Library Program Update

Our library schedule here in Sisak has slowly begun to unfold. With many librarians out on sick leave, our program has been much leaner, but the remaining librarians have been gracious and have jumped right in to help in any way they can! Our program began on Monday with Read to Me at both the children’s library in town and the library in the suburbs. 43 children showed up to read books with us in both English and Croatian. It was great seeing them bravely and beautifully read Dr. Seuss in front of so many onlookers. They loved seeing us Americans attempt to read Croatian, and were eager to help us with our limited Croatian reading skills!

On Tuesday we went to the suburb library for a movie night where we served 15 children popcorn and juice. I was initially discouraged when many left partway through the movie, but when I asked one teenage girl Amari what she thought of the event she said, “It was good . . . actually it was wonderful!” That response and her excitement to participate in our programs made our time and efforts completely worth it!

Since last summer, I’ve tried getting in contact with another library nearby in the village of Petrinja. We heard they were interested our program and eager to host us at their library. Unfortunately, when I emailed their English-speaking contact, I never received a response. Wednesday morning I was able to meet with Irena, a librarian from the suburb library, and Ante, a librarian from the library in Petrinja. We had a great time together and now have a three-day program scheduled for next year, a one-day program scheduled for next week, and a chance to share about HiS Print with the Petrinja radio station! I am constantly amazed at how God blesses our efforts and desire to love on others. It’s not uncommon here for plans to fall through, but when they do, God always provides us with an opportunity we never expected or imagined!

Please pray for healing for the many librarians out on sick leave. Also, pray that God would bless our volunteer interpreters who have stepped in to fill the gaps in our library program, and that this opportunity would be used to strengthen our relationships with them and that our words and actions would point them towards Christ.

Heidi