Bye, Brett

We went to Sljeme this weekend for a picnic in honor of our friend, Brett, who is returning to the US after 10 years in Croatia. It was a great time, and a beautiful day. I met Brett in 2005, when I came to Fuzine for the first time. Lindsay and I were able to help out with some of the children's camps he was responsible for starting. Brett, you will be missed here, and we hope to see you again soon.

Did I mention I'm going to Bulgaria??

Oh, by the way, I think I failed to mention that I am not just staying in Croatia the entire time I'm here. Actually in 2 weeks, we are going to the Balkan Prayer Breakfast in Sofia, Bulgaria. After that, we are going to visit ROM friends in Skopje, Macedonia, and also in Prizren and Priština, Kosova/o (Kosovo is still a UN protectorate, and it's status, including name, is still up for debate). I am excited for the opportunity to visit some new places (I went to Macedonia last fall, but Bulgaria and Kosova/o are new) and to visit friends. Oh, and I should also mention that it's a road trip! Should be a good time.

1000 miles apart

I heard this song on my iPod the other day, and I couldn't help but think that this is why I work for ROM.

Downhere - 1000 Miles Apart Lyrics

I wonder when this poison seed

made a root and grew a weed

I wonder when I taught my feet

not to walk down certain streets

I want to feel what I believe:

that we are all the same

It’s not our houses, it’s our hearts

1000 miles apart

You stay there, and I'll stay here,

into our corners we disappear

And we don’t ever have to talk,

'cause you like hiphop and I like rock

But sometimes thoughts hurt just as bad

as striking cheeks with hands

It’s less our homes and more our hearts

1000 miles apart

When will we have eyes to see?

When will we learn?

Will we ever have eyes to see

That from our colours we learn?

A change of heart, a change of tune,

can we forgive each other’s wounds?

Can we cut down this fence of weeds,

and neighbors, close as brothers, be?

Cannot love conquer even when

we don’t look the same?

'Cause we don’t have to keep our hearts

1000 miles apart

Ja sam u Hrvatskoj!

I think that time goes by faster when I am in Croatia. I have been here for a week already, and I can hardly believe it. It seems like I just got here. And yet, so much has been packed into this one week. So far, I have been to Rijeka twice, Crikvenica twice, experienced some warm, sunny days, and two days of Noah-style rain, helped teach 4 English classes, attended several meetings, spent time working, attended 2 aerobics classes, walked by the lake, and of, course, spent time with good friends. Fuzine looks much the same, and yet, different - as it always seems to each time I come. But it still feels like a second home to me.


Pictures coming soon! But for now, you can check out:
http://www.romexcel.com/
http://www.rom2007.blogspot.com/

New photos

I haven't had time yet to sit and write about my most recent trip, however, I have added links to photos that you can look at (just check the photo links below).

Alpha Xi Delta Centennial

One hundred years is a few too many for my brain to comprehend, but it's pretty impressive that my sorority has been on campus at UW for that many years! Last weekend, Nu Chapter celebrated its centennial in style. It was really nice to see the house with it's snazzy new remodels and to see women I haven't seen in awhile. It was also great to meet the newer members. They seem like a great group of women - I wouldn't expect anything less of Xis, though! TFJ!

Bring the rain

One of my favorite songs, that I have been thinking about a lot recently. It is very similar to my current favorite Bible verse: Acts 4:29 - for boldness despite what the world throws at me.

Bring the Rain - MercyMe

I can count a million times

People asking me how I

Can praise you with all that I've gone through

The question just amazes me

Can circumstances possibly

Change who I forever am in you?

Maybe since my life was changed

Long before these rainy days

It's never really ever crossed my mind

To turn my back on you, oh Lord

My only shelter from the storm

But instead I draw closer through these times

So I pray

Bring me joy, bring me peace

Bring the chance to be free

Bring me anything that brings you glory

And I know there'll be days

When this life brings me pain

But if that's what it takes to praise you

Jesus, bring the rain

I am yours regardless of

The clouds that may loom above

Because you are much bigger than the pain

You who made a way for me

By suffering your destiny

So tell me what's a little rain

So I pray

Holy, holy, holy

is the Lord God Almighty