The Road to Mostar

On Monday morning we drove to Mostar. Mostar is the 5th largest city in Bosnia and Herzegovina and one of the most important cities in the Herzegovina region. To get to Mostar you drive to Sarajevo and continue on south and east toward the Dalmatian Coast. We visited with the Red Cross there.  We are working on closing some wheelchair projects that are still open. It is necessary to do some follow up after a wheelchair distribution.  Recipients are interviewed. We have about 4 open wheelchair projects so we are working on getting them closed.

On the way to Mostar we drove through a town called Konjic.  This is a town which relies heavily on tourism.  There is a artificial lake called Jablaničko Lake.  It has been formed by a dam on the river Neretva.  What was unique about the lake and river was the emerald green water.  There is rafting, swimming, and fishing in the summer.  The water really is beautiful.  

Mostar is a quaint town. The term "Stari Gard" means "Old Bridge"  The bridge and town was built in the 1500's.  The bridge was totally destroyed during the war in the 1990's.  But it has since been rebuiltout of the original stones.  The stones were taken out of the river Neretva.  We might also mention that the stones are very "slick".

Alen, Susan, and Nermin

The Old Bridge

Gary and Susan on the Bridge

After spending the afternoon in Mostar we traveled back to Sarajevo where we spent the night.  In the morning we visited with the Smartts and took care of some church business, and then returned to Tuzla in the afternoon. 

Wednesday we drove halfway to Sarajevo where we met the Smartts with the elders from Sarajevo.  We exchanged one of our elders for one of theirs and turned around and came back to Tuzla. 

Thursday we drove to Osijek, Croatia (2 1/2 hours).  Here we visited with Elder (Jim) and Sister (Kay) Ivins from Bountiful, Utah.  They are on an auditing mission. We walked around the town and visited their church building.  In the evening we met their branch president and visited with him about potential projects. We spent the night in Osijek and in the morning the 5 of us met with the local Red Cross.  We began discussions on a wheelchair distribution.  We returned home on Friday afternoon.  There are not many street lights on the roads in Bosnia as well as it gets very foggy so we don't like to travel at night. We try to be home before dark.  

Lately each day when we come home we find a package notice in our mailbox.  Not all our letters and packages made it to us before Christmas.  We go down to the main post office and pay the customs on the packages and come home to enjoy our goodies.  We are most thankful for all of you who remembered us at Christmas with cards, letters and packages. Thank you.

We close this weeks post with thoughts and prayers for with my brother, my nephew and all who mourn the loss of Aaron James Wakefield.  

"For friends that don't know our beloved son Aaron, so affectionately known as "A.J." passed away on Monday January the 7, 2013. Aaron was only 26 and the loss our family is feeling is staggering. The rain has not stopped in Dallas since his passing nor the tears of sorrow we are shedding. Godspeed my precious angel! I cherish the memories and time God lent me with you!!! You will never be forgotten and I can feel you looking down on us... I Love You A.J.!!!!! Aaron James Wakefield leaves behind his 4 year old son and the family is requesting in lieu of flowers donations to be made in his name. Born 7-11-1986 Died 1-7-2013"

       

Remember to let those you love know that you love them and give hugs freely.  We never know when it may be our last.  Our thoughts and prayers are with them.  XOX