19. Jul 2025

Vaišvydava - Daukšiagires

Photo 1: One of the many wood sculptures that are found in villages on the side of the road.

Photo 2: Dog greeters...

Photo 3: A Lithuanian hill...

Photo 4: Storks surrounded by clouds...

Photo 5: There were four of us staying at the hostel in Daukšiagires. It is an old manor in the middle of no where. I was so happy that the host offered to prepare meals, because otherwise I would have had to either carry a lot of food for the weekend plus breakfast and lunch for Monday, or eaten a number of cans of tuna fish.

Across the street from the hostel is a mansion that is used for private gatherings. When I arrived, a wedding was taking place. A man was sitting in the shade with a small child across from the entry to the mansion. I asked if he spoke English and knew what was going on. He said that his wife was performing the wedding ceremony, but that it was not a religious one. I told him that I was a pastor and also had done a number of weddings. He said that he and his wife were not religious, but maybe some day they would come around to it. I said that I was also not religious and explained the difference between being religious and following Jesus. I then offered to pray for him and his family, which he gladly accepted. I think it was a knock on his heart from heaven.

In the photo to the left is Emilis. After a few days, he caught up with me again. I was very happy to see him. Next to him is Iya from Latvia with her 79 year old father. They are both active in developing the Camino Latvia. We had a great time together at the communal meal in the evening. For the picture Iya got the Latvian Camio scarves for her and her father and also gave one to me and Emilis.

Emilis and I continued to talk after the meal. I explained what happened in the Garden of Eden that messed human history up, and how Jesus came to give us a new start with God. We prayed together for that new start in his life. I told Emilis that we are now spiritual brothers through our faith connection with Jesus.

It was a good week... and I am looking forward to my day of rest tomorrow.