Behind the Boot

40 weeks +1 day

2012-01-28T07:14:00.000+01:00

I'm feeling good and still getting around.

I now get to see my doctor every morning as they want to keep an eye on any contractions as well as the baby's heartbeat.

The heartrate is good.

Contractions are non-existent.

So......

Mom is getting lessons in getting her phone pictures onto the computer.

We are enjoying all the gifts from home. AMAZING FOLKS! Thank you all!

I'm showing mom around our big kitchen so she knows where everything is.

one day to due date, ?? days to actual arrival

2012-01-26T05:24:00.001+01:00

Grandma Joy and Little Landon who arrived Sunday, weighing in at just under 6 lbs.

Grandma Joy is on her way. I talked to her yesterday as she was heading to the airport. It's nice to have a tangible arrival date in my head. 12:30 p.m., January 26, 2012. The baby on the other hand could keep us in suspense for who knows how much longer. I'm o.k. with that, but it sure is nice to know that my mom is already on this side of the ocean and that I'll be seeing her in just a few more hours.

There has been plenty to keep my thoughts busy..... little Landon decided to come two weeks early (congrats B and C on baby #2!). I think he knew his grandma needed to meet him before her trip to Bosnia. Plus we just found out that we have another nephew on the way (on the Kavedzic side). Let's here it for boys. Our little girl is going to have her work cut out for her.

Week 39

2012-01-16T13:06:00.000+01:00

Week 39

I'm 39 weeks pregnant. 39. That's only one week away from 40. The baby is busy finding new ways to make me uncomfortable and the waves of anxiousness and excitement are all mixed up. We've visited the hospital and confirmed with a doctor that Z can be with me during the birth. I'm pretty sure the doctor expected to receive some sort of "gift" during our interview. Despite the numerous posters on the hospital walls that promote a corruption-free environment, there is still a lot of money that passes under the table. We will not be passing any money that way, even though that could mean not getting as good as care as those who do.

I will be in a room with other women during labor, but once it comes time to deliver Z and I can be together in the delivery room. No other visitors are allowed during my stay at the hospital, mainly due to the fact that recovery is done back at the room with the other women. That is not such a big deal though, because when everything goes fine and the baby is healthy, most women are free to go home within a 24 hour period. There is a nurse who will visit us at home a few times during the first weeks and already we've had some friends let us know that if there is anything we might need, they are more than happy to come and help out. Plus my mom will be here in 10 days.

This post is getting rather long, but I have one more thing to say: I'm really, really glad that we decided to have the baby here. Yes, there are still a lot of unknowns about the hospital and how things will go and if I'll even be able to communicate in Bosnian. But this is where we feel God wants us to live, and we want to fully live where he has placed us. This morning I was at the doctors for some tests (everything is looking good) I had a good conversation with the lady waiting beside me about what I am doing here and how I like it. That would never happen if we had chosen to deliver somewhere else. These conversations seem to be happening a lot lately. Then last night at church, they had a special prayer time for us. As I was surrounded by Bosnian women (and a few men) praying for God's hand of protection over the baby and the upcoming birth, I was struck by how much closer I feel to them because of our choice to be here for the birth. I need these women, their advice, their wisdom, their prayers. I may be far from 'home', but God has truly provided us with amazing support right where we are.

In Search of Snow

2012-01-08T11:46:00.000+01:00

Saturday was Z's brother's birthday.

We had a few goals: celebrate together, get out of the city, find a place with fresh air....and SNOW.

Just 45 minutes away we found the perfect place:

Pridolci Ski Hill

Z enjoyed the ski hill while his brother did a little sledding. I hung out in the lodge with sister-in-law T and little E.

I'm not sure how everyone else enjoyed the day, but it was just what I needed. Maybe next time I will be able to get out on the mountain myself.

More Than Meets the Eye

2011-12-28T12:36:00.003+01:00

I feel like there is a transformer inside me, morphing into every possible shape and form in order to escape. Therefore I have decided to make this whole week, rest week. I have just entered month 9 of pregnancy and resting seems like a great idea. Everything I've been reading says that during the ninth month you will probably experience bursts of energy (check) intermingled with bursts of exhaustion (check, check, check). I also read that leg cramps during the night are more frequent (check). The list goes on, but I have decided to stop reading. Maybe if I don't know what I'm suppose to experience, I just might skip the bad things.


Christmas Day with Family Kavedzic

Standing front and center while 36 weeks pregnant is never a good idea.

2011-12-23T09:12:00.004+01:00

Merry Christmas!

Just found out the package my mom sent over a month ago cleared customs two days ago. We just might have presents under our tree after all.

Snow and Mistletoe

2011-12-19T11:04:00.000+01:00

Yesterday Z brought me home some mistletoe.

Then this morning we woke up to snow.

It's a great start to Christmas Week.

God sees to it

2011-12-05T09:56:00.001+01:00

I just need to say a big THANK YOU! to all those people who have blessed us with an amazing amount of things for Baby K. I especially want to say a thank you to the folks at Cotton Babies. They have provided us with a perfect supply of diapers. If you are interested in learning more about them, cotton diapers or how you can donate for other missionaries you can check them out at Cotton Babies.

Thank you everyone and thank you God for the reminder that you truly are Jehovah Jirah, the God who will see to it!

Small Discoveries

2011-12-05T09:35:00.001+01:00

I crashed this weekend. No joke, I think I slept away more hours on Saturday than I spent awake. I guess I had more pent up anxiety about the defense than I realized. We did manage to do a little bit of real celebrating though. Saturday night we headed down-town to try out a little Christmas shack we'd seen go up last week. Mulled wine, punch, teas and waffles all straight from Austria. Then yesterday Z took me to check out Vlasic, the nearest ski mountain. We didn't find any snow, but plenty of mud and beautiful views. I'm looking forward to a trip back there once there's a little more white on the scene.

2011-12-03T11:27:00.001+01:00

When I began seminary 2 1/2 years ago I didn't realize that I would have to write a huge dissertation, let alone defend it. I'm sure it was in the fine print somewhere, but I was completely oblivious. That's probably a good thing. I'm not sure I would have been as excited to start the program knowing that it would have to end with me being put on the hot seat for an hour.


The first 15 minutes of the defense I presented the paper, explaining why the community aspect of spiritual formation is worthy of thesis work, highlighting the main points of the dissertation and recognizing areas of weakness in the final copy. This was the easy part.

After 30 minutes of being grilled by the panel, they dismissed me in order to discuss my grade.


The final outcome: I passed with a 4 on a scale of 1-5 (which means: very good).

Let's hear it for happy endings.

Dissertation Defense

2011-11-30T19:08:00.001+01:00

It is official. My dissertation defense has been scheduled: Friday, December 2, 2011, 11:00am.
I've been preparing for the last few days, getting myself psyched up for an hour of being on the hot-seat.
Though a little nervous, I'm really excited about getting school wrapped up.

I'm also feeling just fine about going in to this 32 weeks pregnant. A little sympathy never hurt anyone. Right?

Apple Pie

2011-11-30T18:58:00.001+01:00

I had to leave the house before the pie was done. Z was in charge of pulling it out of the oven...I didn't know he liked apple pie so much.

Confession: I did help straighten out the edges.

So Full

2011-11-26T11:07:00.001+01:00

Thanksgiving 2011.
Wonderful friends and family. Amazing food. A 3 hour game of 'Cities and Knights.'
I think I need a few more days to recoup.

Not pictured: Z (who was taking the pic) and this little guy. Nephew E, thank you for making life so fun!

Full Length Mirror

2011-11-21T10:43:00.001+01:00

31 Weeks

Last week I caught a glance of myself in a full length mirror at the in-laws. Seeing my full-self took me by surprise. I just keep growing and growing. After hearing me go on and on about how weird it was to see myself (except for my head) S and T insisted we take theirs since it was hiding behind the couch anyways. I kind of forgot how convenient they can be, as well as addicting.

1983

2011-11-20T15:16:00.001+01:00

I received this from my parents today. I just made my week. Happy Thanksgiving!

Mostar

2011-11-18T13:22:00.001+01:00

The Bible School in Mostar

Enjoying the old part of Mostar with C., a fellow OMer and student for the week.

