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
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MAY 2009: BULGARIA
