Happy New Year!

Today is New Years Eve and I am sitting her in a house with 3 of “my girls” and we just bought a bunch of food, and fire works, and we are ready to party!!! So I will cook them dinner (God help me!) and then we will just hang out and enjoy each others company and set off fire works at 12:00!

So I will say Happy New year as it will be new here before it will be new there! ;)

May Jesus be our focus Tonight, Tomorrow, NOW and Forever!!!!!

Lovin’ life, lovin’ you, loving JEEEEEESUS!!!!!

Happy NEW YEAR!!!! ….Jaycee Leigh Jensen

BIGGEST PRAISE TO JESUS!! and THANK YOU- to you!

December 27th 2006 I received the clearance to live in Latvia!

I have my Residency Visa in my Passport!!!!

I can stay in Latvia!!!

Praise Jesus!!!!

Thank you so much to all who have prayed so diligently and for all who have sent so many words of encouragement and strengthened my lack of faith. You all have touched me deeply during this very difficult time of waiting for the unknown!

Jesus is Lord of all, and may I have the understanding in the future to say these same words when it does not work out the way I would have hoped!

But for now I will enjoy the Glory of my Father and my Savior for meeting me, and answering so many prayers!

I am Back from the Orphanage...

My biggest apologies to those who have been checking this waiting for an update on what my Christmas was like at the orphanage! I have been home for 4 days now, and I have just had not found the time to write out all I have experienced. You know those times in life that you wish you could bottle up and keep forever? Those times when you wish you could explain in words so that others could understand the beautiful thing you have just experienced? But you cant! There are no words, nothing humanly possible to explain the gift that God has blessed you with through a time in your life!!

I am there!

Christmas this year was different, really different. Yet so much of what I wanted it to be!

December 23th, 2006

I arrived in Saldus, a larger town outside of where the orphanage is located to meet some of the kids who would take me the rest of the way to the small town of Lutrini, where the orphanage is located.

Once I arrived at the orphanage I was greeted with hugs and love from all the kids. It was great. I put my stuff in my room and then just spent the evening with the kids.

You probably should know that at this time in this orphanage there are not really any young kids. The youngest is Ernests and he is 9. The kids range from 9 to 18.
And if you know me that is my heart for orphans! Ever since I met Endija God has been burning this passion for teen orphans deep within my soul.

Anyway we spent the rest of that night cooking peparkukas (gingerbread cookies) and pidagi (a meat filled traditional bread from Latvia).

It was a good night. Then later I took “my girls” for a walk. We walked forever! But it was great just spending time talking about life wit them.

December 24th, 2006

A BEAUTIFUL DAY! Well, at first the kids were a bit depressed due to the fact we had yet to have snow. They just looked out the window and were bummin’ around. When I went to the window I felt the same for a minute and then it hit me!

No snow? No problem!

I told them to get there jackets and shoes on…we are gonna go make a snowman!!!! They all looked at me like I was crazy. But I told them to think hard. What else could we make a snowman out of other than snow?
They started thinking and started getting a little light in their eyes. So I helped think and we thought we could make on out of old branches and leaves!! Yeah!!! Lets do it!

Well it did not come out exactly the way we had hoped to, but it was fun nonetheless!
Check it out!

So after that we needed to clean up because I would take “my girls” and Ernests to Saldus for the Christmas eve service. I would have taken all of the kids but… there are no busses that go on Sundays let alone on Christmas eve! So… we…(don’t kill me, yet!) …..Hitchhiked!

Now before you freak out, step outside of North America for a minute and try hard to understand that hitchhiking is very normal in Europe! Trust me! It is pretty safe. I never encourage any of the kids to do it (especially by themselves) but sometimes it is necessary (and quite normal!)

So we finally got to Saldus. We decide to go to the Church where we knew the pastor because his wife was actually the first director of the orphanage in 2003 when I met the girls for the first time! She is a Christian and had to leave the orphanage because she was running it more like Christ and less like what the State wanted. I had a great relationship with her, and it was so hard to see her leave, because that is when my struggle started with building any type of relationship with the orphanage after that moment. (until now!)