Mostar, a city in the Herzegovina part of Bosnia-Herzegovina. It is divided by a river; splitting the population into two major groups: Catholic and Muslim. There is a Bible School there as well. They offer classes for two weeks every four months or so. This week's class was on Isaiah. I jumped at the chance to take part. Not only was I able to hang out in a cool town, I got to spend a week studying my favorite book of the Bible and get credit for it. I have a bit more reading to do and a little writing, but my last elective is about ready to be checked off the list (I also got an email yesterday concerning the planning for my dissertation defense, the end is getting very near!).

The Catholic side of Mostar

The Muslim side of Mostar

The Old Bridge

Wrong Uniform

2011-11-10T13:11:00.001+01:00

Each time I visit the doctor, he asks if my jeans are getting tight. I always show him that I am sporting pregnancy jeans and that the elastic on top still has room to be stretched. This seems to relieve him, but he still asks at the next visit.

Tuesday morning I attended my first session of pregnancy classes. There are eight of us total and I quickly realized that I was the only one in jeans. They were all wearing black tights and large sweaters.

This is when the light bulb came on. My jeans were all passed down to me from other Americans. I've never actually seen a pair of pregnancy jeans for sale here. The doctor keeps asking me about my jeans because it is so strange to see a pregnant lady wearing them. I've unknowingly been wearing the wrong uniform. But folks, I'm not about ready to stop. Though I love me a nice pair of black tights, they are not the warmest things in the world, and Bosnia gets cold. My jeans are here to stay.

Here's a belly shot for the day.

This is not actually me though, it is my sister-in-law C.

She's a few weeks behind me with their second child.

Yeah for growing families.

The Art of Persistancy

2011-11-10T13:00:00.000+01:00

A month ago we decided to change internet providers. We figured that if we registered for the new service a month in advance it would give us plenty of time to cancel our current provider and get the new one hooked up without having to go without internet. No such luck. We just completed 8 days of being without internet. It felt like forever. Who knew that I was that reliant on having internet in my house. Every morning, first thing, Z would head down to the provider to make sure that we were on the list for getting internet that day. Every morning they said yes. Every evening we went to bed disappointed. This morning I decided to go with him. 2 hours later, internet was up and running. I like to think that my presence had something to do with it. Either that or Z's persistence paid off. Either way I'm really glad to be connected to the world again.

The good thing about not having internet is that it gives you plenty of time to do other things.....like set up a new bed frame and begin rearranging the apartment for a new arrival.

It's a good thing we have a few months to deal with finishing touches.

2011-10-31T12:29:00.002+01:00

Though it hasn't been rainy, the clouds have been low and everything feels damp.

It is getting crispier now. Perfect weather for marching through the leaves.

Z made it back home just in time; After three days of hiding behind the sewing machine, I was ready for a change of scenery.

Last year's hiking sprees seem a lifetime ago, but we made due with a long walk in the park.

When the Cat's Away, the Mice Will Play

2011-10-31T12:19:00.003+01:00

Z went out of town for a few days. He had a counselor's seminar in Croatia and he delivered my freshly printed thesis to the seminary. What to do, no husband, no major deadlines to meet. I dug through my pile of scrap material and got to work. Baby K, your first blanket is almost done.

Bosnia's Future - The Cafe - Al Jazeera English

2011-10-20T12:47:00.000+02:00

For those who have a bit more time.
This video is 47 minutes and from a secular point of view.

Bosnia's Future - The Cafe - Al Jazeera English

Insights into BiH

2011-10-20T12:32:00.001+02:00

2Ch 7:14 "... if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land."

I have lived in Bosnia-Herzegovina for a year, but there is so much I still have to learn about this intriguing country. Here are two articles/videos I was shown today. They have a lot to say about the spiritual atmosphere and the future hope of BiH.

Fighting-the-Ghosts-of-Bosnia-with-Love-Hope
Bosnians-Find-Prototype-to-Heal-Divided-Nation

Update on Baby K

2011-10-18T16:05:00.001+02:00


26 weeks

Baby K is now weighing about 2 pounds and has fully developed hearing. Z has started carrying on full conversations with her, two sided of course and very entertaining for everyone within earshot (which is normally just me and the baby). She responds by kicking me in the ribs and giving me side aches.

Istanbul

2011-10-18T15:59:00.002+02:00

Happy Anniversary to us. After hearing that best friend Kate would be in Istanbul so her husband could run in a race, I begged Z to let us join them. It didn't actually take much begging and since it's only an hour flight away, it didn't take much planning either. Despite the rain, we spent our first anniversary enjoying the sights, sounds and tastes of Turkey. Thanks Kate and family, it was a special treat getting to hang out with such great people in such a cool place.

Enjoying the ferry ride to the Asia side of Istanbul


Looking a little tired beside the vibrant Kate and lovely Bea (the tourist-ing took it out of me:)

Hagai Sophia

Starbucks of course.....what better place to get a chai tea latte fix

Checking out the Grand Bazaar

The Blue Mosque

Mosaic in the Chora Church

More than Survival

2011-10-11T09:29:00.002+02:00

We got through the hard week. It really wasn't all that hard. Not easy, but not as hard as I thought. We had a nice time with the family, though it was short. We had a young couple move to our town to help with a few different ministries going on here. I even got the latest draft of my thesis turned into my mentor. Time just marches on.

But most excitedly, the hard week has ushered us into the celebration of our first year of marriage. Our anniversary is on Sunday. ONE YEAR. My lands. And it has been more than wonderful. Here is a slideshow we put together for my mom as she shared with a women's Bible study group last night.

This Week

2011-10-03T10:12:00.002+02:00

Tetka during our August visit with her in Serbia.

It is kind of hard starting a new week, knowing that it is not going to be the easiest week, knowing that there are some difficult things ahead. A year ago this week Z's mom passed away from ovarian cancer. Sadness seems to hit in waves, and though they have slowed down and calmed over the last year, I know that they will hit again this week. Z's tetka (aunt) and cousin will be in town to commemorate her passing. As good as it will be to see them, it is going to be emotional, really emotional. Prayers are welcome.

Coming Together

2011-09-26T12:59:00.002+02:00

This weekend I took a last minute trip up to the seminary in Osijek (Croatia). My mentor was stopping in to visit some friends, so I hopped on the train in order for us to have a good face to face conversation about my thesis. The meeting went well and I feel like the massive blob of writing I've been doing over the last month actually has hope of becoming something distinct. There is some editing to be done, a little whittling here and there and some additions to be made, but the lumpy mass is beginning to take shape. At this rate the final copy will be ready by the end of October and I'll be in a room full of professors defending my thesis before December. I never thought I would be excited for my defense, but since it marks the end of all this hard work, I'm definitely excited.
I'm also excited about little baby K. Today's doctor's appointment went smoothly and the ultrasound revealed what I've been suspicious of all along. Our little Smokvica is a girl. The doctor prefaced the word "girl" with "it's looking like," but that was a good enough excuse for me to go out and buy a little dress for next summer. I figured blue is safer than pink, but then again, it's a dress. It's not like I'd put it on a boy anyway. It may not be the wisest purchase I've ever made, but it made Z. smile.

Oh, The Joy

2011-09-15T09:16:00.004+02:00

Nehemiah 8:10
"...the joy of the Lord is your strength."

I was challenged this week to spend time with this verse. Every morning. God and me. Just this verse. Not a list of prayer requests. Not a pile of books. And of course I've been surprised. It is so common to my ears I never realized there is a whole story behind it. The Israelites have returned home and as they relearn about their covenant with God they are full of tears and sorrow. They are faced with their sin. And yet....Nehemiah calls them to celebrate, to eat, drink and be merry. To remember God's past miracles and look forward in hope. To get their eyes up. I like that.

