Two Years

Two years ago, I was packing up my car, heading to a two month training. I said goodbye to a lot of fabulous people and trusted that leaving behind my family, friends, and home was the way God was calling me to serve Him.

After training, I had to say goodbye to everyone again, before boarding a plane to move to Bulgaria. It didn't hit me until I was sitting in the airport waiting for the gate to open that I was really leaving the home I'd had for 22 years. I was leaving my life of predictability and security and flying into the unknown.

The years that followed that plane trip have been crazy. There's no other word for it. I've done so much that I never thought I would, or didn't even know that I could do. So I wanted to write down my story. I don't have any wonderful reflections, yet. I think I'll need some time to make lists and process everything that's happened, but I have pictures and a hope that I've walked worthy of my calling.

In the past two years I have been to:

Turkey

 
Crossing to Asia with Johannah
 
 
Touring the Blue Mosque with K


Macedonia
 
View from a hilltop
 
After I finished dancing at local party


Greece
 
On top of an ancient tower, overlooking the sea
 
In the ruins at Philippi 


Germany
 
Walking around Frankfurt with K and J

 
Touring an old Roman fort 

Italy

 
Hanging out in the Coliseum with Jamie

 
Ringing in 2012 in Rome

Spain

 
Enjoying the sunshine in Barcelona
 
In front of Sagrada Familia

Austria
 
In front of Shronbrunn Palace 
 
On top of a mountain in Innsbruck

England

 
At a winter park with Julie

 
In front of Buckingham Palace

France

 

and... Poland





Some of my favourites have been my adventures in home-sweet-home Bulgaria, though.

 
First things first, I learned a new language!

 
I've loved all of the outdoor journeys here, especially climbing the "Golden Bridges" on Vitosh

 
I've frolicked in sunflower fields

 
Had fun exploring Thracian and Roman ruins in Plovdiv

 
I always like poking around Sofia with my friends.

 
Sometimes I shake hands with reindeer. 

 
I took a cave tour totally in Bulgarian.

 
Having fun at the Rose Festival 

 
Braved going to the local pool to beat the heat this summer.

 
Getting lost on a hike to the cave of a saint/hermit

 
Enjoying wind and rock formations 

 
Going to see Lord of the Dance with Bethany

 
I've loved being involved in English Clubs!

During the course of my time here, I've had the opportunity to develop many new skills, including, but not limited to:

 
Helping put together packets for a medical clinic

 
Playing with girls who don't speak my language, at all.

 
How to eat the weird and strange

 
How to organize my own classroom

 
How to throw a medieval feast 

 
How to ski

 
How to lesson plan and budget my time around coffee

 
How to survive when the world is frozen for 6 months

 How to survive an earthquake

Some other favourite times have been when visitors come around! I loved showing people around because they were always so impressed with my Bulgarian skills, despite the fact that I don't have any.

 
Celeste came for a weekend

 
Then Cameron and Danielle 

 
My Mom came to celebrate Thanksgiving with me

 
(Preggo)Sarah and Ashley spent spring break with me

 
Josh came to tour Sofia and Athens

 
My Mom returned with my dad in tow and we headed to Austria 

 
Julie spent Thanksgiving with me in London!

I've had a lot of experiences and learned many lessons these past two years. Right now, I have no idea what comes next expect for copious amounts of Mexican. But, I am excited to have some good time to reflect on the journey that God has blessed me with! 

 

 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 


 
 
 


 
 
 
 
 
 




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