Done, Done and Done

Tonight is my last night in Gorazde and I will be leaving early in the morning to go to Croatia. I managed 3 visits today and dinner at the house with another family. I will miss the people I said goodbye to today and I hope to return here again. This is me signing off. Cao!

The Last Goodbyes

I have begun saying my goodbyes and will miss this place terribly. I am excited to return home to see the family and friends I have missed this summer. However, I knew I would always return home. I do not know if I will ever return here. I would like to say yes but cannot commit. I would love to return to see the people again whom I now love. Thanks to the Lord! I will see where the Lord leads me next and hopefully it will be here again. I hate and love this part of the work. But if I did not know the people then there would not be a special place. I would have only seen the city. You can travel to see, which I enjoy doing very much, but to know a place is to know the people. I am truly thankful for this opportunity and yet still so in awe that I was used.

This afternoon we are traveling to Sarajevo to watch the new Batman movie. I feel an adventure coming up but I am game. Tomorrow my day is filled with visits to the first people that I met here followed by dinner at our house. Gam is not feeling well so I do not know how the day will effect her but I hope she have strength until we return home on Wednesday. Sunday morning we are sightseeing in Dubrovnik, Croatia. I have seen pictures of this "Pearl of the Adriatic" and am beyond myself by its beauty. I will finally see (I'm only 23) deep blue water. YEAH!! We will then travel through Mostar, a medievial city with a grocery store similar to WalMart, and then on to Sarajevo until we EARLY Wednesday morning. Our flight is set to leave at 7:30am and we should arrive home at 7:30pm. It will be strange to leave the same day we return only 12 hours later but have been traveling for 24hours.

Raining on Our Parade

Today was my day to kayak but I woke to rain and cold weather. It would have been miserable if we would have attempted to kayak down the river. Instead we played games with the kids at the center and made glass etched frames again. It was a relaxing day. We gathered the girls and watched a chick flick and ate goodies. They loved the movie, The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants. Tomorrow is the treasure hunt and it goes on, rain or shine. T and I have prepared little bags of treasure when they are finished with junk food and pictures from the campout. I hope they enjoy them. I wonder why we aren't blessed with wonderful, sunny weather but I am not the one in control. Nothing is out of His hands and He has ordained what will happen. Despite the rain, we were able to have hang out time and one on one conversations with the campers. The captains were able to get to know their campers much better. These relationships are what makes you cry when you leave and they enter into a special place in your heart you will never forget. These relationships are what change your life. The people are the most important.

Avanture u Prirodi

We are half way through our Adventure Camp. Last Wednesday through Friday we camped out in Bosnia's National Park. I would say we were in the middle of nowhere and it was absolutely breathtaking! We took our cars and vans off-roading and on more than one occasion we pushed our cars up steep hills. We managed to take our cars past a sign that said cars were forbidden so it shouldn't have been too shocking for us. The first night was absolutely freezing and I didn't sleep at all. My tent mates beg to differ and said that I snored. I am sticking with my story. The next day, the students kayaked on the lake and hiked up to the top of the summit facing our camp ground. I swam and enjoyed the downtime when everyone was gone. During the campout, I felt I was able to get to know everyone including the members of the team better. I think I asked a million and one questions but I saw the opportunities before me. I hope that the relationships will go forwards and continue to strengthen and not go backwards during the rest of the week. We had behavior problems with 3 boys which made things difficult and frustrating. They were swearing up a storm, totally disrespectful, and thought the world revolved around them. However, I refuse to let them ruin the entire campout experience. The second night was much better and I slept like a baby. I learned that I liked to cuddle in my sleep too. We loaded up early on Friday and went to Kravice which are famous waterfalls here in Bosnia. What an amazing Creator we have! The place was crawling with snakes so my desire to swim was deterred drastically. On the way home, my car stopped to look at the Tito monument dedicated to the dictator that reigned here for centuries.

