It's volleyball time!

Wow, I thought I would never happily write those words, but today K had her first day of volleyball practice with a club team here in our neighborhood.  She was really excited about trying something new and hopefully meeting some new kids.  K was super brave and went straight in the gym, she new one girl from school but that was it.  She is playing on the "young" team.  The girls range in age from 9 -12.  I have said before we live in the land of the giants, and volleyball is no exception - THERE ARE SOME BIG 12 YEAR OLDS OUT THERE.  They spent the hour doing drills and I thought K did a great job.  She really had to pay attention to the coach sense all the coaching was in Serbian.  The practice was very organized and the kids were very quiet, apparently talking at practice not cool in Serbia.  K had a great time and I look forward to seeing her become involved in sports (even if it is volleyball).
Here is a pic of her ready for practice

Mystery Solved

Since our arrival here in Belgrade, we had heard tales of a mystical land know as the "Chinese Market" where goods were plentiful and cheap (as well as possibly stolen).  For many months we have searched for this mystical land to know avail, yet on Saturday the girls and I discovered this magical land!  It was a mere walk, bus ride and walk away.  We discovered many treasures purses, scarves, clothes, toys, electronics.  Goods from companies like Sqny, Panusonic, Addiddas, Nake - yes the real stuff.  You just can't find these products in the States.  All kidding aside we had a terrific time and the market was huge.  We spent almost 2 hours there and only saw about half of it.  The kids had allowance in their pocket so there were many decisions to be made.  Kyleigh finally wound up with leg warmers for less then $2 and Michaela got a "Barbie" and Pegasus from a barbie movie.  My favorite part was using my Serbian with the  Chinese merchants - high comedy!

Miki has a fascination with the Mannequins

All good days out with Dad finish at McDonald's

We dressed alike today!!!!

My Girls

You may be wondering why I would title a blog "My Girls", then put this picture of torn up concrete.  Well this piece of earth is a huge symbol of how my girls have grown up since we got to Serbia.  This little patch of earth is on the way to Miki's school and basically it is concrete with a patch of mud separating them.  When we arrived, Miki was to little to cross the mud, we had to pick her up and lift her across, a few months later we just held her hand and she kind of "jumped", now she just steps across.  When we got to Serbia, K would walk all the way to Miki's school then we would walk her all the way to her school (they're about 200 yards apart), then we just had to walk K across the street (half way), now we get to this spot and she says by and walks on to school meeting friends along the way. 
I know all of you that have had kids have similar memories, but this spot represents more then just my girls growing up, to me its a small symbol of how brave they are.  See when Miki crosses this spot wether with help or on her own she goes to a foreign place where everything is different and everyday she goes with boldness and bravery.  Kyleigh goes from this spot and heads to school where 9 months ago she knew no one, knew not a word of the language and continues to learn and thrive.  To make a long post short, My girls are brave and I am very proud of the young women they are becoming. 

Time of Encouragement

This past weekend we had the great pleasure of hosting Steve and Martha Radney from LPC.  They came to Belgrade to do logistics for future volunteer teams to join us in our work here.  We had great time meeting with nationals and of course showing them our city.  For the Stevens family it was a time of great encouragement.  Whenever we get a chance for visitors from America it is the mot encouraging thing.  Knowing that the staff of LPC is supporting us and willing to send teams to help in our work just fills us with joy.  But more importantly knowing that the people of LPC will be joining us and supporting us is a tremendous encouragement.  We look forward to our partnership growing as together,  we serve the people of Serbia.