It's been a few days since we have arrived in Dobromirka, the village that we will be serving in for the next month. Since arriving in this country, I can't help but dwell on the beauty that surrounds me. Everywhere you look there are rolling hills, sunflower fields and lots and lots of green.
This month we are staying with Deedee and Nasco, our gracious hosts. Neither of them speak English, but their daughter-in-law Vonya and son Vile have been helping to translate for us and Annabelle, their one year old granddaughter has served as a source of much entertainment and joy. I have been blown away by the hospitality of our hosts, who have been continually been a blessing to us since the day we arrived. Our task for this month is to help out with a children's camp and some seminars that will take place here in the house we are staying. These past days have been slow as we have been adjusting to the time difference and preparing the house for the first seminar that will take place tomorrow.
We have had some down time to explore the village of Dobromirka, which consists of about 500 people, has three shops in walking distance (where we often go to indulge our chocolate cravings), hundreds of plum trees with the most delcious plums you'll ever taste, a fascinating library where we met Kancho, our accordion playing friend and a lake that we were informed about but have yet to find. I am very excited about this month and all that the Lord will do through us, but also among us. It seems a little strange to think about the journey ahead, as we are just beginning. I feel like Bilbo when he first set out for his adventure, not knowing what lies ahead, but anxiously expecting it to be a wild ride that would ultimately change the course of his future.
Be praying for my team this month as we begin ministry and grow together as a team. Pray for my teammate Katie, who could not get her passport back in time to leave with the rest of our squad for Bulgaria. She was able to obtain an emergency passport and should be on her way to us in the next few days. Pray for the village of Dobromirka, as it seems like a town that is slowly dying out. There are very few children, and many homes have been abandoned. Pray that the Lord would bring life to these people and that we would be able to begin relationships with the locals. Pray against sickness for our team, as it could be a hindrance to our ministry.
Most of all, thank you for your involvement in this; for your prayers, support, encouragement. It means the world to me to know that I have a group back at home rallying behind me as I begin this journey.