Today, I gave my testimony during devotion time and forgot about eye contact completely. oops... My nervousness showed but I was pleased to have the opportunity to reflect on how the Lord has worked in my life. I still do not understand why He predestined me to be His and why He continues to use me. Last night as I was preparing what I would say I decided to go out on the balcony for a quiet time. I heard Gam close the door but I thought, "No, big deal. She is going to bed." I continued in prayer and then when I went to go inside to bed, I realized quickly that the outside door handle was missing. I banged on the door and no response. Luckily, I had my cell phone in my pocket. I called the house three times and no answer. I called Amanda, T's roommate, and reached the man having surgery in the hospital. Teresa had been in bed for awhile and one thing I have learned in my lifetime: Beards need their sleep and if you wake them...Watch Out! So I called Caitlin, who lives across the river to call T's roommate. No answer. I called the house again. I knew what I must do. I must call Teresa or spend the night out on the balcony. I seriously thought about a night out on the balcony. Teresa had been awakened earlier in the weekend and it was not a pretty sight. LOL So instead of calling...I texted. Help! I am locked out of the house on the balcony. Sure enough, Teresa came to my rescue. Lucky for me she found it absolutely humorous and was tickled pink. She was upstairs watching television relaxing and not asleep yet. I spent the night cozied up in bed. YEA!

I also helped with the glass etching craft and began preparing things for the Treasure Hunt on Wednesday. This thing better be a hit because we have spent so much time working on it. Tomorrow I will go kayaking down the Drina.

I will begin to say my goodbyes this week and I have many mixed emotions. I am glad to return home but my heart is heavy to leave here.

Surprise! Surprise! Surprise!

Today I received a small care package in the mail. It was such a lovely surprise! Thank you Murdocks! The People magazine was a hit! We have finished our first week of Adventure Camp and I hope to write more about it when I have the time. Today, I met with another team member and we prepared the pictures for the craft next week. I then went to dinner with the girl interns and had the best meal ever! The waiter was very proud to speak to us in English and it made for a very enjoyable time. When we set down the waiter came up to our table and said, "I speak English" before we managed to utter a word. I asked him how he knew we didn't speak any Bosnian...he can just tell apparently. Caitlin and I ordered the "ram steak gentlemen" and the waiter's face was priceless. The meal consists of well done steak and french fries but I guess women don't order it often. (that or he was pulling our leg) We then went into town, where the entire city goes on the weekend dressed to the nines, and drank cappuccinos. It is now almost midnight so maybe that wasn't the best idea. I had a wonderful time rehashing the events of our summer here with the other interns.

Numbers...I ain't got to show you no stinkin' numbers!

Yesterday we began Adventure Camp and 17 kids showed. We broke into teams and did team building and get-to-know-you activities. I had a wonderful time and adopted a group of my own. However, today 10 kids showed and are going on the campout with us tomorrow. At first I seemed terribly disappointed. Our group is small to say the least and leaders out weigh the campers tremendously. It feels like we are not reaching out. But, I am only seeing the small picture. I am only seeing this still moment. I am not able to see what will happen as a result of this - that is in the hands of my Creator. He knows how many campers we will have. He knows what events will transpire. He knows the relationships that will be built. If we are truly trusting Him then the opportunities He provides with these 13 (campers and translators) will be blessed. Nothing is out of His control. There are no numbers. Why do I place success in numbers and not in Him? Why do churches continually do this also? Why do I think He cares about numbers? When I really think about it - it is the stupidest thing. I am so fortunate He forgives and has grace and mercy on me and my simple brain. I will never fully understand how great and mighty He is.

Chicken and Rice and Everything Nice

Today Gam and I spent the day with a family. We went early to learn how she made her signature dish, chicken and rice. I have to admit this is my favorite dish here. I think it is because it is the closest thing to home. During the preparation, the husband asked me if I cooked. I replied, "no, not really" and you should have seen the utter fear in his eyes. How will I ever marry? He said that I must learn and that he would teach me to make pizza when I returned to their house after he goes to the hospital in Sarajevo. I thought it was comical but I forgot how big a deal cooking is here. I do not think I would be considered a dobro riba (good fish; translated great catch) as I am useless in the kitchen. I enjoyed the laughs though. During lunch, the husband stopped eating and put down his fork. He told us he was so glad that Gam and I were here and that we were able to eat with them in their house. He had always imagined meeting us since he began to know Teresa but did not think the time would ever come. He then continued to eat in silence. He is a very sweet man who loves his wife dearly and treats her very well. There love is very comfortable and respectful with one another. The mom and I are to spend time together this week making curtains for the bookshelves in my classroom. This is another thing I cannot do....sew. (once again...not a dobro riba) I have no idea what the measurements are but will use my arms to get an estimate which is scary. I look forward to meeting the rest of the mom's family in their village sometime before I leave. Today was a fantastic day spent getting to know people. I am very glad for the opportunities that are set before me.

