Wednesday, June 9, 2010
We're Back!
We are back in the states! Sorry for lack of communication... but the last few days flew by in a breeze. We had a marvelous time!!! We cannot wait to share with our friends and family and church. Thanks for your prayers!!
Saturday, June 5, 2010
Home Stretch
Dear friends,
There is so much to tell. We have long days - up before the sun and down long after the moon. Thursday morning we went to a home (orphange) in Dren - a home for preschoolers. These precious kids were a great highlight. The kids just want to be held and played with. One kid crawled up in Tom's lap and pointed to his own glasses and then to Tom's glasses and then just wanted to sit in his lap the rest of the time. Jeff had kids jumping up and down all around him. Leanne crawled in a playhouse and played with some smaller ones. Bridget had a small girl hold her hand and walk for about 15 minutes; when we were ready to leave the little girl began to cry and wail and did not want Bridget to leave. It was hard to leave; these kids soaked up the attention and love.
We then went and ate lunch at an OMV (a fancy gas station). We also went to a beautiful monastery.
Next we went to a special needs home (orphanage) in Petrovo. This home was very touching. There were children of all ages and of all needs physically and mentally. It was very touching to see the bed-ridden children and adults. Each of us prayed over the kids that we worked with. These people are so precious in our Father's heart.
We ended the day by driving into Greece; was a long day... With a HUGE surprise at the end of it. We arrived in Greece around 10pm very tired, but the Ridgways had secretly planned with Rachel's boyfriend the 'proposal.' Jim, Rachel's boyfriend, was waiting for her at the hotel with an engagement ring. She said 'yes'! Jim has joined the group for the rest of the trip.
Friday was an R&R day in Kavala, Philippi, and Thassos - places in Greece. The team had an amazing time wandering the ruins of Philippi where the Apostle Paul spent time. See Acts 16:6-40. We sat outside of the place that is thought to be the prison Paul and Silas were sent to. It really brings the Bible to life! We also saw the place where Lydia (from the same Acts story) was baptized. The afternoon was spent on the island of Thassos swimming in the Aegean Sea.
Today we are traveling to one more orphan home. We look forward to all God has planned.
Blessings!
There is so much to tell. We have long days - up before the sun and down long after the moon. Thursday morning we went to a home (orphange) in Dren - a home for preschoolers. These precious kids were a great highlight. The kids just want to be held and played with. One kid crawled up in Tom's lap and pointed to his own glasses and then to Tom's glasses and then just wanted to sit in his lap the rest of the time. Jeff had kids jumping up and down all around him. Leanne crawled in a playhouse and played with some smaller ones. Bridget had a small girl hold her hand and walk for about 15 minutes; when we were ready to leave the little girl began to cry and wail and did not want Bridget to leave. It was hard to leave; these kids soaked up the attention and love.
We then went and ate lunch at an OMV (a fancy gas station). We also went to a beautiful monastery.
Next we went to a special needs home (orphanage) in Petrovo. This home was very touching. There were children of all ages and of all needs physically and mentally. It was very touching to see the bed-ridden children and adults. Each of us prayed over the kids that we worked with. These people are so precious in our Father's heart.
We ended the day by driving into Greece; was a long day... With a HUGE surprise at the end of it. We arrived in Greece around 10pm very tired, but the Ridgways had secretly planned with Rachel's boyfriend the 'proposal.' Jim, Rachel's boyfriend, was waiting for her at the hotel with an engagement ring. She said 'yes'! Jim has joined the group for the rest of the trip.
Friday was an R&R day in Kavala, Philippi, and Thassos - places in Greece. The team had an amazing time wandering the ruins of Philippi where the Apostle Paul spent time. See Acts 16:6-40. We sat outside of the place that is thought to be the prison Paul and Silas were sent to. It really brings the Bible to life! We also saw the place where Lydia (from the same Acts story) was baptized. The afternoon was spent on the island of Thassos swimming in the Aegean Sea.
Today we are traveling to one more orphan home. We look forward to all God has planned.
Blessings!
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Greetings Friends!