And here are my joys recounted from this week:
~I got these lovely flowers yesterday from Z......one year ago yesterday we signed our marriage certificate.
~The first draft of my thesis has been completed. The two year seminary adventure is drawing to a close.
~Z officially has a mentor for his thesis. It has been a loooonnnnnggggg wait and he's rearing to go.
~I have a super clean oven. After last weeks meatloaf dripped everywhere we decided it was time to degrease our oven. I bought the cleaner, but thanks to pregnancy, opted out of the chemical infested work. Thanks Z. you really are amazing and the oven looks fabulous.
~OM hasn't turned their back on me yet. I was able to help last week with some training for the new guys. Loved being back in the teacher seat if only for a day.

~Thanks God for getting my eyes up a bit.

Musings of a Mother (and Father) to Be

2011-09-12T18:19:00.002+02:00

21 weeks in.....

It shames me to think that of all the important things I could be thinking about when it comes to having a baby, I just keep wondering about the sex. I was hoping that I would come away from today's dr.'s appointment with some exciting news.....the only news I have is that the ultrasound won't be for another two weeks. PATIENCE where are you?

Other thoughts:
Me: If the baby is a girl, will she inherit her father's skinny genes?
Z: How will our baby say Whitney Houston, "Itny Yuton"?
Us together: What language will the baby speak later on with cousin E. (who also has the American/Bosnian parent combo going on)?
Grandma Joy: You're baby is going to have a toooooon of hair (after a skype conversation with Z and me....we must have had some crazy bed-head going on).

Of Bikes and Babies

2011-09-03T12:29:00.002+02:00

I'm happy to be able to end this week with some great news. Z has finally found the perfect way to spend his birthday money and it is so much more enjoyable than my plan. We knew the money would go toward bike parts. I would have just gone to the bike store and bought the parts. But since it is Z's money, I figured I'd let him do things his way. He recruited a friend to keep an eye out for the perfect used bike. Nearly a month later and numerous visits to the local flea market (three of which took place today) his friend called and Z got a steal of a deal. Not only is he able to replace the necessary parts, but I get a new frame too complete with a light for our evening bike strolls (not sure how much longer they will last with my protruding belly) and a bell (which I have been really wanting since I freeze up and don't know what to say when someone doesn't realize I'm behind them). Z, you were right, it was worth the wait.

And speaking of protruding bellies.....

Here we are at 20 weeks.

Masalla

2011-08-27T10:19:00.002+02:00

This week was ultrasound week. It was a two hour wait, but we got a picture. Still waiting to find out if our little Smokvica is a boy or a girl.

I am 19 weeks along in the pregnancy and the Marsalla's have started. I guess I have moved past the is-she-pregnant-or-just-gaining-a-little-weight phase because all the women in my apartment building let out a little marsalla when they see me. It's a blessing, so that's a good thing. I even offered to help a lady carry a big bag up the stairs, her answer, "no way, get your self home and rest." If these are the reactions I get now, I can hardly wait for the special care I'll be receiving in a few more months.

Back in the Groove

2011-08-22T19:11:00.002+02:00

Breaks seem to end as quickly as they start.
Bam.
I'm back home with a stack of books and a list of items I still need to check out from the library.

But this time around I have a secret weapon. The blender we ordered a few weeks ago arrived just in time.

There's nothing like a smoothy to help break up the studying and to combat the heat.

And here's my favorite wise word of the week: 'Community is the place where the person you least want to live with always lives.' ~Henri Nouwen, quoting 'somebody'

The Village

2011-08-14T13:22:00.007+02:00

I'm pretty sure that the majority of Bosnians that I have met are only a generation away from having lived in a village. Their family still owns a house in the village, maybe the grandparents, an uncle or at least some cousins still live in the village, or if no one lives there, they at least visit a few times a month to work in the garden or pick fruit from the trees. This week we visited Z's Aunt's village house. During our previous visits we have stayed in their city apartment. This time we only dropped by the city once to see some of the cousins and pick up a little ice cream from McD's. Talk about relaxing. All we did was be together. No internet. No sight seeing (well, hardly any). No packing up to go to the beach. Just sitting under the walnut tree, shelling beans and hearing family gossip. It was a good week.

All of us together (except one cousin)

Our one outing consisted of hopping on an old train and visiting Lake Palic for the afternoon.

The pile of beans we (nearly completely) shelled.

Everyone was pretty excited that I've been putting on weight. Here we are at 16 weeks.

Lake Palic

Birthday Week

2011-08-14T13:12:00.008+02:00

Happy Birthday Z!...
and my dad,
and the twins.

We ran away to visit Z's family and stayed in their village house, so I didn't get in any birthday calls, but we enjoyed a great day with my good ol' teammates from Montenegro who stopped by last Sunday. First thing Monday we loaded up in the car and were off for the week. I think it was the best gift Z received, to be with his aunt and cousins.

Week 15

2011-08-02T10:35:00.002+02:00

I am now 15 weeks pregnant. Inside of me is a growing baby, the size of small squash (4-41/2 inches to be exact). Eyebrows are coming in and bones are hardening up.

Yesterday I had a check-up at the doctor's and everything is going well. I'm getting use to the system. It is different than home, but definitely works. I have to arrive around 7am in order to get my name on the list. I sit in the third waiting room area on an orange plastic chair and make sure the first nurse who passes by picks up my white pregnancy card. After a little more waiting I get called in by the nurse so she can log in my weight and blood pressure onto the pregnancy card. By now I'm surrounded by women who seem to be at least 11 months pregnant or way past childbearing age; and I wonder how I'm the only one under 70 who doesn't seem to have a basketball hiding under my shirt. I then wait until 8am when the doctors start working. If I'm lucky, I'm one of the first to get called in. They ask me how I'm doing and send me on my way, "See you in 20 days," says the kind Dr. H.

Ultrasounds seem to be every other visit or so. Maybe during my next visit I'll get to find out if the little one growing inside of me is a boy or a girl. Please cooperate little one, I'm getting rather curious.

Mini-Holiday

2011-07-25T13:04:00.003+02:00

It came a month later than we had originally planned, but our visit to the Croatian coast ended up coming at just the right time. The last few weeks of studies (and getting through the first trimester of pregnancy) had worn me out. I didn't realize how nice a few days on the sea would be. We looked up some friends of Z's and basically invited ourselves over for a little break. They welcomed us with open arms and made us feel right at home.

The ferry ride from the mainland to the island of Korcula.

The old city of Korcula.

Our own little corner of the Adriatic Sea. Warm. Clear. And only a handful of people.

Thank you B and M for your amazing hospitality.
I was under the impression that Bosnians were some of the most hospitable people in the world, but you have put the Americans back in the race.
Spending the last few days with you was a true blessing.

Love Those Dogs

2011-07-18T11:20:00.003+02:00

I heard some sad news from the farm this morning. Our faithful dogs are no longer with us.

Who knew I would take it so hard, but I guess I loved those dogs more than I knew. Cherry never barked. I gave her to the twins for their 18th birthday because I got her free from a friend and I couldn't afford anything else. Max had stinky ears and use to drive me crazy by biting the handles of the wheel barrow when I was carting leaves in the fall.

Love Those Dogs

Love those dogs,
like a bird loves to fly
I said I love those dogs
like a bird loves to fly
Love to call them in the morning
love to call them
“Hey there, Cherry! Hey there, Max!”

-Adapted from Jack's poem in the book "Love That Dog" by Sharon Creech

Small Happenings

2011-07-16T16:57:00.002+02:00

Call me crazy, but 95 degrees these days seems really hot. Maybe it's been hotter, but I think I've just turned into a big wimp. Besides getting in a little reading, nothing else happens between the 'hot zone' hours of 11am and 4 pm. Fortunately, there is a lot of reading to be done plus there have been some distracting things happening outside the 'hot zone.'A great concert in down-town Sarajevo. Not only did we get to see some friends and hear some good music, Z. also had time to check out a new pre-marital advisory program being run by social services.
Family bbq
We were all jealous of little E., who not only got to run around in his diaper, but also had his own little pool for cooling off.
4th of July, complete with roasted marsh mellows and water guns.
And of course, a viewing of the last Harry Potter movie. Though I thought it was too hot to put on the complete Hogwart's outfit, I did wear an official Hufflepuff's badge (not too visible in the photo, obviously). Extra little bonus.....the theater may have been packed, but it was still air conditioned.

O Summer, do have a little sympathy.

