Pet. Not an animal but Five.

The fifth week of my summer in Europe was full of fireworks! They are a must in celebrating Independence Day and a friendversary. This is now my second year to miss celebrating the 4th in America. It's different doing such. You get a good appreciation for what you've been given and what you're missing. One thing for sure: I was not missing American food because the women of our team whipped up some great BBQ pulled chicken, devilish eggs, and blueberry pie! Delicious!!

The 4th! I am the Statue of Liberty...not sure about Amy.

Now you might inquiring as to what is a friendiversay? It is the annual celebration of the friendship with someone. Amy and I celebrated our friendiversary on Independence Day because we both knew exactly when we met at last year's 4th party. It was her second day in the country and there she is another Mississippian in Eastern Europe with mutual friends.

1 year friendiversary!

 The week went on as normal with our activities with Roma, youth night, and movie night. We introduced the girls to The Blind Side. They loved to hear the deep southern accents and how tall and big Michael was.
Saturday, on the other hand, was not as usual. We along with our team of 12 went to an Orthodox liturgy. It was a memorable experience for several reasons..it was segregated by gender, you stand the entire time, and an ancient Slavic language is used throughout the service. It is more memorable because we thought it was a normal liturgy service. Instead, it was a Slava day..meaning it was an even longer service to celebrate a saint.

And then the night ended with all of us joining for Fellowship. Twenty plus folks from various walks of life together praising the same Creator in two different languages was a great night! Thankful of each of people there and for the Redemption we have.