Haystack Heaven

I mentioned a couple blogs ago how fascinated I am with the haystacks here.  We spent a day in the country visiting project recipients - more about that later - and we saw haystack after haystack.  They all cut the grasses by hand with a scythe, gather it with wooden tined rakes and create the masterpiece.

The path to the barn was lined with haystacks on both sides

We are involved in a project where 10 people/families received a pregnant heifer.  They had to pay a small portion of the cost, have some place to shelter the animals and work with the agronomist over a two-year period to ensure the animals are fed properly and stay healthy.  If the calf is a female they will keep it to grow their "herd" and use it for milk and eventually more calves.  If it is a male, they are allowed to sell it, raise it for food or for breeding.  We visited 6 of the recipients on Tuesday.

This cute couple received one of the heifers

I think this is the happiest project we have been involved in.  Everyone was so delighted with their cows.  They were so proud to show us the cow and tell us what a good cow she is.  The couple in the picture have some health issues.  They lost their son in the war and live on very little income.  This cow will provide milk and eventually cheese and other milk products.  It will enable them to be a little more self-reliant.  The sweet lady hugged me and kissed me on both cheeks.  They told us to come to visit anytime.  I think we will!  They speak no English, so we'll need a translator with us.

This lucky man already has his new calf

This calf is about 2 weeks old.  It is a male.  It is the only calf that has arrived - the others are due in December and January.

This farmer showed us his 15-kilo pumpkins that he feeds his cow

We didn't know that cows would eat pumpkins but we did a little research and found that they are palatable and a good supplement for pregnant cows.  We knew pigs would eat pumpkins - they eat anything, right?  In our research we learned that pigs have been known to grow their own pumpkins, or poop-kins, from seeds they ate.  Just one of those fascinating facts I thought I'd share.

This young man wanted his picture taken with John

John did a little bonding with a young man, discussing the cow and their spotless barn.  We have learned how to gesture and do charades speaking English, and they do the same speaking Bosnian.  Somehow the conversation is understood and hearts are touched.

This shelter is under the house; quite common in days past

Beautiful old barn in the country

 Hadžići is the community where the project is located.  It is about 20 kilometers outside Sarajevo.  It is beautiful rolling hills dotted with picturesque farms.  It is also the location of the new refugee "reception" center.  We also toured the camp while we were in the area.  It opened October 22 and already has nearly 500 residents.  The capacity is 700 and is expected to be full by the end of the month.

Lining up for breakfast

The camp is a former military munitions installation.  One of the buildings has been remodeled for the kitchen and dining areas.  They brought in portable containers for the living quarters; each has heat and electricity.  The showers and toilets are also portables.  Several other buildings are under renovation.  The camp was clean and orderly - a huge difference from what we have experienced at other camps.  There is a large police presence and a security force 24-hours.

Camp entrance

The camp is enclosed and one cannot just come and go.  Everyone is checked at the gate and the refugees must register and wear a badge if they intend to stay.

We were part of church history-making here in the Sarajevo Branch today.  We had the first ever Primary Sacrament meeting in the branch.  Our Primary is all embassy family children; one day it will be all Bosnian children!

Sarajevo Branch Primary

The branch has not previously had any or enough children for a program.  The kids did a great job singing and with their speaking parts.  One of the older boys played I Am a Child of God on his cello, then they all sang the first verse in Bosnian.

I never know if the videos I post work.  I hope you can see this one.  The kids are singing in Bosnian.

The kids wanted a goofy picture, so here it is!

John is doing well with his dental work.  The stitches come out tomorrow; not sure when they will schedule the next step of the work.

We are looking forward to celebrating Thanksgiving this week.  We have much to be thankful for!