in at the dorms, we were off to the corps. the 14 or us in addition to the corps people, filled the room. major was glowing about each filled seat. it was an odd sight and sound as major pirijo spoke in finnish to virginia, who spoke to evelin in estonian who spoke to us in english. confused yet? you should have seen our head bob in unison as we listened and watched each language spoken from different corners of the small room.
at the end of our welcoming, we were to mingle and fellowship. i've been practicing my estonian, well phrases that is, and i've found the people to be so sweet and willing to allow me to practice. so i had a bit of holy boldness or maybe pride *tinge of guilt* as i approached two elderly women at the back.
i'd noticed they sat separate so i took some initiative and started the chit chat. evidently i did somewhat well enough because one of them begain rattling off to me. i grabbed my cheat sheet to read how to say 'i don't understand' or 'i only speak a little,' which didnt work. so i opted for a translator.
i sat and talked with her all evening. even tho we rotated thru 3 different translators. she revealed to me a bit of her heart, in relation to her family and to the soviet oppression. all the while i praed for understanding. for the holy spirit to mediate the conversation. at some points i knew what she was saying before her words were translated. i loved her honesty, her sincere interest, and her heart.
when it was time to leave, she held my hand saying in english 'see you saturday, god bless.' so sometime when i was out of the room, she'd gottn it translated so she could say it to me herself.
after a few drives, visits and open airs, it was saturday night. i was greeted with a warm hello as i entered. gave my testimony that night (a preamble to my sermon which you will see soon), short and sweet. about the importance of using names. how difficult some are and yet how simple and altogether beautiful...
her name is silvi, pronounced like sil vee.
after the service on sunday, she came to me saying 'small gift, god bless.' as she placed a bar of chocolate, map of tartu, and self addressed post card in my hands. i was so surprised. i hugged her and said thank you (äitah) and god bless (jumal onistagu teid) back.
i didnt expect anything more than a kind word. actually im a bit of pessimist slash realist and wasnt even expecting that. the card reads in estonian, 'be happy my very good friend.' awwww...
its so odd to me how the littlest things can make an impact. i didnt realize that by my lending and ear and maybe goofing off a bit, that i would make a friend. and now i can continue to speak the love of christ into her life for an even longer period of time. i didnt expect that at all!
tartu was sweet in so many ways! both figuratively and literally!

*please pray for silvi and her family*

blessings!
~jenn