After catching a taxi to church through the Taxify app, we arrived and were pleasantly surprised to find two whole briefcases full of translation headsets! Frustratingly they didn't work very well, with the now three embassy families attending the branch, along with some English speaking senior missionaries and a few members of the branch from other countries that don't speak Latvian either (Finland, Poland, etc.). Since the first week though, they've improved, so we're hopeful that we'll be hearing the message clearly in English.
There wasn't an English primary class for the kids, but with the help of the missionaries and a few members that can speak well enough, the kids enjoyed their time there and left with no complaints. Briant and I had translation help from other members as well. Since the first Sunday, we have both been called to help teach classes in English. I'm teaching Savannah and Rhea along with 3 other embassy kids between 9-11 years of age, alternating with Jamie and Chad, another embassy couple. Briant is teaching Thomas' Sunday school class and playing the piano for singing time in Primary. The chorister is Cheryln from the embassy that's been here for a year already. She's working on helping the kids learn both Latvian and English for each song. They're currently preparing for the primary program in November. So it seems that things are coming together as we're being useful, at least in teaching our kids, as we try to get to know the branch members and missionaries serving in the area.
There wasn't an English primary class for the kids, but with the help of the missionaries and a few members that can speak well enough, the kids enjoyed their time there and left with no complaints. Briant and I had translation help from other members as well. Since the first Sunday, we have both been called to help teach classes in English. I'm teaching Savannah and Rhea along with 3 other embassy kids between 9-11 years of age, alternating with Jamie and Chad, another embassy couple. Briant is teaching Thomas' Sunday school class and playing the piano for singing time in Primary. The chorister is Cheryln from the embassy that's been here for a year already. She's working on helping the kids learn both Latvian and English for each song. They're currently preparing for the primary program in November. So it seems that things are coming together as we're being useful, at least in teaching our kids, as we try to get to know the branch members and missionaries serving in the area. 
Beautiful parks are plentiful
Apparently there's always something going on in the area by the freedom monument, and today was o exception. Some sort of basketball tournament.
Through Riga is the "Riga Canal." Not too big, not too little. And it's surrounded by beautiful green space. They have little boat tours and dinner boats, and apparently kayaks you can rent to ride around in.
We loved this park and bridge even before we got here. We had seen it in pictures before we came, so it was fun to finally see it and touch it for ourselves! What makes it a little more interesting are the locks that cover the bridge. They have people's names on them, usually couples. We'll have to add to it!
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