So we wanted to go to that church but we were quite early, as the hitchhiking was faster than we expected ;)

So we went to a park to let Ernests play on the playground, but it was quite cold. Then something really cool happened! Two of the girls wanted to go see their mom! Yes I said mom. Most kids in this orphanage are not orphans because of death of parents; most are orphans because of neglect, alcoholism, laziness, selfishness, (you name it!) of their parents.

So we went to go see their mom. They were very embarrassed and were sacred to show me because they were afraid she would be drunk. I, fo course let them know they didn’t have to bring me, but I also let them know I would not judge her or them by what it was like there. So we went!

It was a very interesting situation. Sad to say the least. But I was happy to meet their mom and see what she looked like and why in the world she would choose not to have these beautiful, wonderful girls with her. The apartment and her appearance explained everything. I would not want these girls to have to live in that kind of place and environment. For the first time I saw the blessings of God in the midst of them being ‘orphans’. It was eye opening and it made me love my Jesus so much more kowing he knows better than we ever will!

After meeting their mom we went to the church service, but unfortunately the previous director, Inita, was not at the service, but her husband was there and he told us at the end of the service to go see her has they live in the back of the church. We knocked on the door and one of her children answered and then she came to the door. Her eyes lit up when she saw the girls, Ernests, and I. she was so happy to see us. She invited us in and the minute we walked in the aroma of Christmas filled my heart! Food and candles and music. It was such a warm feeling. And she then did something that I am not sure if I would have done in her position… for their Christmas dinner she invited us to dine with them!!! 5 extra chairs, plates, cup , and mostly MOUTHS to feed!!! And she did it in a way that was so loving and so inviting! She and her family made Christmas for me so very special. It was enchanting, being there with a Christian family who seemed to love these kids just as much a I did, and it was just perfect!!

When we arrived back at the orphanage that evening we had everyone together and we sat in front of the Christmas tree and had a little ‘family time’. In Latvian tradition when the children are ready to get their gifts they have to sing, recite a poem, or do something special before they get their gift. (I think it is a great idea and I will take that one with me for years to come!) so as you can see I also had to join in the tradition, with a little help from “my girls” ! (we sand happy birthday to Mr. Jesus!)

I gave all the gifts I had to al the younger kids, but I saved my gifts for “my girls” for later. I had a special something I wanted to do with them as I know that they have Christ inside of them, we needed to make Jesus the center of our celebration.

So later that night we sat together and talked about Jesus, talked about the past year, talked about the good and bad times, and talked about what it was in our lives this past year that has kept us from having a more intimate connection with our Jesus. Then we went into our separate rooms and we wrote letters to Jesus telling him what we would like to give him from our last year so we could have a closer relationship with him. Then we came back together and prayed. Then we went out side and gave our gifts to Jesus by burning all of our letters together. We said happy birthday Jesus. Then we went in and finished giving gifts to each other. Then went to bed. It was a beautiful day all in all!

December 25th, 2006

We didn’t do much this day because most of the celebration happens on Christmas Eve here. So we just sat and watch Christmas movies that were on the local TV stations (which was special for me because they were all dubbed with Latvian, so it was fun trying to watch and not trying to translate and learn…which I did more than watching)

And then I went to watch one of the girls play basketball in Saldus. Which was really cool because me and her connect well because our love for sports so it meant a lot to her for me to be there and watch! It was sweet!

December 26th, 2006

The whole orphanage came to Riga, the capital city, and where I live, to go to a very large restaurant/amusement park. Where we ate a great meal and then spend the rest of the day ice skating!!! I wish I had pictures to share with you for this day because it was a very special day, but I forgot my camera in the bus that day! Bummer!

After that was over we had to part ways as I would stay in Riga and they headed back to the orphanage.

So that was my Christmas! Very different but very special!

Merry Christmas!

