Uncovering Beauty, Embracing Brokenness, Discovering Joy.
On March 3, 1878, Turkey signed a treaty of capitulation, the San Stefano peace settlement. This settlement ensured the political liberation of the Bulgarians in Moesia (between the Danube River and the Balkan Mountains), northern Thrace and Macedonia. Under the sovereignty Bulgaria had its own church and state. The nation of Bulgaria felt free, united and poised for a great future.
[Read more…] about Heart For Bulgaria: An Ember of Hope
We are still so tired from a non-stop weekend but blown away over the way God provided for our yard sale.
Here are two short videos we put together before and after our sale. Many thanks to everyone who donated, helped out, came to shop and covered us in prayer. We are ever grateful.
[Read more…] about Update from our Adoption Fundraiser Yard Sale on July 18 & 19
A college friend of Robert’s just hosted a Noonday Collection show at her house in Yakima, WA. She asked if we wanted to be the recipients of 15% of the proceeds going towards our adoption. We said, “YES, Thank you, we are honored”.
She just hosted the show and TODAY you can begin shopping online at NoondayCollection.com, (through July 17, 2014). We wanted to share how you can order through Noonday (below) and share a little of what is so cool about Noonday.
[Read more…] about Noonday: A Beautiful Collection and Vision
We wrapped up our home study this last week. Our physicals are taken care of as well as required education. Ten hours are needed for the home study and with many random obstacles (illness, class cancellations), we have finally accomplished this! Our home study will be reviewed and hopefully given a stamp of approval by our international agency this month.
We are also gearing up for our yard sale which is approaching fast on July 18th and 19th. Friends and family have graciously aided in our efforts by donating a variety of items to be sold. We are still taking donations, although have limited space at this point. Items that would be a great addition to what we now have are any baby items, children’s toys and clothing as well as furniture in good repair. Please contact us here if you are interested in donating.
This is the timeline of Ancient Bulgaria from A.D. 500-1878. This is a brief outline although my hope is that it will paint a vivid picture of a beautiful people group and the strong foundation of a country with a rich heritage deeply rooted in unity and resilience.
A treaty was signed by Byzantine rulers agreeing to pay tribute to the newly founded state of Slavs and Bulgars. This alliance with the bulgars being a achievement for the seven Slavic tribes as it gave the multiethnic tribes a sense of unity.
Bulgaria then controlled major roads linking Eastern Europe and Asia. Thus, becoming a focal point for strife. This alliance gave a barrier of protection against nomadic incursions from the northeast. Contributing greatly to political stability in this part of Medieval Europe.
[Read more…] about Heart for Bulgaria: Ancient History
Bulgaria is located in southeastern corner of Europe and covers an area of 42,685 square miles (the approximate size of Tennessee). It is nestled between the countries of Turkey, Greece, Macedonia, Serbia and Romania. The Black Sea coast resting on the eastern side and the Danube River running along much of the northern border.
The Bulgarian landscape and climate offer enormous variety and diversity. Two main geographical features that bring such complexity are the vast mountains ranges and Black Sea coastal area.
[Read more…] about Heart for Bulgaria: Rich Beauty to Behold
For the next several weeks I will be writing my weekly post about the country of Bulgaria. As a part of the required education needed to adopt internationally we are to write a detailed essay about the culture and history of the country where we plan to adopt. My posts will be mostly informational but hopefully interesting and enlightening.
Our home study social worker recently told us that we would soon become a American-Bulgarian family. She talked of the importance of embracing and weaving Bulgarian traditions into the fabric of our family. Both my husband and I share a rich Christian heritage. Mine going back as far as our family tree records. Even so, we do not have a strong connection to any one country of origin. We are looking forward to fully embracing this new identity as a family.
I am sitting by myself on a park bench, enjoying a cup of coffee. A cool breeze blowing, the warm evening sun filtering through the trees. A special treat and a much needed reprieve from a busy, usually crazy bedtime routine.
Time alone. This should speak freedom. Instead it seems foreign. Striking an unsettling cord.
Absent of noise, the quiet seems deafening. Without the meeting of obvious, persistent needs , I feel void of purpose. Minus the whirling, spinning, constant activity, the stillness unnerves me.
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