Off with the old – and on with the new

A view over the Old Town

Tallinn really is a beautiful city in which to live. One blessing of the quiet summer programme here in Estonia is the opportunity to indulge in walks during the free evenings. We continued our exploration of the Old Town this week - the history and charm of this place is fascinating – and enjoyed the blessings of the local park in Kadriog. As we sat yesterday to read and enjoy the sunshine we saw a number of wedding groups dotted around the park; making the most of the wonderful setting for their special photos. All those ‘new beginnings’ being celebrated and recorded!

As we walked through the Japanese garden we tried to imagine what the park will look like in just a couple

The park in Kadriog

of months. Having arrived in Estonia during the height of summer we have been warned regularly about the harsh (and long) winters! It is almost impossible to imagine the beautifully tended park buried under deep snow and all those carefully nurtured flower beds hidden. Will the park still throb with activity when deep in snow? We wait to see. It is not until you have seen a city through a full year’s life cycle that you begin to understand the flow of life; the changes, the apparent ‘dying’ and hibernation of the winter and the return to new life in the spring. We look forward to it.

At the moment we are caught up in that natural cycle as it impacts Salvation Army life. These are ‘move days’ – this week officers and centre leaders in Estonia have been moving home. Today we travel 190 kms due south to Tartu to install Maxim an Dina (cadet and candidate) as assistant leaders. It will be our first corps visit outside of Tallinn and we are excited to meet our army family. During this coming week we will

Maxim and Dina farewell from Kopli corps

welcome Aleksey and Julia as they take up new officer appointments in Tallinn. In both places there is nervousness and a sense of anticipation among corps members, staff and residents.  What will the new folks be like? How will they settle? What will they change? As they acclimatise to their new surroundings there will inevitably be adjustment. Rather like the snow covered park, things will inevitably slow for a while as they come to terms with their new surroundings and responsibilities. But, as they find their feet and build new relationships, life will return. It’s the natural process of Army life.

As if to emphasise this –and remind us that no rank in the Army world is exempt from this cycle – we watched with interest as the new General was announced yesterday. We are thrilled that a former TC of Finland and Estonia has been elected (well, with Commissioners Dick K. and Andre C. nominated we had a 40% chance!!). General Cox is a man of God; intelligent, well-travelled, a gifted linguist, business like, not afraid to make hard decisions and – (based on the times I was privileged to share and meet with him as we developed an Emergency training programme) he is a really nice guy with a great sense of humour. 

We remember all those, from General to cadet/candidate, who are moving and taking up new responsibilities this month. As each move into their new roles may the fog of confusion clear rapidly, may the sense of belonging develop soon, may vision for future ministry be clarified and may God bless and guide our Army.