As I prepare to take wing to the Adriatic coast in my flying 'hotels' (Airbus and DeHaviland aircraft), having just returned a day and a half ago from my previous journey, visiting Carrie's family in Michigan, I find myself deeply ingesting as much of home in me as I can. It is interesting to ponder that some of the things I ingest are from places I've been; This morning's coffee (toasted almond), from the Roast and Toast coffee shop in Petoskey, MI (we stopped there and only there on a detour up to my mother-in-law's), and cajun bacon from Plath's Meats up in Rogers City, MI (we always stop there in mom's home town and bring back a cooler filled with their AWESOME meat!!!)...along with two brown eggs, these from our local Costco for my next to the last breakfast at home.
As I continue this preparation, my mind drifts to places I hope to visit in Trogir (the local market for Croatian coffee to bring home, and local cafes to sip and watch the animated and joyful peoples), and, near my first hotel, Jokes (pronounced Yo-kez), a restaurant brimming with atmosphere and GREAT food. Then slapped like a fresh caught tuna on the deck of a boat I make the connection; It is my deep love for people and the food that connects me with them, even with strangers in a strange land! Even as I gathered some Croatian Kuna, in preparation for my day in Split and for the taxi ride to the hotel in Trogir and other needs, I find myself comfortably holding their bills with warm familiarity. My memory stirs with the remembrance of new friendships made on the last journey, the deepening of some of them as we briefly visited when they were in the states, and the joy of making new ones on this next adventure.
I find also rising in my soul, the heart of grace and encouragement that wells up like a spring of peace within; a peace that speaks of the love and comfort of my Savior and shepherd, Jesus; For He goes before me and with me as I embark on this sacred journey He called me to. It seems that wherever He leads, a part of those places become, fully become, a part of 'home' in me; the people, the cuisine, the life. There is beauty and glory as I journey, leaving these footprints of faith.
Many may think I go alone, but not only will Jesus be with me, my friends, dear church friends and others, my family, especially my beloved Carrie will walk with me in faith, vicariously. I have learned that what I think is planned for me, will partly be the reason I go, but more importantly to look with the eyes of my Lord, for the other opportunities and moments of grace He desires to pour into them and me. The air Adriatic is sweet and fondly rests upon my heart. The Balkan blessing is that as I went and now go again, I will return richer in spirit, hopefully less hind end sore, and more deeply connected to the people and my friends there than the day I left here.
Thank you for joining me in the reading and journey as I go. Thank you too for those who supported me financially, sending this ambassador of faith into places and lands where His light will shine in His glory. If you would still like to assist in this project, you can pray and send financial contributions to:
New Heights Community Church
c/o Balkan Teaching Mission
10701 N. Magnolia
Santee, CA 92071
Please do not feel obligated to give, but do as our Lord leads. While I am still short funds, I rest confident that He will provide, one way or another all that I require. He has provided for my airfare, He will provide His glory, His hope and His peace as I go and return. While my initial hotel has no internet connection, I will be updating my blog as I am there (at least that is my plan). So please feel free to connect and read about the trip as I go. If you'd like to know what is planned, continue reading...
Thursday
Airport -San Diego at 4:30 am leaving at 6:30 for Phoenix (then on to Philadelphia)
Airport -Philadephia, transfer international Depart to Munich at 18:30
Friday
Airport -Munich 8:45 March 4 change carrier and depart to split 10:10
Airport -Split 11:40 catch cab to hotel in Trogir.
Continue study for upcoming class, will be solo until next am...rest.
Saturday
Breakfast at hotel- picked up at 11 am for trip to Livno by friends. Time to get the trip I missed on the last journey because of illness.
Sunday
Church and prep for the week's meetings and presentations.
Monday
9:40-11:30 Teach to 7th grade class and 8th grade class Guided Discoveries I "Floating and Sinking" Hands-On Lab.
12:00-15:00 in class Brad Garner Presenter "Brain Research in Education".
Tuesday
9:00-11:00 Meeting
12:00-13:30 Bob Present "Guided Discovery I, Lessons for Educators"
13:30-15:00 Bob Present "Guided Discovery I, Lessons for Educators"
18:00-19:00 in class-Special Needs with Brad
Wednesday
Morning off (Flex)
12:00-13:30 in class Brad/Marijana Present "Dance of Writing"
13:30-15:00 in class Brad/Marijana Present "Dance of Writing"
18:00-19:00 Meeting- Debrief
Thursday
9:00-11:00 Paraplegics Meeting
12:00-13:30 Bob Present "Guided Discovery II, Lessons for Educators"
13:30-15:00 Bob Present "Guided Discovery II, Lessons for Educators"
18:00-19:00 Meeting Debrief
Friday
9:00-10:00 Meeting with School Superintendent
12:00-13:30 Brad to Present "Kids with Special Needs"
13:30-15:00 Brad to Present "Kids with Special Needs"
18:00-19:00 Final Debrief/Future Plans
Saturday
Flights for Brad and Son to return.
Open day for Bob
Sunday
Open part of trip for Bob...church and ?
Monday
7:35 Depart Split to Munich arrive 9:10
11:50 Depart Munich to Philadelphia arrive 16:20
18:00 Depart Philadelphia arrive San Diego 21:00
Or so it seems, goes the schedule. I will update you as I go, I hope.
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