On their last day here, the two college students shared about "college life" and then we enjoyed ice cream sundaes together (a first for many of our Serb friends). It was a fun time for everyone, but we were sad to say good-bye to our friends from Virginia. What a difference they made to so many - including the Sharpe family.

On Friday, Caleb asked his friend Mr. Tom if he would come to his school and make balloon shapes. Caleb's teachers were so gracious and allowed him to come. The kids had such a great time, and it was so fun to watch them "oo" and "aww" over each shape he made. The black snake and the swords were the favorites for the boys, and the girls, of course, loved the hearts.

This past week, some special friends from Virginia came for a visit. What a wonderful time we had together, and they made so many friends during their stay. Here are a few pictures of them teaching English classes - what a great job they all did!

This afternoon, Becky and I had some of our favorite teenage girls over for a "girls get-together." The girls attend an English class at the language school in town, and their teacher (pictured in the middle of the above group picture) has invited us to speak to them a few times. They are a really sweet group, and Becky and I enjoyed pampering them. We have some friends from America here this week, and one of them is a very gifted hair stylist. Stephanie did a terrific job fixing up their hair - they looked like princesses after they were through. I also got to introduce the girls to the fun of scrapbooking - it was a big hit! We also watched "Pride and Prejuduce" (I told you it was a girlie party!) and gave away free makeup prizes. What a blessing it was to spend such a fun afternoon with them!

On Monday, we traveled back to Belgrade to take my family to the airport. It was a tough good-bye, but they kept their smiles for the kids. We all had such a wonderful time while they were here; I was so proud of them as they experienced new foods and customs and treated everyone they met with love and respect. This week so many have asked about them and said how much they enjoyed talking with them. I'm so proud to be their daughter and to be Amber's sister!
After leaving the airport, we decided to go to the zoo in Belgrade to keep our minds busy. It was a hot day, but it was still fun to see the animals. I have never seen a wolf that close before! The polar bears were also fun to watch.

Amber taught Caleb how to play Old Maid - it was a big hit. Dad and Caleb teamed up together against Amber; they had a great time playing together.

On Saturday night, we went to a restaurant called Lovac - Tim and I love the food there and it has an extra bonus - the menu is also in English! Mom was brave and asked for chicken that had a strange name - Alkanzi. But it ended up being yummy - almost like fried chicken. Amber and Dad got filet mignon with mushroom sauce - they loved it too. It was fun to eat outside and watch the sunset (over the soccer stadium that is beside the restuarant). After we finished, we went to the running track and Caleb rode his bike around twice (half a mile). Saturday was such a great day!

Another fun time at the park! Caleb convinced Gamma to get in the boat with him, and he showed Amber the echo dome. He loves to yell at the top of his voice and hear the echo. We were blessed with a beautiful day - but it's getting warmer. We have fans going and windows open at the house; we don't have air conditioning. After the trip to the park, we headed back to the town center for one last shopping spree.

On Saturday, we headed to the park so Caleb could practice riding his bike. He did great riding on the sidewalks, but he did get a little close to some of the poor folks out for a stroll.

Tim and Dad were introduced to a friend of our landlord's today, and he offered to show them his home where he and his father are growing a vineyard. The view from his home was gorgeous; he lives on a hillside overlooking the city.

Amber and Caleb had a little adventure this afternoon - a trip to the small grocery store close to our home - just the two of them. They bought eggs and chocolate milk. Caleb had to help Amber with the purchases (the nice lady who works there only speaks Serbian), but they had a successful trip!

Caleb and Gamma hit "pause" on the game to take a quick picture. It's been a really warm day today so we decided to stay inside this afternoon. Caleb has loved every minute playing with Gamma. He has really missed her, and it's been a special blessing to see the two of them together again.

"I've got to get me one of these!"

Earlier today we enjoyed shopping (yes, again) at the larger piaca across the river and did some sight-seeing around town.