Our time in Vidin has ended and we are all headed to Sofia for Month 8 debrief.
Only three weeks in length, yet I feel like this month was so much longer because of all the incredible ministry opportunities, relationships built, amazing community, much needed rest, and lessons God taught me. Month 8 goes up there for being one of my top three favorite months on the race so far! 
Here’s a little recap of our time in Vidin:
We started out the first week resting a lot. As month 8 racers we couldn’t help but be so thankful for this extra rest. I rolled into Vidin completely exhausted and in need of rest. God so graciously granted my pleading prayer for extra rest and I found myself not only resting physically and recharging, but also getting to spiritually rest in His presence and be recharged.Resting and sitting in stillness with the Lord is one of the greatest highlights from this month!
Next, as a squad leader I jump around to a different team each month and the Lord called me to team Pearls! Instantly I entered into such a sweet community of women. It has been refreshing to build new friendships and pursue the Lord with so many amazing ladies who are confident in who they are in Christ. There have been endless laughs, great conversations, amazing meals prepared together, and so much to celebrate. This month gave me a look into what true community looks like: when we follow Christ and challenge those who are to the right and left of us to do the same. Thanks pearls for becoming life long friends and sharing in such a sweet season of community this month!
Ministry this month was absolutely incredible! Pastor Yavor has a huge heart for the people of Vidin and pours into them constantly. Pastor allowed us to jump right in with him this month. We made house visits, picked up trash along the lake to bless the fishermen, played volleyball with locals, visited a behavioral facility, visited two old folks homes, a special needs home, an orphanage twice, gypsy community twice, a valley where many were killed during communism and possibly a few other things I’m forgetting! Ministry this month was simply living out our relationship with Jesus and letting it overflow into everywhere we went! I love when ministry is so practical and we get to partner with someone who is so passionate about declaring truth. Our month of ministry ended on such a sweet note with 4 to 5 women coming to Christ on one of our last days of ministry.
I could go on and on about this month but I’ll end it with this. Month 8 was the answer to my prayers and the fulfillment of the promise of what community and life on the race looks likes. Jesus brought together community, ministry, intimacy with Him, rest, adventure, and sweet friendships that will last forever, and finally the best part: 4 to 5 new sisters in Christ!
I’m truly grateful for all that Month 8 held and will forever cherish the memories and moments experienced in this month.
Next stop is Month 8 Debrief! We will be in Sofia for five days debriefing the last few months and changing up teams. On August 28th we board a flight to Africa and our first country in Africa is Zimbabwe! September 27th is when I get to see my parents in Swaziland for 5 days of ministry! And finally…November 20/21st at 12am I will LAND IN THE PNW!!!!!!!!!! That’s right! I booked my final flight from JFK to PDX! I couldn’t be more excited to look forward to home, but I am definitely cherishing and loving all that the Lord is unveiling and doing in this current season called the World Race. 🙂
Until Next Time…Be Richly Blessed!!
Michelle
(Our Goodbye party with Pastor and Polli!)
(Pastor Yavor prepared us so well for Africa and when we head home. He was such a great example of what it looks like to live every day fully for the Lord and to stick to your convictions and speak truth into situations even if it might be awkward or uncomfortable. Pastor also had the funniest one liners! Thanks Pastor for hosting us!)
Cheers to the end of Eastern Europe!!!
