Fourth of July!

Today was just wonderful. It all started out with a delicious breakfast made by our hosts Mara and Velga. Then we went to Church at the Sloka Evangelical Lutheran Church, it was a great service, they sang "Amazing Grace" for us in english, they are absolutely outstanding singers. At the end of the service we were all brought up to the front of the Church and each given a red rose and a personal thank you. It was such an amazing experience to hear how greatfull the Pastor and Head Trustee were to have us there. After church we were taken on an outing to a restaurant called Lido. There was every food you have ever wanted, and a good amount of Latvian culture and music, this place is indescribable. To get a good idea check out our pictures! After filling up with a big lunch and walk around Lido we got back onto the bus and headed for Jūrmala, we got to walk to the Gulf of Rīga (Baltic Sea) and put our toes in. Then we walked down Jomas street which was full of shops, so we spent a while going in and out of stores and just strolling around enjoying the nice weather. When we got back to the Sunday school building we are staying at they had a surprise cake and candy with the American flag on it for the Fourth of July. It was an especially nice gesture because today is their Holocaust memorial day. After dinner Brian and I were invited by our new friend Raimonds and a few other local kids our age to go swimming in a quarry down the road. It was such a blast, we got to walk and talk and then go swimming. Tomorrow camp starts, so I'm sure the morning will be a mad rush, but we are all excited to meet the new and returning kids coming to camp and to worship our awesome God! We all wish everyone had a fantastic Fourth of July. Check out all of our pictures!