Once we were told that the drive from Split would take about 2h15 - which was proven correct when we came BACK from the Center. However going there and with me driving - since Roberto has a business call to do from the car - and road signs NOT very clear, I got lost upon returning from Split airport (were we dropped off Alessia) so we lost 30 minutes there and then as we were almost arriving at our destination (15 km from Mostar) we were stopped by the police as 1. I was driving too fast (I did not realise he was a policeman and went passed him and Roberto told me to stop NOW he was worried the policeman would fire at us - in Bosnia I agree better follow the law… !!) and 2. to tell us that the road ahead was closed and hence that we had to go back and around the other side of the river - we lost another 40 minutes so it was overall a loooooong drive ! 

We crossed the border and were a bit worried that it might be slightly complicated, but not at all. No queue, a quick check of our passports (I admit maybe a swill passport helps) and off we went ! The highway was almost empty so that part was quite enjoyable !

Yet for me this drive was totally worth it as the Head of the Center, Elvira was soooo welcoming and helpful and she introduced us to her two colleagues who are the experts doing the prothesis. One of them spent a lot of time to explain to us the process from A to Z and it was extremely fascinating. He is so driven and motivated to ensure the prothesis he hand-produces fits PERFECTLY each individual (including children unfortunately). The center fits about one prothesis per week. A child / adolescent might need about 3 different prothesis in a year as they grow ! These prothesis are a life line to a “normal” life for all of the patients ! Unfortunately we arrived too late to see the fitting of one prothesis on a patient, maybe next time !

We were also introduced to a psychologists who used to work pro-bono for the Center as she was funded by the German Embassy, yet who is no longer funded but still helps when she can. Offering psychosocial counselling (not psychological help as this is not something that the Bosnian men culturally would accept) together with the physical help is something Elvira hopes to be able to continue to do, yet funding for this is necessary.

This visit reminded me again and again how LUCKY we are to be living in a no war country and to be healthy ! Yet It also demonstrates how even without a limb life can and should continue and be fruitful. These courageous people continue to have dreams and to want to fulfil their dreams and the Miracles Center allows them to do this. I am proud to be a member of that Fondation Miracles and thankful to Roberto to be so supportive of this too !

We had read and heard that the city of Mostar is actually worth visiting, yet we did not have time to do so. Maybe another time !