The 2007 Work Camp returned to rural Bosnia-Herzegovina and the village of Stolac.

Stolac suffered greatly during the war and was a front line zone of military activity. Its citizens have struggled through the years to bring normalcy back into their lives. Both the Christian and Muslim citizens of Stolac are called to reconciliation. Their path to reconciliation is scattered with scars and unpleasant memories.

St. David's was approached by the Catholic community in Stolac and requested to help with construction of a new youth center on the grounds of the church. The youth are the conduit to future and lasting peace. Coming together at centers of faith strengthens the devotion of healing and peace.

St. David's agreed to assist with funding this worthy building endeavor, and invited their friends to help initiate this project with their prayers and labor.

Pete Wildey was one of the volunteers in 2007; he managed to take more than 1200 photos during the trip, some of which are featured on this page.

Here is his story:

Post Hurricane Katrina, I felt the urge to help out in the Gulf Coast region. Upon research into doing that, I discovered many obstacles. No place to stay, no clear organization, etc. I decided to Google 'Mission Trips' and that is when I came across St. David's. I was excited to learn about their construction jobs. I am a fourth generation carpenter and it has been my desire to 'give back' what I have been blessed with. I knew immediately that I had to go on the next mission trip.

After four planes and about 30 hours of travel, our bus rolled to a stop in the little town of Stolac…about two hours later then planned. To my amazement there were about 30 people (mostly children) awaiting our arrival. They all clapped and said 'Hello' as we wearily stumbled off the bus and into the small stone church for a quick welcome and short Croatian Mass. The Children's Choir performed several songs for us, and we were split up into groups of two and three and sent off with host families to our accommodations.

In the days to follow, I began to see that the real 'work' we all were doing in Stolac was the strengthening of the Christian community. It was all about the interactions between us and the townspeople. A bond was formed, friendships made. Despite the language barriers, we managed to converse. We sang, danced and laughed. The people of Stolac were so gracious, generous and warm. I was so moved by this experience that I felt as though I was the one who benefited most by our visit. I hope and pray that our visit brought a sense of genuine human compassion and kindness to the people of Stolac, so that all may learn to live in peace and embrace the cultural differences within their own community of Christians and Muslims alike.

I have never considered myself the type of man to Evangelize; at least, not in the verbal sense. However, upon reflection of just what happened in that little Bosnian town of Stolac, that is precisely what I did! Through some physical labor and just extending human compassion and simple kindness.

I plan on being a part of as many future St. David's trips as I am able.

Thank you, Jeff. Thank you, Miljenka. Thank you all who help make these trips possible.