One Year in Bulgaria!

One year ago today, I climbed out of an airplane in the snow-covered Sofia airport, bag in a hand and full of excited dreams for the weeks and months ahead. What I didn’t know as we began the last bit of the journey through snowy mountains and frosted countryside, was how the town we were headed to would be become my home, and how the people there would become as dear as family. I laugh to myself as I remember how I initially thought I would be spending only six months here. It took only weeks for me to realize that there was no way I would be willing to give up this dear place so quickly. In this year, I have grown and learned and changed perhaps more than in any other. I am by no means the same girl who stepped off that plane 365 days ago, though I would like to think that this version of her is a better one. When I look back over everything that has gone into a single year – the joys and heartaches and dreams and friendships - I stand amazed and simply thankful of how God directs (and redirects!) our steps when we’ll listen and follow. He has given me a gift beyond what I could have ever asked for in this time.  And I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that no matter where in the world I might go in the future, thanks to all of those here who have become my family, I will now forever be part Bulgarian.