success!

I guess everyone has their own definition of success, but in the "volunteer-group-trip" category, my own definition includes plenty of new experiences, helping and being useful, making new friends, and good times all around. 

So...I'm happy to report that the first (but hopefully not last) Knoxite visit to Estonia was a smashing success!

The boys arrived Monday. The plane was slightly delayed (due to a number of circumstances, including misplaced library books, passports, and chicken wings), and although we didn't get to go out for dinner, we did have 'lihapirukad' on the road, which I think was almost as good (other new food experiences of the week included: four different kinds of porridge, rye-garlic bread, "kohukesed," tatrapuder, pilvi's sauerkraut, kiluvôileivad). In fact, throughout the week, like true Canadians they politely ate everything that was put in front of them. (I was less polite when confronted with fish sandwiches for breakfast.)

On Tuesday, we visited a halfway house for Estonian and Russian boys. Alex, Patrick, Ken and Glenn played, sang, and shared some experiences. And, afterwards, the team mercilessly smoked the boys at a "friendly" soccer game.

Wednesday was manual labour day (lawn mowing and wood chopping mainly), and Thursday the boys led the Rakke congreation in an amazing service.  But the fun really began on Friday! Despite twisted ankles (Alex), sore backs (me), and sheer exhaustion, camp was lots of fun. Highlights included: unhealthy amounts of soccer and baseball, two campfires (including one massive bonfire), and the introduction of a previously unknown, yet timeless, camp activity: making gimp bracelets. Even before it was over, kids were asking about next year's camp! And the "teismelised" (teenagers) told us that camp was "lahe" (cool). 

Finally, our last weekend in Tallinn was everything a Presbyterian weekend in Eastern Europe should be! (...and if you don't know what that is, I'm certainly not going to tell). See the pictures that will be posted on flickr in the next few days, or ask one of the boys for more details. 

Next time you see them, be sure to thank Alex, Ken, Glenn, and Patrick for doing an amazing job representing Canada! And Knox! 

...I'll join you: Thank you!!!!!