Where My Thoughts Have Been

2011-07-14T08:02:00.002+02:00

July 14. Today is July 14 and I'm wondering how I haven't posted anything since July 3. But even more, how my posts have been a little lacking in general the last few weeks. Then I remember:

I've had a few other things on my mind. One thing mainly. Baby. And in the light of being pregnant, blog posts somehow find their way to the back burner. Well, I'm bringing them back to the front, at least for today.

Monday I went in for my three month check-up. The ultrasound showed a moving, growing, healthy little baby-in-the-works. I'm hoping the step into the second trimester will bring me a little more energy and a more settled stomach. I have been doing a lot of sleeping the last few weeks, and it sure would be nice to get myself out and about a little bit more (without yawns and the irresistible desire to sit down).

And before you ask, the baby is due January 27. Other questions will have to be put on your own personal back burner; we just don't have too many other answers right now.

New Dream

2011-07-03T19:14:00.003+02:00

I have officially given up my dream of owning my own Jeep Wagoner with wood paneling.

Renault 4, I love you. You may be nothing more than a wish for me right now, but I'm one persistent dreamer.

Off Schedule

2011-07-01T09:31:00.002+02:00

Jam was definitely not on the plan for today. But somethings just cannot be helped. The raspberries at the market were half the price of last week and looked so good. What I thought might be a two hour project ended up lasting until dinner time. Raspberries lead to Sour Cherries and then Z came home with bags of freshly picked Black Cherries and Mulberries.

Fortunately, he pitched in to help with the second half of the growing project.

I thought this would take care of jam for the year,
but Z just informed me that plums are his favorite and just about ready,
plus blackberries are even cheaper than raspberries and we can go pick them ourselves.
Somebody make me stop.

Great First

2011-06-28T13:10:00.002+02:00

There are few times in my life that I have ever earned more than 100 points in bowling (maybe once, if I am being really honest and that was back in high school during our P.E. bowling week). I step out there with slick shoes and high hopes. And much to my surprise, after the first frame or two I'm doing well. I always think that this could be that one-in-a-million-game that I end up with three digits in the final tally. Then reality makes its self at home. Gutter balls become way too common and I spend the rest of the time overcompensating for my last bowl.

E., I hope that last night's sleepover was a mark of a happy future, and not a reflection of my bowling record. Your a great little nephew and we'd love to have you spend the night anytime. We watched the rabbits in the park. You ate all your peas. You were in bed only five minutes after bedtime and you didn't make a peep until 7:30 this morning. You practiced mashing potatoes and you cleaned all the cobwebs from the corners. You make us feel like the best aunt and uncle (though in these parts we go by Stric and Strina) ever. You are welcome back anytime.

P.S. Just don't bring the gutter balls with you.

Grace

2011-06-25T17:19:00.003+02:00

This is the first week in a long time that I have gotten in the amount of reading that I need to get in if I am ever going to finish seminary. Let's here it for having to hide myself away from allergy inflicting flowering trees.

Book of the day: "For All the Saints: Evangelical Theology and Christian Spirituality" edited by Timothy George and Alister McGrath.

Why?: Dallas Willard. In his article on spiritual formation he makes the observation that grace is not just about forgiveness of sins, but much much more. He goes on to say (on page 50 if you are interested in details):

"The true saint burns grace like a 747 burns fuel on take off....
You will consume much m ore grace by leading a holy life than you will by sinning, because every holy act you do will have to be upheld by the grace of God."

One more little taste of Dallas Willard? Ready yourself:

"Grace is not opposed to effort, it is opposed to earning."

I think I need a little time to process all of the reading, but great stuff, and more than challenging.

Is This Why We Celebrate?

2011-06-20T09:25:00.001+02:00

My week was kind of yuck. Not horrible, not awful, just not the best. We had a surprise round of seminars pile up into a full schedule. I broke my favorite orange spatula. I broke my nearly new garlic press. My allergies have been acting up. Woe is me.

The week did get better though. We got invited to a bbq with some friends and their friends. We got to help celebrate the upcoming marriage of a young couple here in town. We even took a little outing to the nearby town of Travnik for 'Father's Day' (which is a little strange considering that neither of us are fathers and neither of our fathers were able to join us). But we did it in honor of them (or at least we used them as an excuse for the little adventure).

I'm thinking the week evened out after all. It is always nice to have a reason to celebrate (even if it isn't exactly legitimate).
p.s. Dad, happy Father's Day. You're the greatest and we thought of you the whole day:).

This Week I Bought A Pan

2011-06-13T13:05:00.002+02:00

Things have been pretty quiet around here. The traveling craze in May has come to an end and obviously my lack of creativity with it. I've seen some friends. I've sorted through my pots and pans, figuring out what can stay, what can go and what needs to be replaced. I've overloaded on Spring fruits. Cherries, I love you.

Z went for a big hike on Saturday. I staid home, hiding from pollen.

The summer stretches before us, promising lots of distractions from our school work.
But no more procrastination.
It is really time to get to work.

Egered Out

2011-05-27T11:29:00.002+02:00

This morning I am loving the quiet of our little apartment. The washing machine trying to make up for lost time and my system recovering from an overload of coffee and seminars. We just got back from an incredible conference in Eger, Hungary (ELF, for those who might be interested for next year) and need a few days just to digest it all. Here are a few other things I'm still trying to figure out.

A Bit About Cooking

2011-05-19T13:58:00.003+02:00

I get asked a lot (a lot) what kind of food we eat. Two cultures under one roof definitely results in the need for compromises when it comes to the dinner table. I have a big advantage though, I'm the cook and I have this book. I have yet to cook up a good Bosnian pita, but I can pull off goulash, bean soup and Z's favorite strudel. That is enough to get me by for now. The rest of the time I just think what I'm in the mood for and go for it. That means Z gets a lot of Asian food. He may just be the only Bosnian in the world who eats chow mein on a regular basis.
Here's my secret: as long as there is sour cream and bread on the table Z considers the food before him a good meal. If it is lukewarm it may even register as a great meal. Pickled peppers, fresh onions and white cheese are also nice additions.

A Few Days in Montenegro

2011-05-16T11:50:00.004+02:00

I would like to take a moment to say thank you to OM Bosnia.
Really, THANK YOU.
We not only got to be apart of your team retreat, but you were a great audience.
I am nearing the end of my master's course, and you all gave me an opportunity to share a bit of what I have been learning about Spiritual Formations.
You gave me a taste of a few things that I've been missing.

I've been missing the sea at my doorstep.
I've been missing teaching.
I've been missing singing in English.
I'm not sure how this ended up in the mix. Waiting on the side of the road due to car problems is one thing I don't think I've ever missed. But we did make same nice memories during the wait.

Thanks Again for Everything.

Wedding $$$ (and Z) Hard At Work

2011-04-30T12:23:00.003+02:00

There's been a few household items we've been keeping our eye on for the last month. This week there was a sale on at one of my favorite stores. We made a few purchases and I left for aerobics while Z did all the hard work.

So, thank you Z,
and thank you to all those wedding gift givers out there.

A shoe cupboard
(a must for a world in which shoes are always left at the door)

A new mattress (big yeah) and a rearranged room (or should I say closet?).

Z celebrating with waffles (thanks to another purchase made last week), sandwich meat and green onions.
Don't ask.

Down In My Heart

2011-04-26T09:11:00.002+02:00

Little glimpses of JOY this week:

Happy 1st birthday Mr. E.
You are my favorite little Kavedzic ever
(Z is considered a big Kavedzic).

A message from Idaho
(nice hat L....I didn't realize I left it behind:).

Bosnia-Herzegovina has lilacs.
I've been missing lilacs.

Easter

2011-04-26T09:02:00.003+02:00

Easter.
I love the joy of Easter.
The freshness of Spring.
The hope of new.
And a lot less frenzy than other seasons.

I miss home on days like this, but I love discovering a new way with Z.
We celebrated with a picnic in the woods with the sheep
and a Passover meal with the in-laws.

