Insights from Starbucks

A few days back, I took Joshua out for a little one on one hanging out time.  We went to a nearby mall that on first glance would not be out of place in any mid-size/large town in America.  This one comes complete with not one, but two Starbucks.  While their brand is a little pricey, it is nice to drop in for a cup of Americana.  Joshua walked over to buy some corn in a cup (very popular fast-food item here).  While he was gone, I placed my order in Bulgarian.  It was going so smoothly, but then i got hung up on how to say "hot chocolate."  As it turned out, I knew the words, but didn't realize it until the young man taking my order helped me.  He then said, "You should have started in English."  I replied that I needed to practice my Bulgarian.  We than began talking about why I was here.  He seemed unfazed when I told him that I was working with the evangelical church, but when I told him that I was a therapist working with disabled children, he said that Bulgarians are not so interested in working with disabled children, that they are much more concerned with careers where they can make lots of money.  This prompted me to ask what his career goals were.  I asked, "Do you want to own a Starbucks or do you have other plans?"   He told me that he was a pharmacy student.  We talked a bit more about his hometown.  Then he gave me my drinks and moved on to the next customer.

I have heard others talk about the indifference that Bulgarians have toward disabled children.  The young man at Starbucks was relaying a sentiment, but I didn't get the impression that he was one who lacked concern.  I also know that there are Bulgarians who are actively praying and taking steps to improve the situation for disabled children here.  I am very happy to say that many of these people are active in the churches we have visited and see the connection between loving God and their fellow man, even the "least" among them.  Tomorrow morning the church I attend is considering a proposal that will include outreach to families with disabled children.  As you read this, pray for our church, that they would be led by the Holy Spirit to reach out to the fringes and share the love of Christ with the people around them, whether it be through the proposed project or some other means.

Matthew 25:39-40:
³⁹And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?' ⁴⁰And the King will answer them, 'Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.'

History of Sofia - Very Interesting

Elvis Has Left the Building....Almost

A year before we began our term here in Bulgaria, Susan and I came over for a team retreat, packed full of strategic planning with some great fun and fellowship mixed in. It was during this time that Susan and I got the chance to know some of our team members for the first time. A couple of them were single ladies, Stephanie and Rebecca, who have since left the field.

Rebecca's Superstar impression

Susan with Mike & Susan Hershberger

We just got word that Rebecca is engaged and we are very happy for her. After arriving on the field, we learned that Stephanie was the go to girl when we needed to get things done. Almost as soon as we began leaning on her, she returned home. And now we are experiencing another goodbye. We had a chance to meet Mike Hershberger when he visited our church a few years back, but we had not met his wife, Susan and their kids until we came here for that retreat. They were very easy going and hospitable. Mike has shown himself to be a kind and thoughtful person. I really enjoyed the few opportunities we had to hang out. Our wives connected instantly. Susan H. taught Susan J. a few tips for shopping and cooking in Bulgaria, a gift that keeps on giving. Though our time with them was short, we are grateful for that time - only wishing it could have been longer. We pray and we ask you to pray also that God would bless their ongoing transition back to the states. They left for HMA over the summer, unsure about their return. They came this week to gather their belongings and say their "good-byes." Susan and their children have gone home. Mike has stayed behind to tie up loose ends. He will be leaving in a few days.

The Elvis reference: At our first team retreat, we had a fun talent night. Mike had a reputation for doing a pretty good Elvis routine. The karaoke music began playing and he went for it! Oh yes, there is video! It has been seen by a limited audience. Keep checking in - there may be a curtain call soon - with permission, of course.

Another footnote: As a member of a church that has supported the Hershbergers, I can say that this is the kind of family that a church should support. They live conscious of the need to put Christ in the forefront of all of their relationships. I know they have meant a lot to the people they have served during their four years in the field. Having spent only a few months in the same town with them, they have meant a lot to us.

Zach Hershberger

Ellie and Zach H. to the left

Войната орел! A Strange Thing to See

I admit to staying up all night to catch the Auburn-Oregon game. It came on at 3:30 am local time. It was an entertaining game with a satisfying result. I watched a little of the post game analysis and celebration, but there was one that really caught my eye. I was watching the local newscast here in Sofia the next day when they did a spot on the game, completely in Bulgarian, of course. Surreal is the word that comes to mind. Войната орел!or Read phonetically: Voĭnata orel! Use google translate to find the secret meaning.

1st Hospital Visit in Bulgaria

A week ago I was getting a language lesson from a lady in my family group. I knew she was a doctor and spoke with her a little about my work with disabled children. She insisted that I use the Bulgarian that I knew. I was glad for the opportunity to practice and pick up a few new vocabulary words along the way. I asked how to say hospital. She responded "Bolnitza." The L sound is barely audible. The closest word I've heard to that is "bonitza." Bonitza is this great little breakfast food that is sold by vendors all over town. When she said "bolnitza" I couldn't help but smile and wonder how many times I had ordered a hospital for breakfast. Anyway, a few days after learning the word, I found myself in Dal's car traveling with the rest of my family to take Joshua to the bolnitza. Everybody in the house has been sick lately, but Joshua's case was more intense and involved swelling of his tonsils amongst other things. We paid 35 leva to see the doctor. The wait was probably no more than about 30 minutes. Joshua went in to see the doctor with Susan and came out with prescriptions to treat tonsillitis, bronchitis, and laryngitis. A few days have passed. Joshua is back in school and doing well. I confess that I had a great deal of anxiety over the situation, including fears about the quality of care and red tape. None of my fears were founded. Joshua was treated well and the process was surprisingly smooth. It was nice to have Dal with us to help point us in the right direction and to get us to and from the hospital. Interesting side note to this story - It may surprise you to hear that the place where we went was a Japanese hospital.