“Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things.” –Robert Brault
This month has gone by so quick and looking back, it’s had its highs and lows but I think it is always important to find happiness in the little things. It’s the little things in life that make you smile and can change your day. It’s the little things that become the best memories. But it’s also the little things that often go unnoticed and forgotten. So here are some of the little moments that made me smile this month. **I did not pack for cold weather, so I have worn my sweatshirt and vest more in the last few weeks than I ever have combined. Haha
After spending hours and hours in a plane, it was so nice to finally land in Serbia. It was crazy to think, “This is really happening.”
The city we are staying in, Lebane, is known for their peppers and making paprika (a pepper salsa) is a huge part of preparing for winter. One day, we were blessed to be able to spend a few hours learning how to prepare the peppers to make paprika with a few very wise women.
While climbing a nearby mountain we found an abandoned building which had a beautiful view overlooking the city. Rosie and I were able to retreat there a few times for quiet time. It was such an amazing time as we were able to gather our thoughts and just pray for a new hope for the city.
We also discovered it had really neat graffiti
While just living day to day in the city we were able to see some beautiful things, that are often just passed by and the beauty of their simplicity is not seen. Such as the weekend market and the local children’s school in which is decorated with umbrellas.
One day we were blessed to be invited to family’s home in which they introduced us to Walnut farming, in which they would shake the trees until the walnuts fell and also the process of making plum brandy (Serbian Moonshine)
Although I’m not smiling in the picture, being able to teach Steven and trust him enough to practice Acupuncture on my ears was pretty neat…and scary.
It was also really fun to show my team how great acupuncture on your ears is.
I was also introduced to the beautiful world of European coffee, cappuccino, and espresso!! It’s a dangerous thing!
I learned how to milk a goat and we became friends!
We tried bribing out teammate to like us with the most obnoxious blanket we could find. (It happened to be in a Chinese store)
While walking through a park in Nis, we were able to witness a Serbian wedding!
We were able to see the beautiful hearts of so many children.
We attempted to make rice which turned out so bad, the stray dogs would not even eat it….opps. I never realized how much I depended on instructions while making rice until the instructions were in Serbian.
We had a crash course in navigating the Serbian bus system… we almost missed every one of our busses.
I found my necklace from Bethany I thought I had lost in Georgia before even leaving for Serbia, turns out it was in the front pocket of my backpack, which I use every day. God had perfect timing as to when I finally found it.
I was able to make friends with a few dogs, which brought me more happiness than it probably should and I only wanted to adopt them all!!
We’ve made lots of new friends!!! This was the best part! (Both in Lebane and Nes)
And last but not least, we have grown a lot as a team- I think it’s safe to say we are stuck with each other- for better and for worse.
I was also introd to “Borik,” a Serbian pastry similar to a huge, warm, flakey, croissant, filled with lots and lots of delicious cheese. It was described to me as “heaven on earth” and I agree!