Waiting

Today Caitlin, Eli, Anja, Azra and I ventured to Sarajevo. We left this morning at 8 with other friends and were dropped off in Old Town. We shopped and shopped and shopped and then ate lunch followed by more shopping. It was a great time to spend with everyone and I enjoyed the city very much. Today is the anniversary of the war and we passed the mosque during the memorial service. There are many things on the news surrounding the genocide that took place here. The people are still grieving and the aftermath of war is apparent. Most are trying to move on and look to the future. We saw the oldest mosque in Bosnia and the man who does the call to prayer with just his voice. It is a very interesting thing to watch and it intrigued me so. My questioning led to a very brief discussion with a store owner. Also, while waiting for my friends to stop shopping (I was done at this point) Azra and I began to take pictures with the dummies outside the store. The candy shop worker next door noticed us and said he wanted to take his pic with Azra so we obliged. Eli called him swarmy but I am not sure if this is a real word or not. Teresa seemed to understand it. Anyway, he thought he was way cool but he liked to speak to us in English so I stayed and visited for a short time. He knew exactly where Texas was located. It is funny when people ask me where I am from. I never respond that I am from America but from Texas. Anyway, we ended our day with a walk to the bus station and began to wait at the local coffee shop. The 3:30 nicest, air conditioned bus came and we decided it was too crowded so we would wait for the 4:30 bus. Little did we know how long of a wait was actually ahead of us. 4:30 comes and no bus. 5:30 comes and no bus. 6:30 comes and no bus. At 6:35, our bus pulls in. This bus is not like the one we passed on earlier. There is no air, no windows to open and standing room only. I don't mind standing on a bus but I have no balance and fall very easily. We stood on the bus for 2 hours on very winding roads. It made for a great little adventure and I was able to talk to the girls more. I would say we bonded over this experience and I would do it all over again although I cannot speak for them.

What I Forgot

It is way past time for an update and I haven't been all that busy, I just kept putting it off. I am sorry so please accept my apology. Saturday skyped family and friends back at home and I seriously talked for hours. Amazing at how cheap talking through the internet can be, only a cent a minute. On Sunday after our meeting, I ate dinner out with my English camp translator and the other two girl interns. We had a wonderful time and I was thankful for the opportunity to know them better. We sat for 3 hours and topped it off with the best cappucinos I have ever tasted. Although, I never liked coffee in the states and forced myself to like it here -especially black and strong- these caps taste like a little slice of heaven. We made plans to go sightseeing in Sarajevo on Friday together with shopping and more coffee. Coffee is a huge deal here - HUGE!

On Monday, I sat with Teresa during Adventure Camp registration and then began work on the Treasure Hunt she planned as one of the activities. So we started off with our clues and a compass. It didn't take long to know the compass idea wasn't going to work because the roads are continually winding and we didn't have a detailed map. (streets are missing or have the wrong name) So we continued to walk to the natural spring/Muslim memorial on the outskirts of town. We walked and walked and walked some more. I thought it might be a little too far but we kept on. We arrived at the spring after a 30 minute walk and decided it wasn't worth it for the kids to walk an hour (there and back) for only one clue. But we lived and learned and began revamping.

