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Christian Life
Paying to kill a child for fun? It happened in Sarajevo, and it can happen again
When Mirela Popaja read about the so-called “safaris” to the besieged city of Sarajevo, she immediately saw herself again as a child in wartime. Was our columnist ever a target of the rich snipers that came to kill Sarajevans? In Bosnia and Herzegovina, we thought that our pain had healed…
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Christian Life
How Mirela's forbears brought all their traumas to Sarajevo
With her grandparents, Mirela could trace back five generations. In each lifetime, there had been a war, and it had shaped the direction of her family. > Stay up to date with Christian news in Europe? Sign up for CNE's newsletter. Recently, I had a lecture in my Gestalt psychotherapy…
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Christian Life
Saving the planet isn't easy, but this is how we can do it
In Sarajevo, people are living on dangerous soil. At any given moment, their homes can be covered by tons of debris toppled by a landslide, Mirela Popaja says. “Are we to wait for disaster to strike before anyone acts?” > Stay up to date with Christian news in Europe? Sign…
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Christian Life
How war monuments do more than just provoke sorrow
Monuments are meant to help us remember and heal. But sometimes, they are part of the problem again. And what do we do then if they do not help in preventing cycles of violence? > Stay up to date with Christian news in Europe? Sign up for CNE's newsletter. Across…
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Christian Life
In times of polarisation, we should look at what unites us
“What will happen?” This question kept popping into my head as I sat in the van, winding through the rugged mountains of Kula, somewhere between Montenegro and Kosovo. > Stay up to date with Christian news in Europe? Sign up for CNE's newsletter. Together with the artists from the acting…
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Christian Life
Christmas in Sarajevo makes our trauma extra visible
The beautiful season of winter holidays is upon us. Many European cities are still in Christmas mode with their winter markets, mulled wine, beautifully shaped cinnamon cookies, tree ornaments and toys. The cafes are decorated with lights and bows and invite us all in for a hot cup of coffee…
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Christian Life
How I processed my war trauma at my daughter's school
War made Mirela's first school day impossible. Now, her daughter has started her first grade. “Healing doesn't always happen in the places we expect.” > Stay up to date with Christian news in Europe? Sign up for CNE's newsletter. My 6-year-old daughter, Eva, started her first grade this September. It…
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Christian Life
Column from Sarajevo: Why a man kills the woman he loves
Once upon a time, there was a wealthy man who got married six times. All his beautiful brides disappeared one by one. The seventh wife discovers something terrible. This tale set columnist Mirela Popaja to thinking. The wealthy husband named Bluebeard tells his seventh wife that she can open all…
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Christian Life
Column from Sarajevo: Sevdah music as a therapy for dealing with the trauma of war
Vratnik, an old part of Sarajevo breathes mystery. The houses are hidden behind walls and the hearts conceal many feelings. Columnist Mirella attempts to unveil some of these secrets. Vratnik is an old part of Sarajevo, a little area on the hill right above Bascarsija. The name itself comes from…
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Christian Life
Column from Sarajevo: Entering the EU's waiting room gives hope for a better care system in Bosnia
This week, Bosnia took one step toward the European Union. Just a little step, since membership is a long journey. Still, it gives hope to our columnist Mirela Popaja. One day, medical care may be standard in my country, she says. Wednesday is a special day for me. Most Wednesdays,…
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