What a journey! We are finally glad to say we are in Bulgaria!! Lol!
The last we wrote was in New York. We got a three-hour tour of the city... it was a lovely fun time.
Then after the exciting day we again went to the airport Saturday evening for our second attempt to fly out of the country (with the first one missed because of a delayed flight from Knox). We finally caught a fight to London... although it wasn't without a delay leaving Newark. So yes, we were late arriving in London and missed our next flight to Sofia (the capital city of Bulgaria). Then the majority of the team was redirected through Brussels, Belgium to Sofia... but the flight was two seats short. Jim and Rachel took an Athens to Sofia route instead. The majority group arrive in Sofia late Sunday night then drove over 2.5 hours to get to their hotel... finally making it to bed by 2am. Jim & Rach arrived later than the other group and spent the night in the missionaries' home (Judy and Paul) in Sofia.
The team reunited early Monday morning (today) for a great day! We were very relieved to finally be in Bulgaria and begin the work. We began the day at the Training Center (where we did construction work last year) and how good it looks!! It has come a long way and is ready to house residents the week after we leave.
After touring there we headed to a preschool-aged orphanage to tell a Bible story and color and play and sing with the kids. The hokey-pokey was again a big hit.
After this we went to a beautiful Orthodox monastery near the preschool home. There we learned from the local priest about that church.
In the afternoon we went to a baby orphanage (ages birth to 2) to put shoes on their feet. We loved on the kids and held them and gave them new shoes. There were touching moments as we all held these precious little children - some of which are months old. Knowing that they are made in God's image, it made it all the more special knowing that God sees and loves these little ones. Our hearts were changed.
It has been a long journey to get a good nights sleep now, so we are signing off for bed. :)
We will write again tomorrow.
