A White Christmas in Sarajevo

On Sunday, December 22nd, after the worship service, the congregation members worked together to assemble 18 food boxes for families in the village of Nikšič. There were speakers of Russian, English and Montenegrin, but working together, we got the job done. 

On Monday, we were honored to be able to go with Elder and Sister Allan (Humanitarian) and the young Sisters and Elders and deliver them to to the NGO, whose goal is support families of children who are potential targets of human trafficking, exploitation and poverty. Our meager offering is just "a drop in the bucket", but "every drop" counts. We had a fun morning, in spite of the cold heavy rain. 

Cold rain in Podgorica meant snow in the mountains. As we left the lower elevation, we chose to head west towards the coast and a longer, lower route home to Sarajevo. 

We did encounter some snow on shoulders, but the roads were clear as we crossed the mountains. The drive was so beautiful and the roads, in general were much better. 

Once we crossed over the mountains towards the coast, we saw beautiful orchards and vineyards. We traveled up to Mostar and then join a route we knew back to Sarajevo. 

The snow could be seen as the elevation rose from the river, but we didn't have snow on the roads until we arrive in the city. 

Sarajevo had received 14-16 inches in the past few days and so when we arrived home on Christmas Eve, we had some work to do when we arrived home - LOL

The evening of Christmas Eve we had Elder and Sister Stafford, Sisters McKinnon & Gunson and Elders Liddle and Hulse to our home/apartment. I made "GrannyMom rolls" and Tolman's beef stew for dinner and we watched the First Presidency's Devotional. We felt much joy to share our Christmas Eve with such fine human beings. 

On Christmas morning we went the Elder and Sister Stafford's home(apartment. We ate brunch, decorated gingerbread, visited and worked on a puzzle. 

In the afternoon and evening, we enjoyed calls and greetings from all our children and other family in the states. 

As I reflect on our Christmas season I am so grateful for the many kindnesses we have received - true gifts of the season. The young missionaries have helped us with language, navigation and helping to prepare our home. Elder and Sister Stafford have become our dear friends. They have been gentle and gracious as we strive to learn our calling. They have helped us find our way in this experience that has stretched us - physically, culturally, emotionally and spiritually. We will be forever grateful! 

Sisters Gunson & McKinnon, Lot and I, Elder and Sister Stafford, Elders Liddle & Hulse.