Living in two worlds.

These are unique days for us....a roller coaster really, of emotions, feelings, nostalgia, memories, anticipation, hope, faith, heartache, thankfulness, certainty, uncertainty.....etc. To the beloved here in Tallinn...how we miss you already...these days we know we are doing and experiencing many things with you for maybe the last time...but how we will ALWAYS remember you...love you and miss you...treasure the season God, by His great grace gave us together...And if you are ever visiting Philadelphia you will always have welcome in our home....To our new Church family in Philadephia...for many reasons that we will explain..we know that Gods hand is all over this move! To come back to Philadelphia after all these years (Phil went to training from Philly in 1983) is "beyond all we could ask or think"...an inner city appointment... and so much more give us a deep assurance that this is ALL of HIM. Living in two worlds...glad it doesnt happen too often..But actually, that is the call of Scripture isnt it! To be in but not of the world...strangers and aliens...to pitch our tents for a season. Grace and peace in fullest measure....Phil and Susan

A sight we have become very familiar with...and a sight we will come to miss very much...The Salvation Army Kopli Corps (Paastearmee) in Tallinn. That is Krystal on the front porch! 

Our Emma with her "My Size" Barbie!.....This "doll" has been dragged into our bedroom at four am when Emma had a bad dream! Imagine that picture! Phil, Susan, Emma and a three foot barbie! 

Christmas dinner at the Wittenbergs....our guests? Whitney on the right front and Pia left rear....Susan did another great job with our feast...and we found Sweedish turkeys this year!! 

Over Christas Whitney from Sidney Ohio was our guest...Megs best friend from our last church.....That is Meg on the left and Whitney on the right. 

The lovely and beautiful Susan.....see below! 

OK. We confess, these are two of the Wittenbergs favorite eating places in Tallinn...Tiina Pizza (Tiina actually serves us when we go!) and the Coffee Shop right next door! The next picture up was taken during our last visit to Tiinas....Can anyone identify the UFO? 

Just before Christmas we went to Maire and Toivos house for a delicious Christmas Dinner!....And guess who showed up? Joulu Mees (Santa Claus)...He bears a strange resemblance to.....no, it cant be.....Mario?? Note, in keeping with Estonian culture how....skinny...Santa is..... 

Party Evangelism...and some very sad news

Not sure if anything has been written about this...but we have found something that works here in Tallinn...lets call it Party Evangelsim.....Big celebrations, incorporating your regular programs, but with a special emphasis in a party atmosphere...We had a watermellon party which was a big success, and now is the time of year for the Corps Christmas Parties. The really great thing is that the Gospel is preached and kids are given the opportunity to respond! A special thanks to Mailis for all her work on these parties and the creative ways in which she has presented the Word! We will be having our Lines party, Lasnamae party and Social Work Party the first week in January...keep looking.

The very sad news we had to announce this week is that the Wittenberg family is being transferred back to the States in January. We love you...all of you...our Church here, what God has done here, we will never be the same..you have touched us is deep and profound ways..we are forever different and better people for having served Him here....Our approach to ministry will never be the same...

Some of our Pensioners enjoy the meal at the Church Christmas Party! Delicious food! 

Major Susan and our Emma at the Church Christmas Party.....arent these two beautiful women?? 

Jacob, Siiri and Major Susan during a brief pause in the action! 

Getting ready for fun and games at the PPK Christmas Party...about 50 turned out for a great night of fellowship, fun, and a great Gospel presentation by Mailis! 

Rein at the PPK...Pere Piibli Kool...Family Bible School..Party...Rein is a great thinker...always keeps me challeneged in Adult Bible Study with his questions!! 

While on Mission Team...Susan and Tim Clarke had a surprise visit from Dave Payton, who is a Salvation Army pastor from the US serviing in Russia. 

Carolina from the Mission Team and the Tallinn Kopli Corps 

This is the Mission Team on their last visit to Finland for ministry. Susan spent a fulfilling, rewarding, exhausting year as the Team leader as the team made many trips to Corps and Centers throughout Estonia and Finland. 

The Kopli Corps Womens Club visits the local Childrens Hospital here in Tallinn. 

We all know what this is. 

Weekend in London!

Susan and I were able to "get away from it all" (we didnt need Calgon) and go to London for a weekend! We loved all the free stuff...National Gallery, Victoria and Albert Museum, National Gallery......meeting up with Ruth....Starbucks......McMuffins at McDonalds.....each other company (o, that falls in the "free", no "priceless" catergory)..enjoy the pics.

Susan and our good friend Ruth...great to reunite with her afer she spent a year with us here at our church in Tallinn! 

How far will I take my dear wife for a cup of Starbucks???!! 

For you Uncle Dan - The British War Museum! 

For you Aunt Cyndy....You favorite chruch, taken through the National Gallery! 

Susan in Hyde Park on a beautiful morning! 

Thanksgiving Day!

Well, Thursday was a regular work day here....so we waited until Sunday for our Thanksgiving meal. For the first time in two years we found sweet potatoes..but, alas, this year, no turkey....we bought GOOSE! The jury is still out about goose as a substitute for turkey...but everything was SO DELICIOUS! Enjoy the pics.

Apple Cider! Meg, Kristi and Emma! 

This is Kristi Tiks...better known as "Techno Kristi", the women who rescues Phil from PowerPoint!! Kristi is a great young Christian women. She has been offered a job with The Salvation Army in Hawaii!! She leaves us December 13, we are REALLY going to MISS YOU Kristi! 

Sweet potatoes (maguskartullid), green beans, mashed potatoes,.....Great job Susan...We had to settle for goose this year...no turkeys to be found...Bird flu fear? I dont know...It was delicious!