Summer Solstice Celebration in Latvia

Yesterday we spent the bulk of the day in orientation for camp.  We changed up our schedule so that we could spend time in old Riga last night as Latvians began celebrating a two day holiday event ushering in the summer.  Yesterday was Ligo- a celebration for the shortest night of the year, is an ancient celebration where nature and fertility are celebrated.  Jani, which is the celebration for summer solstice, marks the longest day of the year.  There are traditions of burning pillars of fire from sunset to sunrise, making wreathes out of various flowers, wheat and leaves and most importantly, singing and dancing.  All of these traditions are pagan in origin because they predate Christianity.

We had a chance to walk around the the beautiful old town in Riga, listen to a lot of music and join thousands of people gather along the banks of the Daugava River watching performances of traditional Latvian folk songs.  It was definitely cultural experience that was interesting to observe while we are here.

Our missing luggage was recovered and brought to us yesterday so everyone has their bag and we now have all the equipment for camp.  We spend a half day today finishing our orientation before setting out to the town of Limbazi where we will settle in for the next week and a half.  We will be spending time in town with some activities, preparing for camp, go to church on Sunday and the camp starts

on Monday morning and run through Saturday.

This afternoon we will meet the rest of the team for our camp- the Josiah Venture interns and the Limbazi local church team.  I'm excited to get our three team together.  Pray for unity and the details of camp.  Latest report has 25 students registered for camp and I know through some activities over the next couple of days, we are hoping to recruit even more students.

I am hoping for wifi at the school where we will be making no our home for the next week and a half.  If we have it, then I will continue posting to the blog.  If you don't see anything for a few days, you will know that we have internet challenges.

Enjoy the following photos from yesterday!