November is a time for gratitude

When November rolls around each year, it gives us a time to reflect on things we are grateful for. We have so many things that we are thankful for we don't know where to start. We have been so blessed this year living here in Sarajevo. 

The natural beauty here is breathtaking. The mountains are equal to the majesty of the Swiss Alps or the Rocky Mountains

The Adriatic Sea and the Dalmatian Coast are spectacular. 

Helen has been loving the Fall colors as the leaves change before they drop.

For me, I loved watching the fields - planting, harvesting and the farmers work the soil for next year. As we drive we see the changes. 

We are thankful for our family, even though we miss them, especially our grandchildren as they are growing up so fast. We have been blessed to have two of our daughters and their husbands come to visit us this fall. That was such a delight for us to have them come. We are so grateful for technology that allows us to stay connected and to be part of our family and friends lives even when we are half a world away. 

One special event was we were able to be present (via technology) at our granddaughter's wedding this summer. That was a delight for Helen, who so badly wanted to be there for that. She realized if we went home for it that I might not get her back on the plane to come back to Europe to complete our mission. Here is a picture someone took that day - this is us, expressing our love and best wishes to the bride and groom

One unexpected blessing that we didn't realize when we went on our first mission was the friendships we would build with other senior couples. 

That has continued on this mission also. We have the chance to work with all the senior missionaries in our Mission which consist of around 54 other seniors. People from all walks of life and from many different lands, but all with the same desire to serve God and the wonderful people in the five countries ini which we labor. 

Young and "more experienced", we love all the missionaries. 

Our Mission is blessed be have a couple to be our Mission Leaders. President Brian and Sister Angelika Cordray, they are amazing. I don't know how he does it, but he runs on 3-4 hours of sleep per night. It's a good thing that she is the driver whenever they are traveling, which is most of the time. They love the young missionaries and take such good care of us all. They will be finishing their assignment here next June and then unlike us retired folks they have to go back to find a job, since he is only 50 years old.

The greatest thing we have to be grateful for is our Savior Jesus Christ. 

His resurrection has made it possible for us all to live again and through His atoning sacrifice He has taken upon Him our sins. Whereby we can be forgiven and stand before our God with Christ as our Mediator. For Him I will be eternally grateful.