Wow,
Words cannot describe how incredible this trip has been. God has been teaching me so much, and has brought our team together in amazing ways. We are all able to be open, honest, and loving, while we go through these roller coaster of emotions meeting people here. Just last week, some of the girls were experiencing some similar feelings of discontent, and with God's help and love we were able to talk to staff, come up with resolutions, and encourage each other. It was actually a very refreshing experience.
Last weekend we went on a retreat into the mountains to a camp. We were able to have some AWESOME food, refreshing mountain air, beautiful scenery, horseback riding lessons, and chill time. It was really great to get out of the city for a couple days. We all really appreciated the break, and are so glad to have gotten to see another part of the country.
Tomorrow we are going to a famous really beautiful park-- Vrlo Bosna.We're going to have a picnic, throw around the football, and just enjoy a nice Saturday with the team and some of our Bosnian friends. It will be a nice way to spend the second to last Saturday we have in Sarajevo. Next Saturday we are having our end of summer party. Then we leave for Croatia the next day, and then back to America on the 25th.
Today, Anna and I were able to meet with two of our Bosnian friends and enjoy the city. Yesterday, Megan and I went out with our two friends, Dina and Adela, and they took us shopping. I got a really cool new dress, and I am looking forward to doing more souvenir shopping for everyone!
Again, I would love to post more details...But I just don't have a chance to. So, I can't wait to talk to you when I get back to America and tell you more. Email me at julie.vaiarella@yahoo.com and let me know if you'd like a phone call!!
LOVE.
jv
Friday, June 12, 2009
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Another Quick Update!
Hey Everyone!
So we're almost half way through the trip! I can't believe it.
We're still meeting a lot of people, and getting to know them and the culture here in Bosnia.
We went to the tunnel museum last week. It was the only way for people and supplies to get in and out of the city of Sarajevo during the war. It was very interesting, and very overwhelming to see more of what the people here went through for those three years. There are still bullet holes in buildings all around the city, and many people fled the city or lost family members during that time.
The next day, we went white water rafting down the Naretva River which is about 2 hours away from Sarajevo. It was some great team bonding, and some of our Bosnian friends joined us for the trip. We all jumped in the FREEZING water...just so we could say that we went swimming in a Bosnian River.
Tomorrow we leave the city for our mid project retreat. We will get to relax for a few days and hang out with the team. We're all really excited to get a little break--we're pretty tired from walking around the city and all the activities we've been doing. We were supposed have an English workshop the other night, but it didn't work out that well because many of the students are busy with exams. But last night, we watched August Rush and got to meet some new friends.
The weather relented a bit--except we got some torrential rain for 5 days instead of dreadful heat. But that definitely helped cool of the temperature and made walking around the city for hours a day a bit more enjoyable.
Tuesday was Jimmy and Kelly's daughter Abby's 1st birthday. So the whole team came together for a little mini party to celebrate. We had some cake and treats, and enjoyed the afternoon.
I am so so sorry that I have not been able to keep up as much with this as I had hoped. I am hoping to update again soon,
Love you all!
-jv
So we're almost half way through the trip! I can't believe it.
We're still meeting a lot of people, and getting to know them and the culture here in Bosnia.
We went to the tunnel museum last week. It was the only way for people and supplies to get in and out of the city of Sarajevo during the war. It was very interesting, and very overwhelming to see more of what the people here went through for those three years. There are still bullet holes in buildings all around the city, and many people fled the city or lost family members during that time.
The next day, we went white water rafting down the Naretva River which is about 2 hours away from Sarajevo. It was some great team bonding, and some of our Bosnian friends joined us for the trip. We all jumped in the FREEZING water...just so we could say that we went swimming in a Bosnian River.
Tomorrow we leave the city for our mid project retreat. We will get to relax for a few days and hang out with the team. We're all really excited to get a little break--we're pretty tired from walking around the city and all the activities we've been doing. We were supposed have an English workshop the other night, but it didn't work out that well because many of the students are busy with exams. But last night, we watched August Rush and got to meet some new friends.
The weather relented a bit--except we got some torrential rain for 5 days instead of dreadful heat. But that definitely helped cool of the temperature and made walking around the city for hours a day a bit more enjoyable.
Tuesday was Jimmy and Kelly's daughter Abby's 1st birthday. So the whole team came together for a little mini party to celebrate. We had some cake and treats, and enjoyed the afternoon.
I am so so sorry that I have not been able to keep up as much with this as I had hoped. I am hoping to update again soon,
Love you all!
-jv
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