Our day has been another productive one, and a marvelously smooth one as well. We began our morning with crisp, clear weather in Vratsa, the morning sun spilling over the impressive vertical walls of rock. Everyone enjoyed a lovely morning walk in the brisk air. Since breakfast at the hotel was not available early, we drove through Vratsa and breakfasted at the OMV on the outskirts of town. Even eating "fast food" was delicious; the pastries were yummy. Later in the day we discovered tasty OMV ice cream after visiting the second orphanage. At the first home, one for handicapped children, we were greeted with songs from the children. They are indeed blessed to have a music director who loves them as well as music. We all joined in the song "If You're Happy and You Know It". What a joyful sound unto the Lord in both Bulgarian and southern English! Shoes and socks followed, then the orphanage kitchen staff treated us to a picnic lunch on their patio area. We munched on open faced sandwiches of cheese and a small piece of meat along with chips and drinks. Back into the vans and on to Roman and the home for "regular" orphans. Many were very appreciative of their shoes and socks. At the end we were delighted that one young man asked for 20 crosses for members of his church. Once again back into the vans and on to Sophia, the capital. Our hotel is extremely nice with large tubs and showers. Dinner is at the hotel, but across the street. Interestingly, the hotel is 3 separate buildings. We quickly freshen up and grab our materials for our evening meeting. That is all except Jeff; he stays behind in his room --- locked in!! Leanne, thank goodness, is the last one down and hears him banging on the door. She quietly whispers to Polly his dilemma, but we all soon learn of our missing comrade's problem. The desk manager quickly leaps in to action, and is soon followed by the hotel owner, and a locksmith. Much up and down the stairs and worried looks. Finally Jeff is rescued via ladder from his balcony. Lucky Jeff and Polly are now in an executive apartment that is big enough for all of us!! Love to all, Cindy
1
Our day has been another productive one, and a marvelously smooth one as well. We began our morning with crisp, clear weather in Vratsa, the morning sun spilling over the impressive vertical walls of rock. Everyone enjoyed a lovely morning walk in the brisk air. Since breakfast at the hotel was not available early, we drove through Vratsa and breakfasted at the OMV on the outskirts of town. Even eating "fast food" was delicious; the pastries were yummy. Later in the day we discovered tasty OMV ice cream after visiting the second orphanage. At the first home, one for handicapped children, we were greeted with songs from the children. They are indeed blessed to have a music director who loves them as well as music. We all joined in the song "If You're Happy and You Know It". What a joyful sound unto the Lord in both Bulgarian and southern English! Shoes and socks followed, then the orphanage kitchen staff treated us to a picnic lunch on their patio area. We munched on open faced sandwiches of cheese and a small piece of meat along with chips and drinks. Back into the vans and on to Roman and the home for "regular" orphans. Many were very appreciative of their shoes and socks. At the end we were delighted that one young man asked for 20 crosses for members of his church. Once again back into the vans and on to Sophia, the capital. Our hotel is extremely nice with large tubs and showers. Dinner is at the hotel, but across the street. Interestingly, the hotel is 3 separate buildings. We quickly freshen up and grab our materials for our evening meeting. That is all except Jeff; he stays behind in his room --- locked in!! Leanne, thank goodness, is the last one down and hears him banging on the door. She quietly whispers to Polly his dilemma, but we all soon learn of our missing comrade's problem. The desk manager quickly leaps in to action, and is soon followed by the hotel owner, and a locksmith. Much up and down the stairs and worried looks. Finally Jeff is rescued via ladder from his balcony. Lucky Jeff and Polly are now in an executive apartment that is big enough for all of us!! Love to all, Cindy
1
Monday, May 31, 2010
Hello Friends,
What a blessed day in Bulgaria. Our team started this exciting day at the baby home in Montana. We were greeted by a great director of the home which gave us a history of the home and its many needs. Shoes and more shoes were placed on many beautiful feet of these babies and some just received socks because of their age or disabilities. The babies were so happy to see us and just needed to be loved as Jesus loves us. The emotions and feelings that our team members felt are beyond words so I have attached pictures. Several children today were sick so they need our prayers as well as the workers taking care of them.
Our lunch today was prepared by three ladies at the Lom Baptist Church. Home cooking would best describe our wonderful lunch that renewed our strength for the afternoon. After lunch we proceeded to the Lom orphanage which consisted of preschoolers to the age of 18. We placed shoes and sandels on these children. Everyone worked so hard and with love and compassion to each child. The children were touched by their shoes and afterwards we went outside to play with the children. Amazing and exciting things happened today in which God had already planned. We ended the afternoon with a stop at the bank of the Danube River before returning to the hotel.
Their are so many emotions that are experienced through our team members that I wish you at home could have an opportunity to experience. Your prayers, thoughts, and excitement make our trip possible because God is at work with us in Bulgaria. Russ
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Jesus is the Light of the World
Slava na Boga, Friends! Today, we rocked it out in a BIG way!
Our morning started in the Rockavitsa gypsy village. We led stories and songs with the children at the Baptist church, sharing that Jesus is the Light! We decorated and wore sun visors; (Note the theme--LIGHT!) Durng the church service, our group shared hymns and sang Jesus Loves Me in Bulgarian accompanied by handbells; (Thanks Blaine!) . Skip shared a beautiful message. Afterwards, the ladies of the church had sweets and juice to share with us.
The afternoon was spent at Berk 4, the home for handicap children. There is a huge variety of ages in this home, ranging from five to 38. Our focus was placing shoes on their feet. My, oh my, their feet! What moves my heart is the sweet, sweet spirit of these children. We arrived. They greeted us with waves and shouts of welcome. They escorted us off the van and eagerly helped us to unload supplies. We set up shop and within two hours we had shoes on 91 children! Debbie served as shoe sizer, measuing each foot! Jane and Bridget provided the socks. Escorted by Russ and Tom, the children then moved on to the sales team: Cindy, Leanne, Kelly, Jeff, and Ron. Skip and Thomas were the runners, handing each sales team member a pair of shoes in the size of their customer. Once fitted with a pair of tennis shoes and sandels, the kids went to see Rachel and Polly for some clothing!
Heart Moments:
*As our team sang, "How Great Thou Art" the people of the gypsy church joined with us in their language and together we praised Jesus!
