Jim and I have successfully traveled on our own for the past several days. We visited Plovdiv, the second largest city in Bulgaria, on Sunday afternoon and Monday morning. What a beautiful and wonderful city! It is nothing like other parts of Bulgaria that we have visited. There are many ancient Roman ruins woven throughout the modern city - including a large amphitheater that is still in use today (they were setting up for a concert while we were sight-seeing). Plovdiv is a more sophicated place than the others we have been to, including the capital city Sofia. We managed to have a few good laughs while there - first we don't speak Bulgarian and their alphabet is Cyrllic. Jim can "read" words now, or as he says, "I feel like I'm in 1st grade again having to sound out all the words."
I was the navigator though - and all I know is that I read words letter by letter: "The next street will look something like - 'Capital U with a tail' 'a' 'p' is the first word, and then 'the funny-looking lowercase b' 'o' 'p' 'backwards N' 'c' is the second word."
Pretty soon though I could pronounce that one - Tsar (or Czar) Boris. But finding the street signs! Oh! They are not good street marking people. And if they have a sign that points you in one direction, they don't really mean that it is on that particular road. But regardless of the language barrier, we found our way around - and needless to say, we appreciate all the interpreters that have helped us over the years with our groups! LOL!
As we said, Plovdiv is a very nice city. On Monday we drove from there (central region of Bulgaria) back up to the northwest region we generally work in (where Berkovitsa and Borovtsi are located). We could see the difference of the regions of Bulgaria once we arrived back to this area. The northwest is where we have done majority of our work over the years (and all our work for the past week) is the poorest region in Bulgaria. There are many people that do not have work in the villages and towns we have worked in - something like 60-70% unemployment for some cities. It was a visible difference! Not that any region of Bulgaria is shy its potholes, but you can't help but hit potholes everywhere (you have to drive both sides of the road not to blow a tire).
It was good to see the difference in regions though - it gives perspective, whereas before we just go and do the work and accept it as it is. The people in Plovdiv also made remarks about the northwest region when they heard that's where we were going. "We make fun of those people."Regardless of the stereotypes that bestow this region, we love the people and find great pleasure in being here. We stayed up in the mountains in a village named Vratsa last night and woke up this morning and went exploring. What beautiful mountain scenery!!! WOW!
We ended up back at the Learning Center in Borovtsi this afternoon and immediately began more work. You would not believe what has been accomplished since last Friday when we saw it last! Okay - don't get your hopes up, but for what we know about the work ethic of this place and what needs to be done... wow! For all the team that is back home now: the hallway in the first floor around the 'dorm' rooms has been painted!! Which means sheet rock was hung, wallboard mud was put on, sanding was done, and the first coat of paint!! The ceiling has not been started, but it looks good. Now, if we could only get the doors on. Also, the railing for the staircase is semi-in - all the bars are up! The classroom hall has tile, and its ceiling has been painted also. The green room has a second coat of paint. The foyer has sheet rock (still no doors though). There's been a lot done! But there's still a LOT to do... but, hey, that's what we're here for... right?
The ribbon cutting for the Learning Center is Saturday - so please continue to pray for safety of all those (including us) putting things together quickly.
We send love to all!
Blessings,
Rach
