Firsts

First Wave
Julia and Daniel will be heading home this week. They’ll both enjoy an extended sleep over with Granny and PaPa starting Wednesday night. They’re heading back a little early so Dan can hook up with his baseball team, the Panthers. He’ll play his first game 24 hours after landing. They are both excited, but we’ll all feel awkward during the six weeks we’re apart. Gary and Melanie head home June 9. Anticipation.

First School Year
Pristina High School has had a wonderful first year. We are a tight-knit group. About 50 of us see each other every day. Students, teachers, staff, administrators. It’s no surprise that we have bonded, probably deeper than any of us really know. From this group PHS will have its first graduating class next year. Rewarding.

First Re-Entry Meal
Well, maybe not the first – Granny and PaPa will take care of that. We’re certainly looking forward to a few meals upon our return to the states. These and others have filled our conversation many times here in Kosova. Gary’s looking forward to a fried fish platter at Mr. Herb’s in Hebron. Melanie would very much like a Steak and Shake hamburger platter. Julia simply wants to eat in a smoke free restaurant. Dan wants to devour a plate of Buffalo Wings with a root beer. Delicious.

First Mission Trip
Moving to Kosova was a tough decision, but hindsight makes us chuckle, “why were we so worried?” This (first) blog is ample evidence of how God has blessed our time here. This is our first assignment, but it shall not be the last. Peace.

First Visitors

Mimi, Aunt Georgia and Baxter! Joy.

First Care Package
Hmmmm? Uncle Greg and Aunt Lauren we think. But we sure thank all of you that sent one (or more). At least three of you had a package sent back. The most infamous was a little booger of a package that traveled about 30,000 miles before reaching our couch - the place where all care packages are peeled open, plucked apart and squeezed for all the excitement they can render. Laughter.

First Visitors :-)

We welcomed our first visitors over the Easter break. It was a pleasure having Julia’s mom (Julia), sister (Georgia) and nephew (Baxter). The treat lasted for nine days and involved a road trip through four countries, a service project at a local school, LOTS of ethnic food, plenty of laughs. They were able to get a taste of our daily routine here in the village and also venture to the big city to visit the high school. They met several of our neighbors, humorously struggled with the language (as we do), endured power outages and weathered snow & rain.

Baxter’s 5th grade class in California (Green Valley Elementary) collected toothbrushes and toothpaste along with money to put together care packages for an elementary school near our village. Berganice is a village school with 65 students spanning eight grades. A trade of smiles and an embrace of friendship – these were really the exchanges that day.

The two daughters and mom sure enjoyed being together. Daniel and Baxter were constantly active. We are thankful for their safe travel and feel energized now that we’ve shared our journey first-hand.