So, I've had some people email me asking if I'm okay. I thought posting this would be the easiest way to let people know how I am and what the situation here in BiH is.
We've gotten snow...LOTS of snow! Much of Europe is covered and dealing with freezing temperatures. I'll explain what I know of the situation, but if you want to know more I've included several articles you can read about what's going on here.
-We've gotten about 4 feet of snow in Sarajevo. BiH has been declared as in a state of emergency. The city is up and running again (buses, trams, etc). There aren't many cars on the road because most parking lots are covered and people have to dig out their cars. People are digging pathways to walk and for the most part things are "normal". They have done a GREAT job within the city of getting plows and such going to clear the roads. SO things weren't slowed down for long.
Someone here described the city like this and I think it's appropriate: "I feel like I live in an ant farm. There's paths through the mounds of snow everywhere and little black and brown bodies (people's coats) scurrying around through the paths." And I agree it does resemble an ant farm!
All that to say I am fine. I have heat, I have electricity, I have water. I am blessed!
-Sarajevo is in a valley. There are many people who live in the mountains along this valley. Most of them are stuck because snowplows can't get to the remote areas.
-People in villages usually don't have radiators. They use wood ovens. So for those in remote areas many don't have electricity or water due to the weather. Some are running low on wood and can't get more. This is causing major problems. As I write this I can hear helicopters. This is because they are using helicopters to fly in food to remote areas that are "trapped" and can't get out of the snow.
-There have been over 350 people across Europe who have died due to the weather/temperatures. And there are still MANY people without heat, electricity, and water in Europe battling the climates.
-The temperatures here in BiH are suppose to stay between 5-12*F over the next ten days. And more snow is predicted in the coming days.
IF you are wanting to know how you can pray, here are some things:
1. Pray for the weather to STOP!!! As beautiful as snow is and so gentle and dainty, when it piles up like this it causes massive problems. So, pray that this winter weather will cease.
2. Pray for those who are in bad situations. People who have no heat, electricity, water. Pray that people who can, will help. We are trying to help where we can, but we can't obviously get everywhere and are limited on resources ourselves.
3. Pray for the governments of all these countries as they deal with handeling this winter situation. This snow will eventualy melt and depending on how and when that happens, this could also cause issues.
Here are some links with more info on the situation with this winter weather:
http://www.pattayadailynews.com/en/2012/02/07/europes-severe-weather-kills-from-england-to-greece/
http://www.newsday.com/news/world/snow-traps-thousands-in-bosnian-villages-1.3509635
http://www.foxnews.com/world/2012/02/05/thousands-trapped-by-snow-in-bosnia/
http://news.yahoo.com/bosnian-authorities-declare-state-emergency-144026917.html
If you do have any questions, please feel free to email me!
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