I arrive in Bulgaria after an all night train that I actually enjoyed. We left Bucharest around 8 pm heading for Sofia, Bulgaria. We knew we would have to stop a couple of times in the middle of the night when we left Romania and when we entered Bulgaria. We were not really sure how that would work but it was actually a fun experience for us. The border patrol guy was actually full of jokes and we got some good laughs. I was very tired when we arrived in Sofia but we had a busy day ahead. We finally headed to Petrich where we would be staying for a few days to pray and seek God about the rest of our time in Bulgaria. We had a 3 hour bus ride and I wanted to be alone so I got away from the group.
I am sitting alone on the bus and there is people laughing, telling jokes, sharing stories, sleeping, and some listening to music. I am praying because God is really starting to break my heart for the women of Bulgaria. I wasn’t really sure why or what I should do so I just continued to pray for the women of Bulgaria! We finally arrived at Al and Diane’s house. We spent a few days there just figuring out what we should do for the next few weeks. The more I was seeking God the more my heart was breaking for the women. After a few days being in Petrich we headed to Sandanski. We set up our beds and took a tour of the hospital connected to the church. We then had lunch that the staff had provided for us and we decided that Don would speak at the church service that night.
We arrive at the service and realize it’s a women’s service and so five minutes before it is time to speak we decide a girl needs to speak so I volunteered. I just prayed God you have broken my heart for these women so please give me the words to say. I am standing before 20 or so women and speaking with a translator for the first time. I spoke about why we were here, The World Race, how God was breaking my heart for the them, and my testimony. It was amazing and seemed to really flow. Praise God. First opportunity for me to serve the women in Bulgaria.
I was still seeking God because I wondered if that was the only reason I was here. Was I suppose to seek God for more chances to reach out the women. I realize through prayer that I was and that there was a certain lady who needed me to pray for her the next day. We wake up and find out we are going to go do some painting and cleaning up at women’s mental hospital. We arrived and find out we are painting the bottom of trees to protect it from bugs and picking up pine cones! We also go to do some talking with the women. 
They love hugs and smile. I was hugging Maria and she looked at my arm full of bracelets and asked for one. So I gave her one and she was so excited that she gave me a big hug and several kisses. I then prayed God is she the one I should pray for but it wasn’t. I then found her. She was sitting alone and could not speak English but she was showing me her hands and shoulder. I was like I don’t understand and then I realized she has arthritis so I prayed she would no longer suffer from arthritis. I am not sure if she was healed but I know God had me there that day to serve them and pray for her! 
I am just in my first week in Bulgaria and God has really blessed me with many chances to serve the women of Bulgaria so I am really excited to see what is in store for the rest of the month.
