banja luka

Hi everyone :). I am currently in Banja Luka, Bosnia at the Center for Environment office and the people graciously let use their computers/internet access. The trip over here was EXHAUSTING. I am still recovering from the 6 hour time difference between Virginia and Bosnia. Thanks everyone for the encouragment and thoughtful messages, it really means a lot to me. I already feel like this is going to be an amazing and life changing trip already. Bosnia is absolutely gorgeous. The stream water is clear and safe to drink as it is free of impurities and the mountians are green and full of trees. Today we had orientation for all that we're going to be doing. Our main purpose is to support the Green Project. We are trying to channel hydroeletric energy so that the Bosnian government will stop building powerplants that are damaging the environment. We will help in building mills and informing the townspeople in Krupa va Nubrusu how important their environment really is. In addition, we are also helping out with the World Rafting Championchip because it is held here in Banja Luka this year. We will be registering teams, putting together rafts, and doing anything else that the competitors need. The last few days of being in Bosnia, we will be spending some time in very poverty stircken areas that were affected in the civil wars during the early 90s. We will come deliever clothing and supplies to their towns from people who donate in Banja Luka, I will be giving away most of my workshirts and shoes more than likely. I am sure that will be very heartbreaking, but I'm glad that we will be helping these people out. As an American, I constantly forget how truly lucky I am to be living a very plentiful life. This view of the world will remind me daily to count my blessings.

Today has been exhausting, it's already 6:00 pm here, and it's only noon at home..haha. Tonight we will be attending a concert because our group leader is in a band! He's the drummer and we're going to go support him and his bandmates :). I just ate some local Bosnian cusine, cevapi, it's a mixture of meat (I don't really know what and don't really want to...) envolped in pita bread. It's a favorite of the locals and I enjoyed it because I was pretty famished from touring the city all day in the sun.

Well, that's all for now. I don't know when I'll be able to access the internet yet. Continue to pray for me please, as this is a wonderful experience it is also very exhausting. I LOVE YOU ALL!

Anna