Hey,
This is way too short and quick for it being the holidays and how much I really want to write…but…. I am running out of time!
I get in a bus in less than 2 hours to go to the orphanage. I will be there until Tuesday!!! It is exciting for me to know I get to spend this time with kids I care about and that usually don’t have many people around for them during this time of year. So my (huge) bag is packed full of presents for all the kids, and I am just anticipating the struggle of carrying that bag to the bus stop…ride the bus for 30 min to the edge of town…take it from the bus to the tram…get on the tram and ride it for another 40 min to the center…. and then hauling it across streets and tunnels to get to the bus station!!! Oh, the joys of public transportation!!!
But it is worth it!!! This will be a good weekend!
About this weekend can you pray specifically for the staff and me? I know I have good relationships will most, if not all of the kids… but I have a hard time connecting with the staff, as most of them do not speak English, and I think there is much more of a trust issue with them…so can you just pray that I take the Spirits lead in how I interact with them this visit? Thank you sooo much!

On another note! MY VISAAAAAAA!!!!
I had an appointment to go get it yesterday. I waited in line for 2 ½ hours… when I finally got up to the desk to see if all was well and if I was approved for my Visa…well the inevitable happened! I was in the computer….but no paper work?!!!

THEY LOST MY PAPER WORK!!!!?

So after an all day ordeal, I am here sitting at my computer with yet another day to go and see if I have been approved!
So, Dec 27th is the day now that I will go back and do it again!!!
I have been sooo stressed about this because my 90 days is almost up…if I do not get this approved before January 6th I have to leave the country!!!

Please pray for all to work out according to the Lord plan in this, and that I am willing to accept the outcome, trusting HIM!!!!

Thank you!!!

I promise to write bunches about Christmas at the orphanage and much more when I return home!

MERRY CHRISTMAS MY DEAR FAMILY AND FRIENDS!!!!

May Jesus be lifted to the HIGHEST place in your hearts and homes during this wonderful season!

Will i Go?...Will i stay?...

So they have received the papers here in Latvia that I had submitted in Estonia last week and told me to come back down to the same office where we sat for hours on end just to be sent to Estonia! And…. sit again! Wait… for them to call our number again! But this time they said that they will make the decision whether I can will get the visa for residency or not!
So on the 22nd of December I will be going back, and finishing up (what I hope to be) the last process in this fun paper work process!

In the mean time I will be just praying that the Lord works out all the details and that I can rest in his timing and his plans.

Me?...Teach English?

Haha!!! Oh how God has a sense of humor! I am back from the orphanage and back from the much anticipated “big meeting” wit th regional director of the orphanage I want to be a part of.

It went amazingly well. They are excited about me coming and are looking forward to me helping the kids with English, seeing that the teachers/caretakers, and the director are very limited in their English.

And get this! The director herself asked if I could personally meet with her and help her with her English!!! And then on Friday’s meet with the staff and have English lessons with them!!!

Soo exciting, yet sooo scary for me! I have never really taught English (other than in fun camp setting!) so we will see what God has for me in this!

So I will be going to the orphanage every other weekend to spend time with the kids, and teach English! I am sooo excited about this opportunity. Thank you for your prayers!

I also will be spending Christmas at the orphanage also…so please pray that Christ would be completely reflected in all I say and do during that time! Thank you soo much for all your love, prayers, and support!

Here it Goes!

I am off o the orphanage today (Saturday morning) this is the day that I will meet with the regional director of the orphanage and give hem my papers, and see what happens!

My hope is that they will let me freely come and work with the kids there. I am sure me speaking English is a benefit, as most everyone would like to learn English! But in return I get time with the kids and I also get time speaking and listening to a lot of Latvian, which I need desperately!

So I am praying yet again that Jesus goes in my place to this meeting and that His light and love would just shine through me! Can you pray that in all I do and say, Jesus would be the first name on my lips, the first joy that springs from my heart?
Thank you!

I will be home Sunday night! Have a blessed weekend with our Jesus!

Back from Estonia...

