As I’m typing this blog out- I’m riding in the back of a van, enjoying the gorgeous view of the Bulgarian countryside, as we travel to our next destination. I have no idea where we’re headed- but that’s been the beautiful theme of this month…. God has been in complete control, with each day being a brand new adventure. And let me tell you- He’s been showing up in the coolest ways- pouring favor and blessings our way left and right.
It all started out when we met our contact, Mladen, at the Sofia bus station a little over a week ago. After finishing up ministry school in the UK, he moved back to Bulgaria to start planting churches. He has been very successful so far, with 11 churches planted throughout the country, with more contacts spread out in parts of Greece and Macedonia. He has a group of students that he trained who are helping him reach his goal of having a network of 200 churches. We learned that we would be traveling with him throughout this month to visit these various churches and communities to share our testimonies, preach, and pray for the people. We were pumped to hear that we would have the opportunity to see many different parts of Bulgaria as part of our ministry, for normally we stay in one or two spots for the entire month. WHAT A BLESSING IN ITSELF.
Our first stop: a poor Gypsy village called Mikrevo, which is about ten minutes from Mladen’s neighborhood. We arrived at a small church building in the middle of what was supposed to be their town square…and learned that we’d be staying in this particular village for the remainder of the week, before beginning our adventure of traveling around the country.
Being a Gypsy himself, Mladen explained some of the cultural norms and history of the community. Apparently, gypsies don’t like authority and are pretty set in their ways. They like to party and live their own way… with little discipline or motivation to change. This was very apparent. After trying to sleep the first night- I felt like I was in the middle of a college spring break in Panama City. Music was blaring throughout the streets 24/7. On a side note- they absolutely LOVE Ghanham Style, for it was playing on repeat majority of the night. There were children that roamed the street all hours of the night, with little discipline coming from their parents. Some of them wore the same clothes for days and didn’t even own a pair of shoes. A good majority of them have never been enrolled in school and probably won’t even ever get the chance.
Our primary mission was to play with the children and love on them. One day, we spent most of the morning teaching them Christian children’s songs and playing games with them right in the middle of the town square. As these children were clinging onto me for dear life, and literally fighting over who would get to hug me next- my heart ached for them. I experienced emotions that I didn’t even know I had. I wanted to squeeze them tight and never let go. I wanted more than anything to be able to speak to them in their language, letting them know that they are LOVED and VALUABLE.
In spending just one week in this crazy village- I’ve laughed more than I ever have, danced more than I ever have, gotten really good at playing charades to communicate with people, and learned to develop genuine friendships through smiles and hugs alone. And the best part of it all- this is just the beginning.
I’m so incredibly blessed to have the opportunity to experience these villages in such a raw way. I’m also blessed to have the opportunity to travel around- village to village, just like the apostles did. I’m slowly seeing the Bible come to life here in Eastern Europe. The apostles passed through some of the very same places that I’ll be passing through to spread the love of Jesus Christ, and it’s such an honor and privilege to know that He is using ME (and my team) to spread his love to these people.
So as I sit here in this van… with no idea what village is next, I know that God has already set up divine appointments. We are not here by accident, and I can’t wait to see how the rest of this month pans out.
Pictures really are worth a thousand words, so I hope you enjoy these…. For they say WAY more than I could ever try and type out in this blog post.
The Gypsy Village
Our first night- such wonderful hospitality
We celebrated Easter twice this year!!
I fell in love with this girl.
Nails painted for probably the first time.
Speechless.
Playing games with the kids
Photo Shoot 1
Photo Shoot 2
Wiping their dirty faces
Duck, duck, goose
Holding back tears as she talks to me like I understand every word
Adorable.
The adults watching us play with the kids
Beautiful
Hugs and Kisses
Thanks SO much for all your love, prayers, and support. Without you- this trip wouldn't be possible. I only need $500 to stay on this journey…..so if you feel led to donate financially- please click on the "Please Support Me" tab on the left of your screen.
With Much Love,
Pamela
