Two clocks and a Train

I'd like to invite you come along again with me through Riga. I like to walk around with eyes for you and imagine what would stand out to you looking in with American eyes. These same things stand out to me too. . .

As spring comes to Riga people begin lingering in the parks, the benches are again full, and people stop to watch the pigeons and ducks. The streets begin to come alive with brighter hues in contrast to the dreary greys and blacks of winter.

A favorite spot of mine to watch people is in front of the train station. There is a huge clock there, really a tower, with a clock at the top. It is a hot meeting place. There is one other clock in Riga also known for being a meeting place. At these two clocks you could sit for hours watching people come and find each other and see their various expressions as they reunite. It is funny in a crowd though to try and find someone at the clock. Since everyone thinks it would be the perfect place to meet, it is nearly impossible to find one another. At the train station's clock you can see everything from business people, and friends planning something with their planners at hand, to punky looking youth hanging around. It is a place where people not only meet, but tend to linger at too.

The train is another place of enjoyment for people watcher's like me. Each morning I go to work, the train is already all but full when I get in. From my stop onwards people have to stand in the isle too. (It is cheaper often to go by train then to have to pay for gas and parking in Riga). Just imagine yourself with me now riding home from work (Riga-Ogre). There is a lady sitting across from us, with her little boy. They are enjoying delicious flaky pastries, that are making a mess all over. The little boy then wants to read his magazine and mother proceeds to read about parrots and other exotic animals. To our left is a young man sloped over- sleeping, at his side is another with music blaring in his headphones. Further down the isle another man seems to be preoccupied with this same occupation and is staring at us. Just before the train departs from the station, a variety of sellers go through offering their wares, usually magazines, but sometimes flashlights and all kinds of other "useful" do-dads.

That is life. A bit of a walk through Riga on a lovely March day.

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This week Janis has not been working. His back has been really troubling him. We would appreciate your prayers for that. Thank you everyone who has already been praying for him. Yet at the same time God continues to bring people across our paths for us to minister for and with- what a blessing.