On Tuesday, I went with Teresa and Gam to visit a family that we met when we first arrived in Gorazde. We couldn't stay long but they treated us to fruit parfaits that were delicious. They want us so badly to meet there family so we have planned a picnic by the Drina with Celapi (a famous Bosnian dish) for a Saturday coming up. Gam and I will spend the day with the family on Saturday at their house. I enjoy spending time with them and they have taught me a new card game that I hope to remember when I get home. Her husband is struggling with health issues now and the doctors require them to travel to Sarajevo every Monday. They went this week but the doctor was a no show. Here in the health system you must bribe your doctor. They will travel again on Monday but they are left to only hope the doctor will show. They have two small boys and the smallest can be a toot. Teresa compares him to me as a child. I met the dad's parents while we were there and his mom (grandma) says I am the pretty one. That has definitely become a joke in this house! Teresa says it is only because the woman is old and cannot see. The mom badly wants us to meet her mom and brothers. We hope to at the picnic.

On Wednesday, I went swimming in the Drina with friends. We stayed out awhile and I met the neighbors to the building. We swam and the water is fridged to say the least!!! Once you are in, your body begins to go numb and you lose all feeling. When I got out my skin was red but I had a nice time. Afterwards, the family invited us to lunch at their house. The house is gorgeous and the mom loves antiques and showed us a traditional Bosnian coffee room she decorated upstairs. We had soup, homemade bread, squash pie, fruit pie, salad minus the lettuce, coffee with ice cream, and juice. She said she felt so honored to serve us and would provide only the best. The mom has 30 percent of her eyesight after giving birth to her youngest daughter. Her husband is a securtiy officer at the local grocery store. Her and her husband have been married for over 20 years and she now calls him her "croc" after one of the interns taught them after while crocodile.

Today, Teresa and I finished the walking part of the Treasure Hunt and have a new game plan. She said I did my job well and she wanted me as her personal secretary. :) Then I finished the day off with a long nap on the couch and Reba Season 1.

Now to what I forgot - PEOPLE. At home, I always rush to get things done and I completely bypass people. I overlook family, friends, coworkers, people I deeply care about and people I hardly know. I never spent enough time investing in their personal stories, in their life. I hurry about my business and my time and forget to care. I ask how are you doing and then not stop to listen for the response. I would move on as though the question was only a formality. I want to truly know people. Here, I visit complete strangers in there homes and they lavish the best of what they have on me and they just want to sit and talk. I hope to truly care and know the people when I return home. I regret having overlooked the people I care so much about.

Restroom Break

I have found that the kids love playing charades. We play charades just about everyday to practice our vocabulary words and now I have them putting their answers in complete sentence form. (such a teacher, I know) This has worked extremely well and they always want to keep playing. Why mess with something that works? We played pictionary but it didn't go as well so today we are back to charades. My translator is amazing! We work very, very well together and she uses a stern voice with the kids when I do. She will tell them to "tsheena" (be quiet) and listen. Discipline is not considered a high priority especially with the boys. Even in school they are not asked to respect each other or the teachers or even their parents. The boys are allowerd to do what they want and when they want to. This is what I have seen first hand but know this is not true for every household or every boy in Bosnia. My translator is 17 and will start her senior year in August. She is very stylish and reminds me of one of my college roommates, Julie. Teresa told me she likes me as well which is fantastic. I could not have asked for a better translator to help me in the classroom.

Yesterday during camp I had to take a quick restroom break during classes. I told the translator and took off. The group coming up next was my wildest group so I didn't think I could leave them. When I returned, I opened the door to see the ENTIRE class sitting at their benches waiting without a sound. I came in utterly speechless and they applauded. They were so excited to see me. They thought I had left and hadn't told them goodbye. So I bragged and bragged and bragged on them.

After camp we headed to an interns house to have a get together for my last group. It didn't go as smoothly as I had hoped and needed a drink afterwards but I think they had a good time. I broke up a game of spin the bottle and truth or dare. These games transcend all languages and cultures and I am not stupid. On my way home, I managed to take a stroll down make-out alley...apparently I was feeling adventurous. :) I now know why there aren't any lights on at night. I hope to post pictures up of my classroom and apartment soon. I am enjoying my time here. The pace of life is much slower and relationships are cherished above all else which can be a good and bad thing.

English

Today begins the second week of Hope English Camp. I am loving teaching my four groups. The groups range in age from 6-15 so there is quite an age gap. I have always loved the younger ages hence my career but this past week I have enjoyed immensely my middle schoolers. I never thought the day would come where I would enjoy this age group but I do. Tonight, for my oldest group, Gam has sponsored a pizza party. I look forward to strengthened relationships with the preteens.

