I know I love Livno. My third trip here, Livno is becoming a staple of my life effort and calling, using all I am to come alongside many here, my friends and the teachers. For Carrie, this first introduction is important for me and she as we together examine the direction toward the future, as a couple. Will I continue? Will she become a valued part of the medical aspect here? How will our presence help bring positive change and especially hope to the teachers and medical professionals?
Carrie joins me in faith, but also initially with a small component of caution (likened to going anywhere she had not been before, locally or internationally), and I understand. We are a long way from home, in a country whose language we do not speak, and a scant 20 years ago this country found itself at the end of a war for independence from Communism. She researched Bosnia and the medical care here and in many ways her research has been confirmed. In other ways she likens Livno to her home town of Rogers City, Michigan (something I thought would be the case) and feels quite at ease. The crime rate low, the people about their business, her visits to the clinic and hospital all feeling like she was back in the 60's. Her visit with a local pediatrician helped Carrie understand things better. There is a lot to overcome beaten down by the corruption that surrounds them, the nurses attitudes are in need of bolstering. In some areas, especially due to socialized medicine, quality medical care is not available to everyone, yet there is one doctor, a pediatrician Carrie met, with who is dedicated to providing the best care she can within the system. In short, the pediatrician is knowledgeable, but has limited resources to provide the kind of care she could offer.
My seminars have been well recieved. I am thankful to offer them in hopes that teachers might develop student's thinking/ problem solving development. My visit to observe two chemistry classes were insightful and my translator, a young college age student told me his teaching at a different school near by was better, especially one science teacher he had who helped him catch up and learn the material. None of the upper grade teachers come to our seminars and I am not sure if any would.
This afternoon, the waftings of teriyaki chicken and fried rice filled the home of our friends as Carrie and I finalized the preparations for tonight's dinner with the team (we cooked the rice, made the macaroni salad and started marinating the chicken last night). It was a sweet time around the table with adults and kids in fellowship. Carrie's time with another nurse on the team here was enjoyable to watch as they interacted with all the medical 'talk'. I had opportunity to hold their four month old daughter, loving every second of the ten minutes I had carrying her around. What a joy for me!
Tomorrow, I will get to visit two classrooms of a teachers coming regularly to the seminars. They have invited me to come, and I believe pour themselves into their students. I am excited to see their classes and the difference developed and encouraged in some great teachers. We will also be going to Glamoč (pronounced Glă-m ah ch) where I will teaching another seminar in a new place. A day filled with adventure and new things lie in wait.
My partner, Brad, is not feeling well. I will be praying for his recovery and good sleep. I'd appreciate others, reading my blog, do the same. He did not come to our dinner tonight and had a session with teachers this evening. He is off tomorrow and I hope gets some much needed time to rest. It was a good day, mostly, Brads illness a concern to my heart, but God will work His care for my friend.
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