Zdraveite from Bulgaria!
A LOT has been happening recently, so here are some updates from the field:
- This past month in Romania, my team and I were serving alongside a church in the city of Pitesti. Our ministry included a wide range of activities: hanging out in a ghetto community with Roma families, facilitating women’s small groups, hosting the homeless at our church once a week (lots of ping pong and sausage sandwiches!), helping with a Friday night youth group, splitting wood for a pastor and his family, etc. I had so much fun and truly enjoyed what we were doing. Plus, our host, Cristi, really ensured that our two teams staying with him had ample rest. In hitting that ‘month 8 slump’ real hard, I was very grateful for some downtime.
- I met a girl at church who invited me and my friend, Shelby, to attend her bible study later that week. We met up in the center of town, went to the coziest tea shop, and hung out with two of her friends. Together, we discussed the Word, traded language tips, and drank the tastiest Roiboos tea. It was a really sweet afternoon.
- Did a lil bit of sight-seeing in Romania as well. Visited Dracula’s dwelling place (Bran Castle) along with (without prior knowledge) the set of the Netflix original movie, The Christmas Prince (Peles Castle). We really enjoyed our little day trip, and we even got to drink red Dracula beer! In addition, I was able to explore Old Town Bucharest on two separate occasions (one with MY PARENTS).
- Yeah, you heard that right, my wonderful parents came to visit me in Romania! The WR hosts a trip called PVT (Parent Vision Trip) during Month 8/9 of the race. Mom and Dad met me in Draganesti-Olt, Romania for 4 days of ministry and fellowship. I CRIED SO HARD WHEN I SAW THEM OMG. We had the best time playing countless games of Dutch Blitz, catching up on life, connecting with locals, spending intentional time in prayer, worshiping, and eating (lol). Wow, having them here was really REALLY good for my heart. I said goodbye to them this past Wednesday morning and miss them so much already. But I also feel incredibly refreshed, renewed and encouraged going into these last 3 months! Having them physically here beside me and serving alongside them was the greatest gift.
- After a 7ish-hour bus ride this past Thursday, J Church arrived in Sofia, Bulgaria for Debrief. Our leadership team flew in from the states to be with us too! WE ARE IN MONTH 9 PEOPLE. THIS IS NOT A DRILL. Wow, time is flying! This city is impeccably beautiful, the sun is shining, and it feels like spring. I’m excited to spend time with my squad mates and get some rest in before kicking off ministry.
- Team changes also just happened! I now am on my fourth (and final) team of the World Race, which means I get to spend these last 3 months with 6 incredible gals. Really, they’re amazing. I’m sure you’ll be hearing a lot more about Kasey, Emily, Lauren, Elle, Victoria and Alexa.
- AND, this month our team has the privilege of having what AIM refers to as “no host month.” Which means, you guessed it, we won’t have a ministry host this month in Bulgaria. WHAT. You might be wondering what that means for us…we’re also wondering haha. Essentially, we get to choose as a team which part of the country we want to spend the month in. We choose what our daily ministry looks like, where we want to live, what roles we want to have on our team. It’s a lot of responsibility and freedom, and I’M REALLY EXCITED TO SEE WHAT GOD’S GONNA DO. As Debrief comes to an end, we’re finalizing some details as a team and trying to follow the Holy Spirit’s direction. I’m sure I’ll be posting some updates on that soon!
WOW. I think that’s it.
Like I said, it’s felt like a lot. But mainly, a while lotta good. As a squad, I feel like we’ve learned so much these first eight months that will help set us up for success these last three. Here’s to new experiences, not having a host, and still talking people’s ears off about Jesus!
Things you can be praying for:
+ My new team! For unity, the Lord’s clear direction, and a cool, affordable place to live this month.
+ Lots of new and interesting ministry opportunities!
+ All 31 of us on my squad to stay on the field until the very end of our race.
+ Direction, growth and guidance in our spiritual gifts (hello, exhortation!).
+ My incredible parents who just got home after a super impactful week in Romania.
+ Opportunities/calling for after the race (!!!).
Really really love you guys. xx
~K
