September 2009 Mission Trip

Sept 17th

We had a great time of delivering teacher supplies to the Rakovitsa School this morning.  This is only the second day of school in Bulgaria!  The Bible story time went well with the wonderful murals sent by Judy Comeaux.  See pictures below. We have had the joy of working with Rev. Darrell Grice and his wife, Faith from The Heights Baptist Church in Richardson, TX.  They have assisted us in holding and hugging the handicapped children during story time.   Mryl and Jared have been making the final connections and the laundry equipment is scheduled to start up tomorrow.  Everything takes longer here!  You must travel to three or four places to find the needed part.  Dennis has been busy with Judy Ridgway and Paul Bennett, from Gatlinburg, TN, making multiple trips to the Mayors' office this week.  Dennis has assisted in the negotiations for the Training and Transition Center property- still ongoing.  Our translators have been wonderful!  Thanks to Katya and Niki & Kiril, the twins. Their parents, Marianna & Christo have given a week of their vacation to work alongside us.

Sept 15th

Mryl tells story of Moses & Burning Bush	Katya & Mryl help kids make picture of burning bush	Marianna helps children with picture of story
Jared and Kiril show their concrete work.	Christo is the real brains of this project!	Christo and Niki hard at work.
Balsa Wood Airplanes	Ladder and Ball Toss	Parachute Games
		The team had a great work day starting with the pouring of concrete for the new washer.  Story time went well and the children really enjoyed the craft activity - recreating a burning bush.  The sewing room was full of kids and team members working on Nativity pieces to bring back to America.
Lots of Wise Men to bring to America	Vessie and Roshka stuffing camels

Sunday, Sept 13th

Greetings from Bulgaria, Monday Night Sept 14th   Here's a quick run down since we arrived last Friday.  Friday night was quick to bed after flying for 15 hours. As previously reported we arrived on time with all luggage.  Salva na bolgo - Bulgaria for Praise the Lord.    Saturday was spent shopping for supplies at the Metro (Bulgaria equivalent of Sam's) and on to Mr. Bricolage (French version of Home Depot).  After traveling 2 1/2 hours to Berkovitsa, we had a quick lunch and a visit to Berkovitsa #4.  The children were so excited and very glad to see us.  They have been rehearsing since June for a major program on Wednesday morning to be performed at the public gymnasium in downtown Berkovitsa!  While at the orphanage a survey was made of the laundry for the removal of the old and the installation of the new equipment.  It is very frustrating thinking in terms of metric for plumbing, electrical, etc and not having quick access for all the components needed.   Sunday, the team had a great time of worship at the Rakovitsa (gypsy) church.  To collect the children for Sunday School, the team drove to the back of the village and walked to the church - Pied Piper style!  This resulted in over 40 children.  Many of the men were away picking produce earning as much money as possible before winter.  Un-employment is still 90% +.  After lunch we traveled to Vershets to see the orphanage and playground where FBC work began in 2001.  It was sad to see the playground overgrown. Then we traveled further north to Montana to the baby home where the 2nd washer/dryer installation is to take place if time permits.  While there we hugged and loved on as many babies as possible.  One baby is only 11 days old!   Monday our regular schedule began with Bible Stories and construction.  The team was able to present the baby Moses story 3 times to most of the children.  Even the most handicapped of children enjoyed the attention of team members as they did the basket weaving craft.   Today we removed the old washer and installed new hot and cold water valves.  Base was prepared for the new washer and concrete will be poured tomorrow. Myrl and Jared prepared the venting for the new dryer which will also be installed tomorrow.  It has been wonderful to partner with the Trendafilov family again to accomplish this project.  All four of them have given their vacation time to spend with our mission team.  The mom, Marianna, is helping in the textile factory (sock doll nativity scenes). The sewing project has 3 suitcases full of camels, sheep, wise men and backdrops for us to bring back to the states!   We are staying busy and enjoying the company of all our Bulgarian friends.  Good night and keep praying for us!   Dennis and Lea