Treats or Jokes

Hello Everyone,

I wanted to write today about imported holidays here, one in particular. As we moved through October we noticed in Rimi, a sort of mini super Wal Mart store, where we do a lot of shopping, a few costumes, make-up and ceramic pumpkins. Of course we knew what this was about but not too many Latvians seemed to know, or for that matter be very interested.

On the night of the 31st we had just sat down to dinner went he doorbell began to ring frantically. I went to the door and was greeted by one of the children that I had seen around the complex dressed like a princess. She began to explain to me in Latvian why she was dressed that way. There were three other children in the hallway one of which was dressed like a bunny. Bunny was holding the one basket that they all seemed to be sharing. When I got that "I don't have the slightest idea what you are saying" look on my face, Bunny held up the basket and very seriously said, "Treats or jokes!" Then Princess said, "It's Halloween night!"

Fortunately Kathy had purchased a couple of packages of Skittles to do a project with Nate. I went to the cabinet, got the Skittles and when I went back to the door, dropped them into the basket. "Paldies!" Princess and Bunny said in unison. Since we are at the end of the hallway after my contribution they all ran toward the elevator.

As I returned to my dinner I wondered what I would see on the next imported holiday, "Valentine's Day"!

Hope the fall has been good as we celebrate the Lord's blessings.

Seeking to serve,

Paul, Kathy & Nate