Counting Down the Days

Taking the time to sit down and write has not been a top priority of mine the past couple weeks, so I'm very sorry to have you wondering what is happening over here. For the most part all things are going good... I finished therapy Monday. I had an additonal 5 days since the last time I updated, and I truly believe it was from God. He has had me at the hospital since June 15th. After much prayer and looking back now, I know my ministry there was not finished on July 16th like I thought it would be. God had different plans and wanted me there until July 23rd. I praise Him for the opportunties I had to share with all those I met about God's amazing love and continue to pray for each one of them daily. This past week was my last week to teach and the last week of classes for the summer. I had a fun week teaching, but it's been hard knowing it was my last week. The days have been hot here- in the 100s- so attendance was low, but for the faithful ones who always come I enjoyed just talking with them in English. It so neat how many of them knew no or little English prior to English CLub and now (with the help of all the Serbian they've taught me too) we are able to understand each other and carry on conversations. It's so amazing! I love them all and will miss them dearly. So with all that said and trying to realize that this time next week I'll be at home in Sylacauga, AL it's hard to say that I'm doing very well right now. God has been giving me the strength that I need to continue on with each day, because I've been torn between two completely opposite emotions of my desire to see my family and friends back in the States and the longing I have to stay here. I will dearly miss the friendships I've made with so many Serbs, the missionary families, and my teammates. I feel like I can call Cacak home now, too. I absolutely love it here and God has greatly blessed me. I cannot write much more at this time. I know that I will start tearing up. My emotions are broken between two places I can now call home. But beyond any feelings I have for anyone or any place, I have to remember that God is the one who brought me here. I have been able to serve him for two months overseas- a desire of mine for many years. Now, as the time for me to leave approaches, I have to remember that He is still at work the next five days I have here in Cacak and has more in store for when I get back to Alabama. I just have to keep following and be faithful to wherever he calls me.

Me, Shelly, Dragana, and Mirela
Tamara, Marija, Me, and Shelly
Me, Dragica, and Dragana
Me and Snezana
Mirjiana, Renata, Me, Dusica

Wow! Little did I realize when I came to Serbia that for what seemed to be about half my stay here I would be at the hospital each day. Monday will be my last day there, and I have mixed feelings about it. I am so thankful my finger has most of its abilities back, and I praise God for healing my hand. However, its the people that I will truly miss. I thank Him so much for the compassionate friends, therapists, and doctors that have helped me in this healing process. They have all been so kind to me! Being there for three weeks, they got used to me coming each day at 12:30 and they recognized me. Whether I know their names or not, I remember their faces and pray for them daily. All of them were so friendly and tried to speak to me in English- like "Hello!" "How are you?" and "Bye". Part of my heart will always be with these people, because I have been able to see God use my accident to share with others about the comfort and love that He has provided me with through this entire experience of which at first I thought was just a burden and now I see it as a blessing. He is God though and with Him all things are possible (Matt. 19:26)!

Jelena and Me at the hospital Friday.

Jula, Me and Jelena

Our Adventure:
Budva, Montenegro

Ivana, Bojana, Bozana~ These three sisters made my trip so wonderful. They took Shelly and me on a walk around Budva Thursday night, and I just enjoyed talking to all of them and being around their kind hearts.

Shelly and me on the beach.

It's all of us again!