Flyin' First Class, Livin' The Life

Gam and I left DFW airport with minor delays due to storms but made our connecting flight to Vienna just in time. While standing in line, an attendant dressed in red from head to toe including red hose and red high heeled shoes asked for our boarding passes and escorted us out of line. We, of course, had no idea what was going on but we follow directions well. She took us to the desk and printed us new boarding passes. Gam asked, "What is going on?" My reply, "I have no idea." She then took us to another boarding door that let us onto the plane cutting in front of at least 100 people. We walked onto the plane wandering where our new seats were. My new seat 7H and hers 7G. As we boarded, we were greeted with Austrian smiles and accents. I then noticed first class with its grassy green colored carpet, light baby powder blue walls, and purple chairs with an unbelievable amount of leg room. Then I noticed row 6 and seats 6H and 6G. Hmmm....After teaching Kindergarten, I know exactly what number comes after 6. 7! No....we must have the seats directly behind the curtained heaven I thought. Nope...we were upgraded to reclining chairs (I could actually lay down) with blankets and pillows and 5 course meals and wine and anything else my heart desired. I sat down but refused to buckle or put my things away in fear that at any moment the red clad flight attendants would escort me to my real seat. But no....so I buckled, settled in, and took off in complete amazement. Then I began to think after overhearing the two teenage girls in front of me. My first thought was spoiled rotten. They were barking orders to the attendants and wanting this and that and expecting it immediately. I, on the other hand, sat comfortably and wondered if these goodies had an extra price tag. The girls had clearly never flown coach. Heavens NO! Then I began to think some more. I did nothing different than the other 100 people in line or the 200 some odd people behind me. I did nothing to be sitting in my little "heaven." I know it is a stretch to compare my salvation with first class but go with it. I then realized how often I act like the girls in front of me. I ask God for things that I want and expect them immediately. I focus on my comfort, my needs, what I think is best, and my timing. Notice a pattern? ME! ME! ME! Why can't I stand before God like I sit in first class? Completely stunned by the things presented before me feeling grateful and unworthy.

Ohh...and did I mention the personal chef?

AHHHHH!

I have taken a break from packing and have entered the online blogging world. I am deciding how to fit 6 weeks of my "junk" into a plenty big enough suitcase. I will need to downsize. Why do I think I need so much stuff?

Back to business - My grandmother, Gam, and I leave for Gorazde, Bosnia on Tuesday, June 17th and arrive back July 31st. I will be teaching English for 2 weeks to students ages 6-12. We will then have a week of relaxation (which I think will be humanitarian aid) followed by 2 weeks of Adventure Camp which includes hiking, camping, kayaking, and swimming for teenagers (ages 13-17).

I am feeling a range of mixed emotions as I prepare to leave i.e. the picture above. (I know it isn't the most flattering picture but it is fitting) During this time, I hope to only focus on why I am doing what I am doing. Why am I going? Why am I sacrificing my summer? Why am I shoving games I have created into my suitcase? The sole reason is to make the Word of the Lord known and to do all things for His glory. Why is He using me? A lowly sinner who just can't seem to learn? By His grace and mercy are the only answers I can give. I reread through my journal last week and I found an entry dating back to January 2005. I began to pray then that the Lord would provide the opportunity for me to spend a summer in Bosnia with my aunt. The timing is now right (3 years later) and the Lord has orchestrated this trip. I thank the Lord for this opportunity to serve with my grandmother and my aunt in this special way. I am grateful for Gam and her loving, self sacrificing, servant heart that has encouraged me to follow the Lord and made this trip possible.

Prayer Requests for our trip:

-The long trip will be strenuous on Gam so please pray she will not be in too much pain and she will be in good health.

-That we will enjoy doing the Lord's work and not become stressed, bogged down or discouraged. Especially with me teaching English for two weeks. That we will remember why we are doing what we are doing?

-That the relationships with me, Teresa, and Gam will be strengthened as well as the relationships with visiting teams and the Bosnian people.

-The Lord will be glorified in everything we do and it will be evident.