When you look at Liga’s life – you just see a fairy-tale: most beautiful woman, most wonderful marriage, greatest husband and true zest for life. She makes a beautiful home, spoils people with her love and unfailing friendship. She is honest to the last bone, caring to the last tear. Her foundation in life is solid. She found strength in her corner stone, transforming her own life into the foundation for many.

I was born 1962, 6th February, in Latvia, in the most beautiful small town - Sigulda. During school time and university I did very seriously cross-country skiing. That is what I used to do - training 6 times per week, at the training camps 3 times per day. Always healthy and working 2-3 jobs at a time.

At the age of 25 I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, surgery followed. For the next 18 years I was such a healthy and fit person, that I even forgot that I had such a disease once.

In 1997 I came to South Africa with an Olympic athlete for a training camp. I was his first coach and we were busy preparing for a new season for the 800m race. I was not going to stay in South Africa, but today, as a follower of Jesus Christ, I understand why all this did happen to me. He had a plan for me that I was not aware of.

On the training field I met Sonja. She invited me to stay with her family. Only later did she tell me, that she was not concerned about me having to learn English or get a job, her quiet wish was that maybe one day I would become a Christian. I did not have any religious background.

Few days later I met my future husband - Gawie. He led me to Christ. I always thought that I could catch him out with my questions about Christianity, but the more I asked, the more I got satisfied in my search. And that brought me to Christ.

Gawie is a domenie, but very unordinary. God really gave me the best: lover, supporter, admirer and a soul mate. I gave my heart to the Lord in 1999. It was a long process, lots of challenges and learning curves to get to know Him better. My friends in Latvia used to comment on photos I sent to them: that my eyes have changed. It was not I - it was Jesus working in me. My friends saw softness and love.

With Him I am standing strong, He has sorted my life out, put things into perspective, gave most needed answers and made me peaceful. I am not a still person, but that stillness and love that I got from Him - are impossible to get by yourself.

In 2004 my cancer cunningly came back, it was a shock and I must admit, it has not been easy since. So many times I have been so low and empty, but I had a person to whom I could call up - Jesus! I said to Him: “I am ready, if You want to take me - Your will”.

At least I know where I am going - to a better place, but I am still scared of pain and suffering. But above all I know - He is by my side and helping me through all these difficult days, and I can go on, it is not my time yet.

Sometimes I feel God has really forgotten me and I give in, but miraculously He shows up in times when I am most desperate and then I cry glorious tears. What a feeling that you are loved even when I am not reaching out for Him for a long time!

He just picks up my pieces and I can smile and laugh, and admire His grace!

I am going through chemotherapy for a second time in the past four years, lots of pricks, drips, medicine, pains and emotional ups and downs. I had a life threatening operation in 2006. I decided to praise Him in whatever circumstances - and it works!

So people, do not waste your time - give it to Him!

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