So I am back in Latvia! And… well it looks like things went well! I will not really know until they call me and say that all my paperwork is correct and that I have been approved to have residency in Latvia. That will come “10 business days” from now! So we are looking at mid December before I will know if I can stay!
But the trip was a success! We had no problems at all, from car problems, to crossing the border, to finding the Embassy in Estonia, to submitting papers, to parking, and the 10 hour drive…all went amazingly well!
Thank you to all who prayed! Thank you to all who gave words of encouragement! Because of you I went into this day feeling like I had the army of Christ right by my side! Nothing to fear! Praise Jesus for his protection and for allowing me to be blessed by such an amazing family of Christ!

I will let you know more when I know more about the outcome of it all!


here are a couple shots of Estonia!

Going to Estonia!

If you are reading this on December 6th or 7th I am asking that you take a minute and PRAY! I am in the process of trying to submit my papers for residency here in Latvia. So I am on my way to Estonia! Yes I said Estonia! It is the country just north of Latvia. After two days of waiting at a place here in Latvia (that I thought I was suppose to submit my papers) I found out I was in the wrong place!
Because I am representing Josiah Venture here in Latvia, for some reason I have to submit my papers outside of the country!!! Sweet!

I am almost positive most of you have experienced really long waits before, right? Like the DMV?!!! Well that is like a cakewalk compared to the waiting I just went through! …That is a story in its self! (I will write about it in my monthly update that will be out in about a week!)

So now that we got it all squared away that I was in the wrong place, I will head to Estonia with Baiba (my dear friend, translator, language helper and much more) and Lelde (my co-worker, translator, pretty much my saving grace here!) and we will try this again! But the issue comes that since this will be a 5-hour drive one way, I am praying that I will have all the papers I need, and that all goes smooth!

I am kind of running out of time to be here in Latvia without these papers too, so if you could also pray for a speedy answer also, that would be beautiful! I have been here for some odd 50 days (including the 2 weeks I was here during this past summer) and I can only be in the country legally for 90 day without that residency! The paper work usually takes about a month!!! OH SHOOT!

But cool too, cause I get to see the Lord work, yet again!

So that’s the prayer request! Be ready in a week or two for my monthly update! I am planning on sharing some funny stories, and more!

(I love when I get comments on these blog post, just to see if people actually read them, so if you have a minute, drop a comment my way!)

Thank for reading, AND PRAYING!!!!

Best wake up call!!!

So I awoke this morning the sound of my cell phone ringing… no number on the display means it’s a call from the other side of the world…I thought about ignoring it, cause I hate talking to people in the morning…but I picked up…and what a blessing it was!!!

One of my dearest friends, Raelynn Bailey announced to me that she is engaged!!!! Congratulation my dear friend!! My heart longs to be with her and give her a hug and just sit and talk for hours on her bed!

This is hard to be here at times like this, but more than the sorrow if feel that comes with my absence from this special time, is the JOY that fills my heart, because I know she is happy!!

Sweet day! LOVE YOU RAE!

Never Mind!!!

So it was rescheduled for next weekend. I will leave Saturday morning for the orphanage to go meet with the directors boss. I am guessing he is the regional director or something like that. We will see! So today and tomorrow are a beautiful surprise of rest and relaxation.
I feel like last night I took a deep breath, and this next day and a half is just a long exhale. I did not realize how tired I was! I have been so consumed with everything going on that I hadn’t taken anytime just to be still.
So that is what I am doing, being still, crawling up in my fathers lap, and resting.

May you also have the time to do the same this weekend!

My heart longs to be with you all, and yet I know I am here completely because of him, and because of that, I am content!

So I just got a call from Endija…

The director said that her boss would like to meet with me on Sunday to talk about working at the orphanage!!!

Ahhhhh!!!

I am sooo nervous!

I don’t know what will come of this but can I ask you to pray?

I am excited about the opportunity to be a part of this, because honestly it is God doing it, that I am sure of! But where does this fit into the ministry that I am a part of here with JV? What is it that the Lord is doing through this?
Also can you just pray again that what is seen during this meeting is Christ and not me?!! I desire that more than anything!

I will let you know what happens!