Ah... vacation...

Ah... Croatia... it's such a beautiful country. After arriving in Primosten last Monday evening, and jumping in for a quick swim, I was able to enjoy the sunset - and take a picture of it for you to enjoy as well. What a great way to end a long day of driving, and to begin a fun and (sort of) relaxing week. Technically, I began my vacation the day before. The bus ride up to Zagreb wasn't too bad. I was so happy to finally meet my friend Branimir and his wife Visnja. He is a pastor in Zagreb with the Reformed Christian Church in Croatia. I'll talk more about that later... you can visit the church's website at http://www.rkczg.hr (when you get there, there is a link on the left for English) :)






We stayed in the small village of Siroke, about a 10 minute drive from Primosten. It was up in the mountains and surrounded by olive and fig trees. I have never eaten figs before (fig newtons notwithstanding), and oh my goodness... they were so good! We picked them right of the trees - yum! The old houses are all made of stone - even the roofs! I just think they look really cool.



I just love the picture of me and the donkey... he's 15 and just as cute as all get out. On my list of favorite animals, donkeys are third, only behind dogs and deer. I think I spent 20 minutes petting the donkey. I want a donkey one day. I mean, who wouldn't want a donkey?? Anyways, along with Branimir and Visnja and I, there were three other people. Zdenka is such a sweet Believer in her mid-70's. I really enjoyed spening time with her. Her niece, Alenka and her husband Slavko were also there. We went to the sea in the mornings for a few hours, came back for lunch, then headed out to one of the towns nearby. We visited Trogir and Sibenik and some other swimming spots as well. It was very fun. Everything is just so old and rich with history and beauty. Every evening we had a Bible study together. It was great. Much more than physical rest, I needed some spiritual depth and refreshment. As the scenery was beauty to my eyes, our time in the Bible was much needed beauty to my soul. God is good.




And as I was speaking of rich beauty above, there is nothing like the Croatian coast. When we drove down this mountain road for the first time, we were listening to Gregorian Chants. I can't even tell you how amazing it was - this picture is nothing compared to the real view... and to see it with a resounding chorus of "Alleluia Alleluia Alleluia" in the background -sigh. Sometimes I just don't understand why God allows me to partake in seeing such beauty... to experience His beauty within His creation is amazing to me.



On our trip back to Zagreb, we stopped at a beautiful rest area. There was an amazing wind blowing off the mountains, called a bura. Branimir took a couple pictures, and oh my - my hair was flying everywhere! Medusa has nothing on me!
This one wasn't too bad. I was sad to leave the coast, but glad to have sometime in Zagreb. I was able to attend three church services while I was there. One the Sunday I arrived, and two the day after we got back from the coast. The first that day was in a small village about 2 hours from Zagreb. I can't even begin to tell you how amazing - more beauty for the spirit. It is the church Zdenka attends and I was so happy to be able to see her again. The church is pictured below:



The other church service was in Zagreb. The have a space in downtown and have services every Sunday evening. I just can't even begin to tell you what a good week it was for me. I am so thankful Branimir invited me to come up and spend the week with them. Thank you for your faithful prayers!! Until next time... peace.