Settling In

This week began as we drove back from Podgorica last Sunday afternoon. We had an appointment in Sarajevo mid-day on Monday, so we came back in time to join our group of missionaries for dinner at the Branch President's house. We usually all bring things to contribute, but because we were on the road, our contribution was sliced apples. 

Tuesday was transfer day for the young missionaries. Leaving Sarajevo, Sister McKinnon boarded a bus to go to Split, Croatia (on the Croatian coast). The Staffords had driven Sister McKinnon to the bus stattion and later in the day, picked up Sister Thomas (who had been serving in Zadar, Croatia). Sisters Gunson and Thomas are now the sister companionship in Sarajevo. We took Elder Hulse to the bus station and he left on the 7 hour bus ride to go to Scremska, Serbia (NW of Belgrade). Elder McConkie arrived later in the afternoon to become Elder Liddle's new companion.

These young elders and sisters are amazing - I admire their language skills and honor them as they faithfully serve. They are TERRIFIC! In district meeting, Elder Liddle provided the "language tip" for this week. 

On Thursday, we traveled to Mostar with Elders McConkie and Liddle. It was Elder McConkie's first trip on that breathtaking stretch of road. He was as awed at the majestic mountains, as we had been and pictures just don't do it justice.

Near Ljublanica, we again saw the aftermath of the catastrophic flooding that occurred in October of 2024, near Ljublanica. Landslides and flooding felled trees, wrecked homes/buildings, disrupted the railway and cost the lives of 27. As we look at the wreckage, we are reminded of our experience with the terrible floods in the Ahr Valley of Germany in 2021. We know first hand what the process of restoration will entail and that it will take time. 

Our purpose of our trip to Mostar was to visit with our dear member, Ljubica. It is 110 km (65 mile)from Sarajevo to Mostar, but she faithfully joins our Sunday services each week via Zoom. She always spoils the missionaries when they go to visit her. The purpose of our visit this time was to help her to prepare for her to Frankfurt, to worship in the temple in March. 

On our way back, we introduced the elders to our favorite burek spot, Burek King. 

It was a GREAT day!

 

I have always maintained that - "transitions are tricky". When one starts a new adventure - there is often a steep learning curve. Everything is new and one must find their own new groove. I feel like we have in some ways moved through that initial learning curve. Don't get me wrong, we are learning new things every day and there are many days we don't understand anything. But, we are starting to find our new rhythm and are learning the rhythms of the cities were we live.  I joyfully expect there will still be many new things to experience, understand and from which to learn; but some of the culture shock has settled. 

Spiritual Thought - "...and I know He watches me."

I have recently become acquainted with the hymn "His Eye is on the Sparrow". We have seen His hand in our mission daily life and in the lives of others around us. He has helped us solve problems and comforted us in our challenges. We share the testimony of the lyricist, and say, His eye is on the sparrow and I know He watches me. 

Vs. 2  -“Let not your heart be troubled.” His tender word I hear,

And resting on His goodness, I lose my doubt and fear.

Though by the path He leadeth, but one step I may see:

His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;

His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/media/music/songs/his-eye-is-on-the-sparrow?lang=eng