Just Me and the Cuckoo Bird

2011-04-26T08:48:00.003+02:00

My current class requires me to do a lot of thinking and reflecting. There is something not quite right when it takes a homework assignment to get me to take time out for processing. And honestly, my life isn't all that busy. Truth be told, my major obligation of the week is to get myself to aerobics. So, I'm thinking this is a great season to re-build my spiritual foundation. By next week, I need to turn in a paper laying out a 'rule' for my life, for the next five years. In preparation, I'm trying out all sorts of disciplines, holding them up to God opening up myself to the practices that give Him more space in my life, the center space actually. Yesterday I took a day of solitude in the mountains. I didn't see a single soul for seven hours and I came home completely revitalized and little sunburned. I'm excited, but a little scared. Things like this have a way of changing a person.

Thanks to Dallas Willard, here's what's on my mind today:
"Didn't God give you quite enough time to do what he expects you to do?"

In-Laws of the In-Laws

2011-04-16T11:22:00.007+02:00

B., and M. who I didn't write about, but enjoyed immensely, it was great having you both in town.

During the last few months I've gotten to know my sister-in-law's family. They are a long ways away back in the States, but her sister (M) and one of her brothers (B) ha s made it over. Their visits have been a lot of fun, and make me feel right at home with their (my? our?) family.

Pictures like this help me to appreciate the fact that there are amazingly talented people out there,
B., you are one of them.

Here's a little more taste of what B. got to see while he was here:

Down Town

The Market

Turkish Coffee

Just one of those amazing shots.

Do you want to see more?

I Kind of Like You

2011-04-16T11:05:00.003+02:00

It has been 6 MONTHS and I still kind of like you.
Z, you are amazing.
You rescue spiders when I want to kill them.
You take me on strange walks showing me new views of our city that I never new existed.
You eat everything I cook, claiming it is the best in the world.
But my favorite of the week:
You shop in such a way that convinces the ladies working at the grocery store that you are a secret agent from the store across the street.

How could you not be my favorite?
Volim Te Muzu Moj!

p.s. Thanks a million B for the pics. It was great meeting you in person....and for the rest of my readers can see more of his work here.

Learning To Mourn

2011-04-09T11:23:00.002+02:00

Yesterday marked six months since Z's mom passed away. The waves of grief don't seem to come as often, but they do come. Tetka (Z's aunt) and cousin were in town in order to visit the grave. This is foreign to me, the grave visits, the lighting of candles, the black clothing, the crying. Tetka is the last of her generation. The passing away of her sister is just one in a string of losses: mother, brother husband. All in the last five years. She's been wearing black for five years. This is loss that I don't understand. This is loss that I don't know how to comfort. The family she has left is spread across five different countries and she has two American nieces-in-law who pretty much don't understand. But this is the family we have. This is who God has brought together. And I hope that even these short visits, with their awkward silences and uneaten food bring her some comfort. But even more, I hope that she sees something in us that speaks of God's love for only in Him will she find true comfort.

Bog Ce Daj

2011-04-05T17:23:00.002+02:00

There's a lot of little phrases I've started to recognize as being very Bosnian-Hercegovinan. One of them is the fatalistic pronouncement: "Ako Bog Daj," or God willing. Everything is coated with this phrase. I'll see you tomorrow (ako Bog daj); I'll be at aerobics class on Wednesday (ako Bog daj); we will spend the summer on the Coast (ako Bog daj); the letter should arrive any day (ako Bog daj). It's incredible how often I hear it being thrown around, a just in case, I don't want to get my hopes up too much, safety-net.
There is a women I've been hearing about for awhile now but have never met (she's second from the left). She is a friend of a friend's and has an incredible story. Her life is hard. Very hard. But she has hope. I met her for the first time on the way to a Christian Women's Conference in Sarajevo. I loved the way she kept correcting herself every time "Ako Bog daj!" slipped out. Since she has found her hope in Christ, she's been trying to change her habit of using the phrase. Instead she claims His promises. She believes that "Bog ce daj." God is willing. More than willing.

After my time in Montenegro I would find it very hard to believe that a Christian Women's Conference in the Balkans would be able to pull more than 100 women, no matter how many countries were invited. I like the way God works. I spent the weekend with over 600 women coming from 16 different countries. It was a great conference; powerful teaching; great worship; and such an amazing time to connect with others.

Bog Ce Daj!

Express Yourself

2011-03-30T10:06:00.002+02:00

Word for the day:
Izraziti- to express

I'm trying. I'm really trying, but it seems like progress is snail-slow if existent at all. I've heard that Slavic languages take about 5 years to get down. 5 years. That seemed like a long time when I first started, but that is only a year and a half away at this point. I dream of the day when I will just be able to TALK without having to think about how to put a sentence together. In the mean-time, I will keep studying. Lists, charts, practice: one day I won't need you. One day I will be fluent. Just thinking of that day makes me smile.

The Rock that Flows

2011-03-23T12:15:00.002+01:00

This last weekend we ended up back in a village with some friends. I warned Z that every time he takes me out of the city, it is going to be harder and harder for him to get me back home. I love the space and openness and peacefulness of living in the middle of nowhere. City life (given we do live in a rather small city) is just not my number one choice.

But.....

The last few days I've been thinking about how nice a little house with a little property would be. Amidst those thoughts popped in another thought.....people. How many more people do we run into when living in town? How much more convenient is it for others to just stop by when we live in the middle of everything? How many more dobar dan's get said within the city limits?

Yes, I love country. But it is not everything.

Then the reminder.....

Behold, He struck the rock,
So that the waters gushed out,
And the streams overflowed.
Can He give bread also?
Can He provide meat for His people?
Psalms 78:20

And a question for me.....

Can He provide peace in an apartment building?

The country can wait.

This is why I joined the gym.....

2011-03-15T10:49:00.003+01:00

It is only Tuesday and I think I've already experienced two great highlights.

Sunday afternoon Z and I took advantage of some fabulous weather to do a little hiking. It was a little muddy, but oh so worth it.

Then last night I got my first coffee invite from a none-Z connected acquaintance. I met her at my aerobics class. Let's here it for Tae-bo!

Small Victories

2011-03-11T14:20:00.003+01:00

I went outside this week and I actually had a shadow following me. It seems like the sun has been hiding for weeks and I'm loving the fact that it is making itself known. The war between winter and spring seems to be coming to a close. Spring is making her voice known.

There have been a few other victories in my life this week as well:

First, I spoke up at church last week. Since Christmas we've gone to more of a discussion based Bible Study rather than a traditional sermon. I always have things in my head that I want to share, but I just haven't had enough courage to speak out. With a little nudge from Z, I spoke up.
Secondly, the weeks of aerobics class are paying off, and I'm not talking about body weight. Yesterday I traded phone numbers with one of the ladies there and walked home with another. I may have a few friends in the making.
Thirdly, after hours trying to figure out a new newsletter program, I think I have it figured out. Ugh. This is definitely my area of expertise, but I think that it will pay off in the long run. We'll see when the end of the month rolls around and it is newsletter writing time.

Let's hear it for the small victories in life.

Milestone

2011-03-07T08:23:00.002+01:00

Congratulations Z. You passed the big test and have finished your computer courses. The last two weeks you've been studying so hard and I've had to watch a lot of television alone in the evenings. I'm glad to have you back.

2011-03-05T09:58:00.002+01:00

I just took a walk down memory lane as I re-read my birthday messages on Facebook. If I didn’t know any better, I would think that I’m in the middle of a major identity crises. Mikey, Miss Lehman, Math, Mike, Majka, Maja, Majo, Majooooooo, Mrs. K. The crazy thing is that each one feels right, well at least when used by the right person at the right time. Other names I definitely don’t mind hearing at least once a year: dearest, lovely lady, sweet girl, my dear. I even got a sweet pea thrown in there.

Thank you all for the happy cheer you sent my way. It certainly helps as there is still plenty of slush to be slugged through before Spring arrives. Pictures like this of my favorite nephews help a lot as well.

Spring, I'm ready for you...

2011-03-02T21:18:00.001+01:00

Snow is so much cooler the first week of December than it is the first week of March.

