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.