Let's Roll Up Our Sleeves

We have been to the orphanage twice now, and it is never easy to leave. The most recent visit was yesterday with my dear friends Vlady Riachinov and Geri Donkova. The children greet us always with hugs and kisses and are in need of "good" attention. Ivet, the director was in good spirits yesterday and we discussed many things about the changes in the orphanage system in Bulgaria. Most of the changes seem good from afar, but without the core belief in Jesus, they chase only after the symptoms but not the problems. Our efforts continue to focus on the changes in the hearts of the children through the knowledge of the Master of change, Jesus.
To that end, we began the first bible study for the kids who have left Roman for living in the big city; Sofia. We held it in the apartment that we are renting for Nadia. We will use this apartment for many studies throughout the summer. Tuesday night, the kids learned something that is most difficult for them, having grown up in an orphanage. That is that the tongue is the most difficult part of the body to control. We discussed ways to practically apply this message to their lives today. Two of them said emphatically that they could not pray for someone who has hurt them. I am thankful for their honesty. One of them, Ivan, said that he has not yet given over his heart, but knows that Jesus is real, and is still "thinking". I love this; their ability to be transparent and to be genuine. To photo to the right is the kids preparing refreshments for the bible study.
In regards to the Bulgaria Child Project, Ivet, the director of the orphanage, has agreed to let some of the children be assessed this summer for scholastic aptitude and has even agreed to let them come into Sofia during the school year for special tutoring, to help bring them up to Sofia standards.
Blaga Popova, the director of Scripture Union in Bulgaria, has agreed to assess 2 of the children this summer and advises us to start slowly. I am in full agreement with this advice. She is involved with a similar program with an 18 year old girl from another orphanage, and has shared with us the difficulties of such an undertaking. That being said, we are encouraged and trust the Lord for the opportunities.
The two candidates that will be tested are Mariella, above, and Karina to the left. Both of them are smart and want to learn and have a desire to continue on with their education after the orphanage. Please be praying for this.
Both of these kids have a knowledge of their savior, and this will be a tremendous way not only to give them what they may need for later on in life, but also for the life to come. We will be praying for the right teachers, with a Christian background.
There is sad news on the Conie front. On Sunday, Conie went to a part of Sofia where there is a transition home for kids who have left orphanages throughout Bulgaria. This is where Conie had her start. Unfortunately, the bad guys know where this home is and were waiting for her. She has gone back with them, but I know that the conversation that Conie, Viktor and I had, resonated with her. We told her that we wanted nothing from her and that the only thing that the Lord wants is her heart. Please be praying for her. Although she is living in a very dangerous situation, we know that He is with her and will finish what He has started.
All for now, please stay tuned...