A Proud Heart

2011-02-20T11:27:00.003+01:00

Right now as I sit quietly in my own apartment in Zenica, I am thinking of the craziness that is going on in Bar, Montenegro. This last month the team has moved their headquarters and have spent the last several weeks turning an empty shell, into an amazing place of warmth and possibilities. Today is the grand opening. Music, food, lots of visitors. I am so proud. So, so proud. But maybe it is better to say that I am grateful, it sounds less selfish. So, so GRATEFUL and AMAZED. God has brought the team through to such a great place. He used and is using small steps, but it is GREAT none-the-less. It warms my heart to see all that the team is apart of and the way that God is using them to bring a little light to Bar.

Z and I spent the last few days in Montenegro. It was so good to see the family I started out with just over three years ago in Bar. It was good for my soul to catch up with friends over coffee, visit the English conversation night and have time to enjoy a a walk or two in the fresh air down by the water.

The truth is that we will not be able to take these kinds of trips very often. It is a six hour car ride and the roads are far less than admirable. Fortunately Z is strong enough to remove the fallen rocks and yet wise enough to know that it is worth it every once in awhile. Thank you Z for realizing how little trips like this just fill me up and give me a fresh hope for our future and life here in the Balkans.

Gibonni

2011-02-13T21:56:00.002+01:00

Every time we finish a class (which means having written a 20 page paper and feeling somewhat like a zombie) Z and I try to treat ourselves. It's a big deal, a 20 page paper. This time our little reward was a concert. YEAH! And a rather big one at that. I first heard of Gibonni from Z of course. Every time Z was near a piano his first song to play was always one of Gibonni's. Then I checked him out on You-tube and realized that his videos are very cool as well. So, when we heard he was coming to Sarajevo (all the way from Croatia) we figured it would be a good way to celebrate the end of a class.

To be honest, after 45 minutes of waiting for the concert to even start, I was pretty grumpy and wondered why I had thought that this was a good way to celebrate. But once the concert started, and once Gibonni got off the stage and made his way towards us, I had a complete change of heart.

Gibonni,
You Rock!
Your concert was fantastic and I'm a complete fan!

A Proper Pounding

2011-02-07T16:40:00.003+01:00

This weekend I was the recipient of a POUNDING.
I'm not sure I had ever heard of this American tradition, but I'm a big fan now. A bunch of ladies got together to help celebrate my marriage and they pounded us with food. A few were even able to make it from Sarajevo.

As well as getting some great imports (namely pecans and black beans) I got enough Vegeta to last me the rest of the year (big yeah).
If you are unfamiliar with this cooking staple you can check out this site.
No Balkan kitchen is complete without it.

Thanks Ladies!
It was a pleasure seeing some old familiar faces as well as getting pounded.

Fresh Air

2011-02-07T16:30:00.003+01:00

Living in a valley with nearby mountains has some great perks. Unfortunately, the winter inversions are making me wonder if the perks are worth it. The added factor of having a steel factory in town that has somehow managed to squeak by without the legal air filters doesn't help the situation. I just need to see some blue sky and get some fresh air. Sunday we jumped in the car and headed up Mt. Smetovi. It's close and has a nice little park up top. We thought that we would be the only ones.......By the time we arrived the parking lot was packed and the music was blaring. I felt like we had just arrived at some mountain tail-gate party. Fresh air, yes. Peace and quiet, not by a long shot.
We hiked around a bit and found a quiet corner where we could eat lunch and build a snowman. It became quite the attraction and we noticed a number of people taking his picture. One lady confused him for a bear, but everyone else seemed to recognize Frosty without any problems.
We tried to find Zenica, but it was completely fogged in. It was definitely worth the drive up, even if weren't alone.

2011-01-28T15:57:00.002+01:00

I just spent half an hour at the frame-and-glass shop. The lady was nice. She pieced back together this frame, installed some new glass and made it all look brand new (as long as you don't look too carefully at the bottom left corner). And all for just $3. I'm secretly hoping that this can count for my second conversation for the week (did I mention that one of my new resolutions is to have two good conversations a week in Bosnian?); but I kind of know that that is pushing my luck. Glass, frame and a conversation for under $3? It just seems too good to be true, especially considering that I mainly kept saying over and over, "Oh, that looks good."
Yeah, doesn't really count as a true conversation. An evening and two days to strike up a real one.

p.s. Thanks Miss M (I know, I'm still trying to get use to the fact that you are now Mrs. K) for the picture. Your talents never cease to amaze me.

p.s. If you are interested in other work by Mrs. K check out these great kid books. She's the illustrator.

Small Happenings

2011-01-22T12:20:00.002+01:00

It has been two weeks that we have been back in Bosnia. I wonder at how quickly two weeks have gone by and I wonder even more what I did with the time. I realize all over again that if I am not intentional about important things, I just don't get around to them. Weird how that works. To combat this lack of focus, a few days ago I got intentional. I'm one of those people who thrives on New Year's Resolutions and keeping track of my progress, or lack there of. So, a list I wrote. Good news, things started happening. I got myself a new acquaintance (my first local outside of my husbands circle, big yeah), a new passport and most excitingly:

It may not be a KitchenAid, but I am loving it.

To those college roommates out there:
I'm considering this a closure to the deal.
I'm the last one to have tied the knot and the proud owner of a new red Bosch Multi-Mixer.
It's a great wedding gift. Thanks!

The Wild West

2011-01-14T18:10:00.005+01:00

Mission Accomplished, well nearly. Three weeks in the States and we did everything on our wish-list, all except mutton bustin'. I think I'm more disappointed than Z, probably because he got to go bow and arrow shooting which more than made up for the lack of sheep we saw. These activities seemed to help as well:Plowing away snow when we arrived in Idaho.

A visit to Flying "W" Ranch and a proper cowboy concert.

A hike through Garden of the Gods.

Holding the latest Lehman boy.

Driving through the George and stopping by Multonomah Falls.

Skiing!

Computers with the nephews.

More of the nephews.

Surviving a day of American football and all the commercials (notice the Jersey, thanks Lehman brothers).

Seeing Grandma and Fred.

Sequence, our new favorite game.

Dancing in the New Year.

Celebrating our wedding with family and friends in Idaho
(Plus L.'s birthday).

Happy New Year All.
Being in the States was incredibly refreshing.
Thanks to everyone who made our trip so amazing.
Come visit!

Holiday Dreams

2010-12-10T21:10:00.002+01:00

We are only a few days away from the States. I can hardly sleep I'm so excited. The papers have been finished and sent off to the school. The refrigerator is nearly empty. The holey socks and underwear have been thrown out and replaced. Z has a new hair cut and shaved off his beard. Now we can get ready to live our dreams. A few of our dreams:

Mine:
1. Seeing the latest NEPHEWS!!!!!
2. Dancing in the New Year with everyone at our wedding reception (if you are reading this, assume you are invited, just call my mom to make sure. If you don't have her number, or don't know how to get it, un-assume that you are invited).

Z's:
1. Go Mutton Bustin' (this has been apart of our daily conversations ever since seeing it on my cousin's fb page, actually this is my dream for him, but I know that he really wants it too).
2. Go 4-wheeling (he hopes there is enough gas in the tanks and he even ordered extra insurance to cover any accidents that might occur this month)
3. Meeting everyone and getting their names right

Winter Just Blew In

2010-12-10T20:56:00.003+01:00

Winter. I think it arrived. Yesterday I met my sister-in-law T. in town for a little shopping. I left the house in 65 degree weather, nearly leaving my jacket behind because it was so warm. Thankfully I didn't, because while we were roaming through our favorite place for finding household treasures a blizzard blew in. Sleet I tell you. I kind of felt like I was re-enacting a scene from "Little House in the Prairie," fighting our way back to the car on the other side of town. And just like a good Laura Ingles show, everything ended up wonderful in the end. I pulled out my newly bought-en scarf and matching hat. T withdrew a plastic cover for the stroller from her magic-mother bag. We made it to the car just as the craziness ended and the soft snow began to descend upon us.

Winter has rolled in. The snow has continued to fall, and the little birds have decided to spend the colder months on our balcony. I think this is a situation I can live with.

