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.

Simply Thankful

"Was it strange to experience Thanksgiving in a country that doesn't even recognize the holiday?"

"It was beautiful."

I knew thanksgiving this year would play out differently than any other year in my life. It would be a day without traveling, without extra cooking, without seeing family and being together, and wonderfully even without the despised football watching (sorry, football fans!). 

Thanksgiving day this year looked like an entirely normal (if not especially busy!) day - Bible studies, school, studying, prep work of all varieties, teaching English class, and sweet conversations with friends. 

An entirely normal day in which I was so incredibly thankful.

Without the bustle of dozen of dishes to be created, black Friday shopping to be awaited, and business to be consumed by, my head and heart filled full as I mused over all the many reasons I have to be thankful.  

It doesn't require moving to a new country (though sometimes it might help!); every now and then, let's simply step back.
Let's put aside the tradition and the busy, and let's just sit and remember.

Let's remember all the reasons we have to be thankful, aside from the food, aside from the festivities, aside even from the football. 

We have been given so many good gifts in life from our perfect Father, who we really can entrust our hearts and lives to. More than anything, I'm thankful for His perfect love, plan, and redemption in my life and in the lives of every single one of us who will place our hearts, no matter how broken, into His hands and trust Him with it. 

I can tell you from experience, He will never disappoint. 

A couple days after Thanksgiving day, we organized our own sort of Thanksgiving gathering with snacks to be made by sweet, eager helpers, games to be played and laughed over, and relationships to be celebrated. And I knew, all over again, I have much to be thankful for. 

Bulgaria Bound!

 I am amazed that this day is actually here! So much waiting and working to get to this point, and now, just like that, it has arrived. I will be flying out shortly to begin my journey back to Bulgaria. 

Thank all of you so much for your support and prayers throughout my journey.  This new season has officially arrived and I am thrilled to be embarking on it, humbled that the Lord would lead me into it, and so excited to grow closer to Him and all my wonderful Bulgarian friends in these coming months. Let the adventure begin! 

Isaiah 55:12 ~ You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands.

Send-Off Party

"Brittany, what's that?" Bethany leans against my chair, watching me quietly. 

"It's a countdown," I answer.

"To Bulgaria?" I smile at her guess. 

"Yes, to Bulgaria." 

Everyday the number on that little countdown calendar dwindles just a bit, reminding us that my time in Bulgaria is really, truly coming - and fast! 

Saturday, several close friends and family members braved the frozen roads and freezing temperatures to gather together and celebrate the adventure of this new season.  

My heart was full as many of those who have meant so much to me shared well wishes, prayed over me, ate yummy food together, and were encouraged as we were reminded of the big plans God has for all of us.

Thank you to all of you who have supported me in my journey! You mean the world to me. 

 Brandon greets everyone and opens up 

 David introduces Pastor Cash - in a way only David can

Pastor Cash shares a devotion and memories

Dad speaks

Ms. Meloni, a long time missionary to Bulgaria, shares

 David speaks

 Granddad shares some wisdom

 Dean shares a memory

 Mrs. Rachel gives some encouragement 

 Ms. Holly speaks

Praying over me