Bosnia Blog Part 14 - 9/22/09

B        Bosnia Blog Part 14–Tuesday, September 22, 2009, 
             1:30 p.m.

It’s time to go home.  I’m so ready to go home.  I’m on my way home.  We’ve been in the air for 1½ hours and things are good here on Virgin Atlantic.  This morning began with a reunion with Ashley, who took Jeanie, Janet and I to Heathrow.  It was nice to see him again.  He had the starter replaced on his car the week after our little adventure and I’m sure he is happier than I am that his car is up and running again. 

He wanted to know all about our week in Bosnia and it was interesting telling him about it.  I know that I’ve been writing my thoughts down along the way of this adventure, but actually saying the words to a live person is a whole different thing.  On the one hand, I was so happy to be telling the stories of these women who think they’ve been forgotten.  At the same time, the emotions that rose to the surface surprised me.  It was as though I was sitting there with them again….reliving their nightmares, and I felt so sad.  It took everything in me to hold it together…to not cry.  Hmmmm….I wasn’t expecting that….Anyway, Ashley was moved by what we had to tell him and seemed to be inspired to hear about the strength and resilience of these women. 

Saying goodbye to Jeanie and Janet was hard to do.  It’s amazing how quickly women bond with each other over shared experiences.  I will miss them so much and I’m so thankful to have made new friends.  They both live in Southern California, so seeing them again shouldn’t be too difficult. 

Jeanie has worked for World Vision for 20 years and loves her work.  She and I were the only two women on the trip who hadn’t ever traveled out of the US, so we had something in common right from the start.  We really hit it off and thoroughly enjoyed each other’s company during the trip.  We are thinking about meeting in Vegas for a long weekend sometime.  That would be really fun! 

Janet lives in Santa Barbara and her daughter, Jennifer was also on the trip.  Janet is a kind, soft-spoken woman with inner strength that I’m not sure even she is aware she posesses. 

I watched her open up to us throughout the week and was moved by what she had to say.  I am so glad to have met Janet.  Jennifer lives in Southern California and is a minister.  She is one of those people who you meet and instantly have respect for.  

What a wise woman she is.  Although our children are far apart in age (hers are 4 and 7), we did have motherhood in common and enjoyed sharing tales from the home.  I was impressed by Jen’s quiet, respectful demeanor and hope our paths cross again someday.

Mary….what can I say about Mary?  I actually knew Mary before this trip.  But now, I REALLY know Mary.  She works with the students at our church and is my daughter’s small group leader/mentor.  Because of their relationship, I have kept my distance a little from her, wanting to respect the connection they have.  During our week in Bosnia, though, all bets were off and we were destined to bond!  What great times we had in the back row of the van!  I don’t know that I have ever laughed so much and I really loved getting to know her better.  I am more thankful than ever today that Mary plays such a significant role in Emily’s life.  What a rock she is…truly gifted and such an incredible person.  Mary is Angela’s assistant (and so much more) and now I know why Angela’s work life runs so smoothly.  They have a great, respectful relationship.  Mary, I was so glad to hand that hard drive off to you after so carefully transporting the voluble contents home!  You’re the best!

I’ve already spoken at length about Angela, but let me just say that traveling with her was quite an adventure.  She really knows about leading a group and is quite proficient at it.  Not only was she concerned that we would all have the experience that she had told us we would have (which sometimes involved changing the day’s itinerary on the spot), but she was thorough, informative and ALWAYS funny! Angela really has a gift for watching out for those she is travelling with….and each of us had our unique needs.  I felt so cared-for and loved and I believed that the experience I was having was important to her on a daily basis.  I think we all felt that way.  She was so kind, respectful and caring to those we met and worked with along the way.  I would be honored to travel with her again.

I think it's a good thing that this is a long flight home.  While I am beyond excited to be with my family again, I feel so raw and that I have so much to process.  I wonder what the jetlag will be like when I get home?  I'm going to hope for the best and just enjoy reconnecting with those I love the most.  Now it's time for one more afternoon tea and scone.....yummmmmm!

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