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| Tomato plants on our deck |
We have spent most of the week catching up on paperwork and submitting expenses for all our travels. It was nice to stay in one place for more than a day or two.
The reason for our stop in Banja Luka on our way home from Zagreb was to check on the construction at the battered women's shelter. All of the new doors have been installed. They were scheduled to put in the new thresholds and begin painting on Monday but it was raining and cool so they postponed until they could keep the windows open for ventilation.
There were 14 new doors installed. It really brightens the place up; the women said they feel better with doors that close properly and give them more privacy.
Elder and Sister Brewer went with us to the shelter. Sister Brewer and the young sisters have been teaching English at the shelter and will begin the self-reliance courses that will help the women to find employment. Elder Brewer had not been to the shelter and wanted to see what we are always talking about. We have also donated new beds and wardrobes for the bedrooms. Those will be delivered this month sometime.
On the way back from the shelter, we stopped to see the Vrućica Beach spa next to the Vrbas River. It is a beautiful spot and a hot summer destination for Banja Luka residents and tourists.
The reason for our stop in Banja Luka on our way home from Zagreb was to check on the construction at the battered women's shelter. All of the new doors have been installed. They were scheduled to put in the new thresholds and begin painting on Monday but it was raining and cool so they postponed until they could keep the windows open for ventilation.
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| New doors and new hardware at the women's shelter |
There were 14 new doors installed. It really brightens the place up; the women said they feel better with doors that close properly and give them more privacy.
Elder and Sister Brewer went with us to the shelter. Sister Brewer and the young sisters have been teaching English at the shelter and will begin the self-reliance courses that will help the women to find employment. Elder Brewer had not been to the shelter and wanted to see what we are always talking about. We have also donated new beds and wardrobes for the bedrooms. Those will be delivered this month sometime.
On the way back from the shelter, we stopped to see the Vrućica Beach spa next to the Vrbas River. It is a beautiful spot and a hot summer destination for Banja Luka residents and tourists.
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| Hot springs water falling into the Vrbas River |
The beach is where warm spring water is mixed with cold Vrbas River water and many claim it will cure rheumatism, cardiac problems and many skin diseases. Residents even use one of the springs for drinking water.
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| Hot springs flowing into one of the pools |
The area around Vrućica Beach is regulated as a botanical garden and all of the natural springs have the status of National Monuments in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
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| One of the warm bathing pools |
The beach is visited by people of all ages - the older people come to enjoy the healing properties of the warm springs, the younger are probably just looking for some fun.
We were fascinated by a tree on the river bank that appears to have it's roots above ground.
We were fascinated by a tree on the river bank that appears to have it's roots above ground.
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| Tree on the banks of the Vrbas River near Banja Luka |
Oh the beauties of nature that we enjoy in abundance here in Bosnia! We took the scenic route home along the river. It is a bit longer drive but gorgeous this time of year.
Our time here is growing short. We still have work to finish but it will continue with or without us so we better get used to the idea that we must leave this wonderful place and move on so that others can experience the same amazing things that we have.
Today was our last fast and testimony meeting in Sarajevo. We have such a love for the members here and pray for the continued growth of the branch. We know it will happen - we just want it to be at a speedier pace than it is happening right now.
Our time here is growing short. We still have work to finish but it will continue with or without us so we better get used to the idea that we must leave this wonderful place and move on so that others can experience the same amazing things that we have.
Today was our last fast and testimony meeting in Sarajevo. We have such a love for the members here and pray for the continued growth of the branch. We know it will happen - we just want it to be at a speedier pace than it is happening right now.
I've read them all now. Thanks for posting. Makes me want to go back. (Of course, I wanted to go back the day we left.)
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