The Gingerbread Town

2010-12-03T21:43:00.003+01:00

Subotica.
Our plan was to arrive during the day, but due to an agricultural strike and large tractors blocking the road we were forced to take a detour. I fell asleep and by the time I woke up the sun had set and we were entering Subotica, a city in northern Serbia where some of Z's family live. I loved it. Christmas lights were already up and the buildings looked like perfect little gingerbread constructions.

City Hall

Jewish Synogoge

Oh to live by the light of the moon.
By the time we got back the next morning from the market I realized that Subotica (though a nice town) is just another town. The magic of the night before wore off quickly as we walked through the streets and tried to find an internet provider for one of the cousins.

Z got all their computers back into working order. We enjoyed a few more walks up and down the big promenade. We even got to visit the little village where Z's dad grew up. I think my favorite part of all though was just seeing Z with his family. Family is a curious thing and so good.

The Familiar

2010-11-26T15:04:00.002+01:00

There is just something about a set-table. On big family holidays I remember Mom getting the table ready the evening before, bringing out the best tablecloths and china. I think I've inherited this love. I like folding the napkins, laying out the center piece, putting out matching dishes and glasses. And finally, serving up a hot meal. I've learned a lot about how tables should be set: how my Albanian host family put out one glass for all of us to share (and usually I was the only one who would even drink during the meal), how my German teammates place a small spoon above the plate as a 'prophet' for the dessert to come, and how my Bosnian family prefer their food lukewarm. I'm getting better at adjusting the table as the setting demands and not always putting the silverware like my mom taught me.

But sometimes, I just want the familiar. That's when I'm really thankful for days like Yesterday.

Yesterday was Thanksgiving. I hardly new the hosts, but from the moment we walked in the door, everything felt so familiar. The turkey was roasting. There were place cards on the table. The candles were lit. The kid's table was set up in the corner. There was even cranberry sauce and pecan pie. As much as I like adventure, sometimes the familiar is exactly what I need.

The Latest Lehman

2010-11-17T19:20:00.003+01:00

The Tiny Turkey decided to come a bit early. YEAH!
I'm already loving the little guy.

Congratulations Ben and Cat!

The First 30 Days

2010-11-16T14:57:00.002+01:00

Today I am thankful for patient, loving Z.

Today marks one month that we have been enjoying married bliss. I'm not sure how Z is feeling, but I think it is pretty wonderful.

Just Warming Up

2010-11-15T12:30:00.003+01:00

It is November 15. NOVEMBER 15! Half of November is already gone. My lands. Maybe it feels so strange because the weather has been so amazing, a little crisp, but far from cold and lots of blue sky. And....Thanksgiving is next week. NEXT WEEK! So, in preparation of the great American holiday, I am going to practice being thankful.

First, I am thankful for is a balcony. When my parents and T (aka the Wedding Master) helped us move in, we spent the majority of two days packing up the landlord's stuff and hiding it on the balcony. Well, the landlord stopped by yesterday and hauled it off (to be more exact, Z and his brother did most of the hauling off).

Yeah, a real balcony. Now I have a place to dry clothes and an extra corner for hiding things.

But foremost,
I'm really thankful for these three.
It is amazing living near the in-laws.
It is also nice knowing we have plans every Sunday afternoon as well as people to call up for holidays.

Bring it on Thanksgiving.

A Little Lesson in Phonetics

2010-11-12T10:53:00.003+01:00

Zenica by night
and a short message for those who are interested in the correct pronunciation of my last name,

Kavedžić, I say.

Suppose To

2010-11-05T15:57:00.002+01:00

What I'm suppose to be doing is a whole lot of studying. I have two classes to finish before the middle of December. What I have been doing is a little bit of studying and a whole lot of enjoying. Z and I are living in a town surrounded by mountains and hiking paths. Whenever the weather is beautiful, which has been everyday, we go for a walk. Two peaks down, a lot more to go.

s

Settling In

2010-10-28T10:27:00.003+02:00

If there is anything that Z loves more than me (God exempt of course), it just may be the Croatian coast, the Makarske Riviera to be exact. After having spent nearly a week there on our honeymoon, I don't think it would take much to convince me that it would be a great place to live. Just give me one of those old stone houses with green shutters and a cafe nearby and I will be more than content.

Until that day comes, I am content in Bosnia. The four hour trip from the coast to Z's town reminded me that I am returning to a four season climate. The leaves are changing color and I can already see my breath in the mornings. Fortunately for me, central heating is a common thing here. How in the world did I survive five years without it?

(Answer: hot water bottles and long-johns).

Well, goodbye freezing houses and ten layers of blankets. The honeymoon may be over, but Z is here to stay and we are getting ourselves settled as quickly as possible.

So Many Thanks

2010-10-28T09:59:00.001+02:00

It takes a village to raise a child, but how about marrying one off? It has taken an enormous army of friends and family to get me through the last few weeks. How in the world do I say thanks and where in the universe do I begin?

God, you are greater than my most incredible dreams. You are a miracle maker. You are the creator of the universe and the establisher of all things good. Thank you for October. Thank you for everyone who helped make it happen. Thank you for a future with Z.

It Is Finished!

2010-10-16T21:24:00.006+02:00

This is Maya's brother, Chris....It is finished, or in other words, it is just beginning for Micah and Zoran. Boom!

The wedding had everything...party favors, kisses, father and bride, and brothers blowing up Albanian fireworks. BOOM!!!

Rain Can't Get Me Down

2010-10-16T07:05:00.004+02:00

It is pouring outside. Absolute downpour. It is my wedding day and plan B, without a single doubt, is about to be put into motion. The best news is that plan B is just as wonderful as plan A. Even if it wasn't, I don't think I would really care. I'm marrying Z. Our families are here. Some great friends are here. And even though we have been working them like crazy this week, they are still eager to help make plan B happen. Most of all though, I'm just really thankful we didn't make the guys lug those big benches up the 68 stairs to plan A.

And just in case you missed it, today is the day. I'm getting married (written with a big smile on my face).

In Loving Memory

2010-10-11T22:57:00.002+02:00

There are some posts that are hard to write; yet they need to be written. This week my parents and good friend T arrived from the States. We packed up my belongings and moved it all to Bosnia. There was sad news awaiting us. Z's mom, who was diagnosed with Ovarian cancer six weeks ago, had passed away in the night. We had been praying and praying and hoping that she would be able to make it to the wedding. As she grew weaker and weaker we realized that that was not going to be a possibility and began making alternative plans. This last week she grew sicker by the day. Z, his brother and father cared for her to the last. Her funeral was held Saturday and many friends and family were there for the service. It was a hard day. It is still hard. And yet we glory in the assurance that she is with our Father. Thank you for your prayers through all of this.

To think I came with two bags......

2010-10-05T19:03:00.000+02:00

A Week of Lasts

2010-10-02T10:54:00.003+02:00

This is my goodbye week. My week where everything I do is for the last time. Last coffee with L. Last trip to my friend's house in the village. Last time I babysit on Wednesday night for my teammates' kids. Last team Bible study, working day in the Living Room, Roma camp visit and English Cafe. This time it is not quite so hard; I have a wedding and a visit from my family shining brightly over the horizon. That excitement keeps my eyes up, though the goodbyes are still there to be said.

The last 2 1/2 years my Fridays have been driven by Roma Camp visits and English Cafe. Yesterday was a great way to end. Three new girls, plus a handful of our 'faithfuls' at the cafe and an evening of talking about Bosnia and 'Why Z'?

(Attempting a replica of the Bosnian flag)

Our Roma camp visits are probably the hardest thing for me to stop being apart of. The writing lessons may be crazy, but these guys are seriously learning. Now that they have their letters down words are coming together. Crocodile, Pirate, and Nana.....a few of the older kids wrote these words nearly perfectly without looking.
But even more encouraging is to know that the work continues and there is more to come. Last week we visited one Roma mother, age 26 with 6 little boys, and brought up the idea of her taking the older two boys to school so that she could have a little break and they could do some learning. Yesterday I ran into her again, sitting across from the elementary school. She was waiting for her boys. She sent her boys to school. HER BOYS WERE IN SCHOOL. This is a HUGE deal and it won't be easy for them. But it is one victory that will boost them in the battles yet to come. All I have to say is,

YEAH GOD,
and
Bless us in the work to come.

