We started by just drinking Bosnian coffee, eating sweets and chatting. They shared some wonderful news with us. On Monday they will travel back to their hometown to sign an official petition to get their land back. They had signed petitions in the past but they were in the local town. In this situation, the Republic of Serbska invited them to return and physically identify the property. This is a big step and we are all crossing our fingers that they will be able to return home soon. On our last visit they had all but given up hope of returning anytime soon and now there is a big breakthrough.

Next of course out came the goods. I am estimating that they sold about $400 worth of items, which is almost a month’s pay in this area. They confessed that while they are very appreciative of the gifts that we bring, they are more grateful when we help them earn their own money.

Finally, some of the children popped by. I asked a couple of the little girls to sit with us, which one of them did eagerly. I don’t how to present of visual picture of her actions, but I can say quite plainly that you could tell that it was a treat to be with an adult males. As she cuddled up next to me I felt the same as if my daughter was sitting there. For a few minutes we were the best medicine for each other. I can’t tell you how terribly I missed my children at that moment.