The Lord stopped me a few days ago and reminded me I have yet to write a blog about Bulgaria. Bulgaria was a very special month for me and I’m sad it flew bye so quickly. In case you have no clue where Bulgaria is (it’s okay because I didn’t know either) I have provided a map to help ya’ll. We are currently serving in Greece and as soon as I process what’s going on here I will post another blog.
What made last month so amazing was my hosts. I mean really, the world could use a few more Australians. Roger and Gale! Ugh, I just love you both and miss you so much!
Thank you for welcoming us into your home and garden. Thank you for showing us your city and allowing us to come alongside what God is doing through you. Thank you for letting us eat all your food, borrow all your things and even pull a few nasty weeds from your garden. I am thankful I was able to rummage through your old barns and take things sitting around and give them new life again. That alone blessed me more than you know. Thank you for letting me be my childish, sarcastic self and always giving it right back to me! Thank you for making me feel at home in a place that was the farthest I have ever been from home.
Five years ago God placed Roger and Gale in a little city called Silistra. Here in Silistra along with most of Bulgaria is a large Gypsy population. Unfortunately Bulgarians aren’t too keen on the Gypsy presence. To be honest most Gypsies are treated like outcasts.
What is our angle as Christians coming into a culture where Gypsies are cast out? Love. Love is our angle.
God opens the doors we think are closed tight like the Gypsy community. He shows how easily He can open those doors through students in our English classes inviting us into their community.
From school to the soccer field we built relationships playing games like soccer with the boys, jump rope and hopscotch with the girls. My favorite being the slip and slides and water balloons games on the hot days. Listening to Justin Bieber in the relaxing shade while making bracelets. Volleyball, red light green light, hula hooping, painting nails and taking selfies. There was no end to the games these kids were willing to play. Even with a language barrier we found ways to communicate and have fun.
I feel so blessed to have been able to see the Lord working in Bulgaria. See Him create new relationships built on trust as Roger and Gale enter into the Gypsy communities. It begins with the kids and leads deeper into the families. Really it begins with trust in God. That He will grow those relationships and trust between two completely different cultures. That His timing is perfect.
I’d like to ask prayer for Roger and Gale. Prayer for endurance as they press into and love these kids and families. That they would focus on God’s vision for the Gypsy and Bulgarian communities. That they would not be shaken but remain strong in His presence.
To respect the privacy of the kids, youth and Gypsy communities I won’t be posting pictures of our activities online.
Thank you again for everyone whose supported me to get here. Thank you Jesus that I am fully funded! If you wanted to support me but were unable and still would like to please feel free to email me [email protected]
Thanks again ya’ll!!!