Why Are Other People's Pictures So Much Cooler Than Mine?

2010-09-29T09:21:00.001+02:00

Thanks Mr. M.M. for sharing.

6 More Days

2010-09-27T20:41:00.003+02:00

No, it is not 6 more days until my wedding.
It is 6 more days that I will be working with the OM team in Bar. 6 days.
The last three years this team has been my life. My fun. My friends.
My family away from home.
6 more days doesn't seem like enough.

Today they threw me a goodbye picnic on the beach. It was more than perfect. I'm not sure how I'm going to be able to say goodbye for real.

Biogradska Gora

2010-09-21T08:58:00.005+02:00

We put our tents to use. It was so worth it. The English Cafe ventured out on its first outing ever. Biogradska Gora is a national park in Montenegro. It may be small in comparison to other national parks, but the saying is definitely true: Good things come in little packages.

We never made it to the upper lake, but the view was incredible.

After following these two monkeys around for two hours off trail I thought I was done in. But the spicy hot dogs and fried bananas back at camp made the run back to the camp worth it.

While In Bosnia

2010-09-17T08:56:00.002+02:00

I found the car of my dreams for sale
(donations anyone? It was way overpriced).

Z and I found an apartment
(it is the building exactly in the middle of the picture. Second floor with a balcony).

During the apartment search I met Peter and Flopsy
(or maybe it was Mopsy, still not quite sure).

and...
Z and I finished the paper work for our marriage.

29 days until the wedding!

Counting Down

2010-09-11T17:34:00.002+02:00

I'm about ready to walk out the door. I'm off to Bosnia for a few days. This week has been great, but even so I've been counting down the days until today. We had new teammates arrive a week ago and we've been meeting each morning for training and orientation. My teaching quota has been met for a few months and I'm ready to see Z. We have some papers to sign and some apartments to look at. Wedding-Day countdown: 35!

One of the highlights of the orientation was a visit to the Ribnjak Monastery after a morning discussing the religions in MNE. It is a short 15 minute drive away from Bar and yet this was my first visit. So quiet. So peaceful. So weird that I've never taken the time to come before.

The baptistery at the monastery.
A visiting icon painting gave us a tour.
I finally learned why the saints to often hold their hands with their ring finger and thumb touching. It is a sign of blessing that originated with the Greek speaking believers. The pinky makes and "I" (the first letter of Jesus in Greek) and the other two fingers form an 'X' (the first letter of Christ in Greek).

Pride-full

2010-09-04T15:22:00.003+02:00

It's here, SEPTEMBER. I'm really happy. Back to school time. Cooler weather time. Time to put a blanket back on my bed instead of just a sheet. Time to use the facebook account for advertising our English Cafe again. Oh, so nice. Grapes. Figs. Pomegranates. Maybe a little rain. And eventually mandarins. I've been missing mandarins, which is really funny because by the time December rolls around I'm going to be so sick of them. But right now, I'm craving them to the point that when I saw a recipe for chocolate mandarin balls I just had to try making them. It is kind of scary how easily I impress myself. All I did was send out a message to the English Cafe folks on FB and make a batch of cookies. I think I better watch my next step, you know what they say about what comes after pride.

English Cafe is off to a good start with three new visitors thanks to the FB message.

We spent the evening talking about September and all that it holds.

Here they are, my little chocolate mandarin balls.
So cute.
And to top it off,
I just made a recipe in Serbian. I'm amazing.

Last Summer Night

2010-08-31T15:13:00.003+02:00

Today is the last day of August. Summer is over. The live concerts and crowds on the beach are packing it up for a few months. I joined a beautiful crowd for one of the last of the festivals and fireworks in my favorite little town, Petrovac. It took us 1 1/2 hours to make the 20 minute drive and there were no parking places to be found. Montenegrins know how to throw a party. The season is wrapping it up and school is starting tomorrow. It is time to get serious again.
I've been counting down days for weeks now, but the reality of September is big. 6 weeks. I'm nervous. I'm excited. I'm about to be a bride. Am I ready for that? Is anyone ever really ready for that?

Don't Think Too Hard

2010-08-26T17:20:00.004+02:00

Somethings are best done not alone. Cleaning is one of those things. We have new teammates arriving in September. I think we are ready for them. The 'Living Room' has been scoured. The training sessions have been planned. And living arrangements have been set.

It is a little strange getting ready for a growing team when I am on my way out. I kind of can't think about it too hard. The pluses outweigh the negatives though and planning a wedding plus packing up my stuff definitely give me plenty of other things to do rather than think about leaving. Still....I'm going to miss working with this team.

On My Mind

2010-08-21T16:52:00.002+02:00

There is a constant wedding day to-do list running through my head these days. I need to buy something. I need to meet someone. I need to write an email. I need to call my mom. I can't forget to write all my random thoughts down, because otherwise I will forget them altogether. I feel kind of bad for the people around me because more often than not my mind is not on the conversation at hand.

What's on my mind right now?

How in the world am I going to convince a complete stranger that their gate is a must have for wedding decor?

Goodbye Teammate, Goodbye

2010-08-07T15:02:00.001+02:00

August is here. It is time for teammates to leave and others to come.
The new guys (three in total) are on their way, and this faithful guy has said his goodbyes.

We are going to miss you and your deep theological questions.

While I Wait

2010-08-05T14:23:00.005+02:00

Can you see me?
The girls painted me into their little paradise (I'm the purple stick figure on the left) and said I could enjoy the beach as much as I wanted after the beach club was over.
Folks, it was a great beach club, but I'm definitely ready for a little rest on the sand.

But now that the outreach is finished, I'm still feeling a bit like this little guy waiting to be hit with a water balloon. I know something is coming, I just don't know when.

I thought today that Z. would be here. But then a message came early this morning saying his mom was sick and the visit would have to be put off another day. I hate waiting. I hate waiting even more when it means I'm still a six hour drive away from him. But wait I will....and until his arrival I will take a little time to think about the great way the outreach ended. I will go through my pictures, sweep my floor, look up recipes for lentil soup and hope the time goes by quickly.

Hurry up time.

The Tunnel Challenge

2010-07-29T20:02:00.003+02:00

For months Teammate M. has been dying to explore a tunnel we once heard about. Today was the day. He warned us that if we chose to go, we stood a 20% chance of not returning. 9 of us took the challenge.
But only 5 of us were prepared with Swiss Army Boots and headlamps.
Man, this team really came prepared.

The bull guarding the entrance definitely made me feel like my chances of surviving the challenge were right around 20%, not the 80% promised.We estimated the journey to be about 3 km.
It turned out more like 1.5 km.

I think we were walking through exactly what this looks like.

Mr. B was the scariest part of the whole trip.
Seeing a bull blocking the way out is not exactly comforting.

J. came to the rescue.
If I didn't know better, I would have guessed that he grew up on a farm.
He is great with bulls.

Mr. B getting back to his comfy, poop-filled hangout.

Survive Tunnel Challenge- Check

Beach Club (three summers and going strong)

2010-07-29T19:51:00.004+02:00

The team of the week comes from Switzerland. They are sixteen in total and range from age 16 to 61 (that second number is a guess that I'm sure will offend someone). Half the team is doing some practical projects and the other half is conducting this years kid's beach club. Here's a summary of the week to date:Day 1
15 kids
Not too bad for our first day out.
Simon Says can work with translation after all.
Day 2
20 kids
10 of which were from the day before.
I mistakenly told some of the kids they could paint with their hands during the craft. The paint was not as washable as I thought.
Day 3
33 kids
Tons of adults on the sidelines as well.
We've gotten lots of good questions from everyone about who we are and what we are doing.

This little guy is one of three who were actually with us last year and joined us again this time around. Let's here if for consistency!

Books Galore

2010-07-26T08:55:00.002+02:00

The kids from my home church back in Idaho just did a great thing. They all pitched in to help buy books for the Roma children my team has been working with for the last two years. Two weeks ago these children finished learning the letters of the alphabet and they are ready for putting words together. The money sent over from home went straight to workbooks and children's stories.

Thank you so much kids from
Greenleaf Friends Church!

I am not the only one who is grateful.