What an extraordinary day! Again today we went to Berk 4 (the handicap home) in the morning and to the gypsy village in the afternoon.
Tom has jumped right in and been doing eye exams for 2 days now. Today, in the gypsy village alone, he saw 50 kids!! He also saw kids at Berk 4 - where he is quite a popular man... everyone wants glasses!
Midge and Emily did physical exams again today - saw lots of handicap children. Midge says that it is a great blessing to work with these kids, some of whom are not kids - some are as old as 40! Emily has been a great blessing helping with both eye exams (yesterday) and physical exams (today).
The children at Berk 4 have been really responding to music and joining in and opening up more. Their favorite song is Jesus Loves Me (which we have learned in Bulgarian!).
There are a lot of new children at Berk 4 - young ones. It is fun to watch the older kids at Berk 4 take care of the little ones. You can tell that they care for one another. Today Skip held a younger looking child (which turned out to be 13). The workers said that this child does not speak or respond to much - but as we were about to leave, Skip looked into her eyes and she smiled back. He said he didn't know what she was thinking, but that it was a joy to see her respond and to connect with her.
Russ has visited the cows and chickens at Berk 4. The kids love showing their animals off to the group. Charles has been walking with the kids; Debbie has been hugging and loving them; Bryan has had the privilege of playing the role of Jesus in all our skits; Jane and Leanne have been our narrators; Rachel loves playing follow the leader with 20 kids.
Midge writes: Rachel has been a great leader for the team and loves each of the children dearly.
At the gypsy village there were a lot more kids today. Jessie refreshed them on Tennessee again and the kids remembered a good bit. Again we took them outside to play and just ran around. We played follow the leader, frisbie, soccer, red light/green light, and jump rope. It was very hot, but it was worth all the sweat. We feel like we have connected with the kids. Tomorrow is our last day with the gypsy kids.
Judy and Paul (the missionairies) have been wonderful. It amazes us how God is using them. Their ministry over here is such a blessing to see and experience. They are loved by so many.
Our interpreters are great too! They work well with the children and are fun to be around.
Tomorrow most of the team will do a little sight seeing at an old Roman ruin... Tom and Midge will be staying in Berkovitsa and doing more exams at Berk 3 (the home for kids aged 6ish-18). Please continue to pray for the health of the team and our ministry here.
Our God is so good! He is doing amazing things! None of this would be possible (or worth it) without Him. All these children are so precious - pray that they see Jesus' love in us. They are often mistreated and lonely; they want to be loved so much. Pray for their comfort and for a hope that only comes from God.
We love you all!! Thanks for keeping up with us!
The Team
8 comments:
Thinking of you all. I am glad you are having the opportunity to touch so many lives. Love on those babies for me. What a wonderful experience all of you are having. Be safe and rest well. I will be praying for the many lives you have the opportunity to touch. Glad Rachel and Tom arrived safely.
I am so glad you all have this blog up! It is wonderful and refreshing to read the stories you have to share. I am continuing to pray for you all as you spread God's love in the work you are doing. Praying for each of you and the children and people of Berkovista...
Peace and blessings,
Teresa Cavanaugh (friend of Leanne and Russ)
Thanks to the "master blogger" for such an awesome description of the events of each day!! You truly make us feel as though we are there with you! We cry, we rejoice, we laugh, we feel and we are blessed through your postings. Thank you! Praying for you and those lives you are touching. We love you!
-Sharon
I miss you my sweet Emily!
I am so proud of each of you for the courage you have shown in taking on this amazing responsibility. Regardless of what events lead up to you coming together for this mission, I know each and every one of you was hand picked by God to be there. I love the blog, to be able to share your experience. It really is a "God Spot". Take care and I love you Emily.
Kathy Smelcer
I love reading the blog. I'm glad you are being blessed as you let God use you. The vitamin story really touched me. I will keep praying for you and the kids.
(I've heard some of Jessica's lessons, and I know she is doing an excellent job!)
Jackie Rice
THANK YOU!!!!!!
Thank you for letting us feel a part of this wonderful ministry through your blog.
Thanks to each of you for answering God's call to go and do and be.....
Thank you for sharing God's love with the folks in Bulgaria ---and with the folks in Morristown FUMC.
God bless you as you continue.
Our love and prayers are with you.
Ellen
What a joy to read of the experiences you are having and the impact that is being made in the lives of those to whom you are reaching out. Prayers continue for all of you and for the people of Berkovista.
Special hugs to Emily from Sossie and G.B.!
Emily, just want you to know that your pastor is praying for you and the entire mission team. As you meet physical needs, I'm praying that doors of opportunity will be opened for you and the team to see several people saved through the power of the Gospel (Rom. 1:16). Keep up the good work. We love you and will be praying for you tonight during our prayer time.
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