*We connected with old friends: In fact, a girl asked by name for Emily, a 2009 team member.
*At Berk 4, we were blessed as we experienced pure, unabated love as grown men and children hugged our necks and held our hands. Inspite of not sharing a common language, we share a love of each other and Jesus!
*Seeing how God has worked in the lives of these children in a year's time: Today, I held a child in my lap for 30 minutes !!!! who last year would not interact with us as he thrashed and kicked about the floor alone.
*Seeing God work through our amazing team! Tom: hollering with the gypsy children. Polly: holding a 12 year-old child with cleft lip in her lap. Others: stepping out of their comfort zone to share the light of Jesus!
Friends, we are so blessed to have your love and support. Please continue to keep to us and the people of Bulgaria in your prayers.
Love,
Leanne
(with assistance from Rachel, Kelly, and Bridget)
Our morning started in the Rockavitsa gypsy village. We led stories and songs with the children at the Baptist church, sharing that Jesus is the Light! We decorated and wore sun visors; (Note the theme--LIGHT!) Durng the church service, our group shared hymns and sang Jesus Loves Me in Bulgarian accompanied by handbells; (Thanks Blaine!) . Skip shared a beautiful message. Afterwards, the ladies of the church had sweets and juice to share with us.
The afternoon was spent at Berk 4, the home for handicap children. There is a huge variety of ages in this home, ranging from five to 38. Our focus was placing shoes on their feet. My, oh my, their feet! What moves my heart is the sweet, sweet spirit of these children. We arrived. They greeted us with waves and shouts of welcome. They escorted us off the van and eagerly helped us to unload supplies. We set up shop and within two hours we had shoes on 91 children! Debbie served as shoe sizer, measuing each foot! Jane and Bridget provided the socks. Escorted by Russ and Tom, the children then moved on to the sales team: Cindy, Leanne, Kelly, Jeff, and Ron. Skip and Thomas were the runners, handing each sales team member a pair of shoes in the size of their customer. Once fitted with a pair of tennis shoes and sandels, the kids went to see Rachel and Polly for some clothing!
Heart Moments:
*As our team sang, "How Great Thou Art" the people of the gypsy church joined with us in their language and together we praised Jesus!
*We connected with old friends: In fact, a girl asked by name for Emily, a 2009 team member.
*At Berk 4, we were blessed as we experienced pure, unabated love as grown men and children hugged our necks and held our hands. Inspite of not sharing a common language, we share a love of each other and Jesus!
*Seeing how God has worked in the lives of these children in a year's time: Today, I held a child in my lap for 30 minutes !!!! who last year would not interact with us as he thrashed and kicked about the floor alone.
*Seeing God work through our amazing team! Tom: hollering with the gypsy children. Polly: holding a 12 year-old child with cleft lip in her lap. Others: stepping out of their comfort zone to share the light of Jesus!
Friends, we are so blessed to have your love and support. Please continue to keep to us and the people of Bulgaria in your prayers.
Love,
Leanne
(with assistance from Rachel, Kelly, and Bridget)
Saturday, May 29, 2010
may 29
Hey friends! We made it! It's been a long 2 days, but we are in Berkovista, Bulgaria. We had a delay in Charlotte that caused us to miss our flight in Munich, Germany, but all worked out well and we were able to all be placed on the next flight out of Munich to Sofia, Bulgaria. As usual, Paul and Judy met us at the airport. We also met two new additional members of our team - Ron and Thomas from Virginia. They are a father / son team and we are blessed to have them join.
We then drove to Berkovista (Berk for short) to settle into our hotel and then get some food. This is the village that we have stayed and worked in for 2 years. It feels so good to be here.
We are extremely tired and so we will sign off for now - we'll have more to add tomorrow. We will have a church service in the gypsy village and then go the handicap orphange to love on those brothers and sisters. What joy God has in store for us! :)
Blessings,
Rachel
We then drove to Berkovista (Berk for short) to settle into our hotel and then get some food. This is the village that we have stayed and worked in for 2 years. It feels so good to be here.
We are extremely tired and so we will sign off for now - we'll have more to add tomorrow. We will have a church service in the gypsy village and then go the handicap orphange to love on those brothers and sisters. What joy God has in store for us! :)
Blessings,
Rachel
Friday, May 28, 2010
May 28, 2010
Thanks for visiting our site! Stay tuned and we'll write shortly about our trip.
"How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in teh one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, 'How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!'" - Romans 10:14-15
As we begin our journey to Bulgaria, please pray for our safety traveling, the missionaries we are working with (the Ridgways), and for the beautiful orphans. This year's team is focused on placing shoes on orphans feet and sharing God's love through Bible stories (mini VBS). Thanks for your prayers!
Will post soon!
"How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in teh one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, 'How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!'" - Romans 10:14-15
As we begin our journey to Bulgaria, please pray for our safety traveling, the missionaries we are working with (the Ridgways), and for the beautiful orphans. This year's team is focused on placing shoes on orphans feet and sharing God's love through Bible stories (mini VBS). Thanks for your prayers!
Will post soon!
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MAY 2009: BULGARIA
