Saturday we left our hostel in Romania at 9am and took the metro to the train station. From there we took two train rides, each about 4 or 5 hours to get to the border in Kalafat, Romania. Then we walked for a ways until we made it to the ferry that would take us across the Danube river and into Bulgaria.
The trip was fun as a team bonding time, although the second train ride was a bit sketchy. First, it's weird when the conductor gives your group a private car in the back of the train beside the toilet. Next, an older man came and sat with us, warding off other passengers from coming in. He gave some advice and suggestions about where to stay and offered to drive us to the ferry. As the ride went on it felt more and more uncomfortable…not dangerous, just something to be aware of. I took some time to read Psalm 91 and remind myself of all the people praying over my team. I asked for discernment and peace and the Lord provided it. We chose not to take the advice of this man but to walk directly to the ferry and cross into Bulgaria. When we got there and made it through customs it was beginning to get dark – about 9:30pm. By 9:45 or so the cell phone still wasn't working and that's when a van came driving up directly to our group. Thankfully, it was Pastor Kostov, our ministry contact for the month. He knew when to meet us from the ferry and was very welcoming and right on time!
The Lord watched over us and gave discernment as we traveled. We are thanking him for a good start in Bulgaria and looking forward to an awesome month of ministry. As I'm getting used to the schedule and availability of internet I hope to post more blogs soon because I've got so much on my mind and heart already. This will certainly be an incredible journey!
Sarah, Frank and Kelly play cards at the train station.
Blake guards all of our belongings at the first train stop.
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