We have a pretty nice view out these windows and, on many days, can see the mountains that surround Sofia. The first week in Dec., however, we had a day with really bad air pollution (it happens, but not often) - so bad that you could buy a ticket for all public transportation for 1 lev (about $.60) to use all day. (Normally 1.6 lev per ride) Since I'm a bargain hunter, and needed to be out that day anyway, it was great!
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| Fairly typical view w/out bars |
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| The bad pollution day.... |
For about 2 months we had guys outside our windows working on the insulation, painting, etc. Paul got to know them a bit when they wanted to cover our vent for the bathroom fan and he had to go buy a special piece for them to use to keep it open. One day they knocked on our window to see if we had anything to drink, so we found some soda and water. Paul had a few conversations with them (mostly using Google translate) and found out several of them were Seventh Day Adventist. When they found out Paul was a pastor, they wanted him to talk to one of their co-workers who is not a believer. Our most interesting experience with them was the day their lift got stuck on our level and they had to crawl through our window to get back to the first floor!
It's much quieter around the building now that the renovation is complete. And it definitely looks a lot nicer! But we kind of miss those guys!
In January, we had windows into what God is doing in the lives of 4 people in our church community. One is a French businessman, who started coming to church a year ago, sensing the need to renew his relationship with God. Another is our young Bulgarian friend who lost her 41 year old husband a year ago mid-February. The 3rd is a Bulgarian government official who has seen God deepen his faith and dependence on the Holy Spirit. And the 4th is with the US Embassy and has an incredible story of God's grace in preserving her life after a heart attack and near total heart blockage. What a blessing to see into these lives and how our God is active and at work! We are so grateful for a church community who care for each other and enjoy worshipping and studying together.
After struggling for a few weeks to find new musicians (several regulars moved away) we now seem to have a new infusion of talent. As with most things in an international church, this will only be for a season, but we are enjoying it. One week our musicians include a Russian, Bulgarians, Pakistani/Irish, Irish and a Nigerian. We have a great American couple who bring together a somewhat different group to lead worship every other week. They also work with our international youth in conjunction with Young Life and are a huge blessing to our fellowship!
My personal "windows" to the world have had some challenges lately. I noticed my vision had changed and thought maybe I needed new glasses until I realized it was just one eye with really goofy vision. This resulted in finding an opthalmoligist, follow up tests and ultimately a diagnosis of a hole in my macula. Because it is not quite all the way through, I was encouraged both here (and from eye consultants in the States) to have the surgery as soon as possible - which will be March 13th.
God has provided answers all along the way to confirm having the surgery here - both in raising roadblocks to go back to the US and providing excellent care options here. I have to lay face down for at least a week after surgery and wait a month to fly. I can share more with anyone who's interested - and am looking forward to my "windows" improving, at least somewhat.
Thank you for your continued prayers, friendship and interest in our work here. We are thankful for our connections back in the US and loved hearing from many of you at Christmas and via email.
Blessings, Kathy
If you are interested in giving to our work in Bulgaria, and Paul's consulting in Africa and beyond, gifts can be given online at Global Horizons/Emmaus Assoc or mailed to Global Horizons, P.O. Box 856678, Minneapolis, MN 55485-6678. Please attach a note indicating Emmaus. Thank you!
