slava na boga!

Slava na boga! That means "praise the Lord!" in Bulgarian, and it is one of the default phrases I go to in pretty much every conversation that I have... especially when there is a language barrier and it is one of the only things I can say that will be understood. :)

It has been two weeks here in Bulgaria and our team has been blessed to be able to serve practically in a variety of different ways in the city of Kazanlak in nursing homes, orphanages, day cares for disabled children, and in a church in the Roma community. We are staying in the YWAM base that is launching here, and we have also had the privilege of helping out a bit there.

Here are a few of my most favorite times!

• Toward the beginning of our time in Bulgaria, we spent a few evenings on the streets meeting people and engaging in conversations about some upcoming church events. A friend and I met a girl who asked to meet up with us for coffee. Later that week, we met up with her and a friend and had a great conversation about everything, including God and how the country has a history of Orthodox Christianity. 
• We spent two days in a local orphanage, where many of the children have disabilities. We put on a program for the children who could attend, acting out Bible stories and singing songs with dance moves (think "Father Abraham" and "Who's The King of the Jungle?"). For the ones who were unable to attend, we were able to visit with and pray for them individually. 
• Most of our involvement in the community has been organized by the local church. They have church services three nights a week, and our team has been invited to be a part of the services in worship and in giving testimonies, which can mean our personal stories about experiences with God or sharing something that stuck out to us from the Bible. On Sunday I was able to share a reflection I had about Isaiah 58:11, which is: The Lord will guide you continually, giving you water when you are dry and restoring your strength. You will be like a well-watered garden, like an ever-flowing spring.

Tonight a few of us are going to preform a few songs in the local village Christmas concert, so I am going to head off to get ready for that! 

Oh, and one more thing! After much prayer, our team has decided to go to Macedonia next. We plan to leave Bulgaria on December 29, and then stay in Macedonia for about two weeks. We are excited to see what God has called us to do there!

Love and prayers and Merry Christmas!

Meg