Greetings from Balchik

Balchik, Bulgaria is a picturesque town 40 minutes north of Varna. I am taking a few days of r&r before the team from Washington State and British Columbia arrive. I am looking forward to seeing the forthcoming smiles and embraces when we meet with the children at the seaside in Obzor on the 10th of August.
On a serious note, many of you are aware of the difficulties we have been experiencing with some of the tenants in the apartment complex where Nadia lives. People in Bulgaria are not tolerant of dark skinned gypsy population, but are even less tolerant of people who read and study the bible with out the aid of an Orthodox priest. That includes all evangelicals in Bulgaria. We are considered sects and are feared. Nadia's neighbors, whom I have met on 2 occasions, have collected signatures to have us stopped and to have Nadia evicted. I have contacted a civil rights attorney and he has assured me that no Bulgarian laws have been brooked and that Nadia should go to the authorities and lodge a complaint against these people who have been causing her so much grief. the landlord is sympathetic with our cause but is fearful of police retribution. This is a serious matter and is worthy of our prayers.
On a lighter note, 3 of the kids from Roman were given an abstract thinking test last weekend by Blaga Popova, a Bulgarian educator in charge of one of the Christian schools in Sofia. The test was comprised of 2 parts. The first, tested kids up to age 13. The second, people from age 13 to adult. All three, Mariella, Svetla, and Pati, scored extremely well on the first part, and Mariella and Svetla scored in the high average in the second part with Pati not far behind. The most important ingredient, motivation, was present in all three.
It has been suggested that the best way to educate these kids is to bring them into Sofia for the entire school year. This will take a lot of co-ordinating and host families willing to take on the burden, will need to be found. This is a worthy endeavor and will benefit all concerned. Please be praying for this.
Thank you all for coming alongside me in our efforts here. Our endeavors will have eternal benefits.
Mark 9:37  “Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me, receives not me but him who sent me.”
All for now...In His grace and for His Glory, much love to you all, Mark