Hello from the Roma village of Berkovitza,
It's so beautiful here! We've been staying with Michelle (the full-time missionary here) and she lives in the village. This week we gave English lessons to the kids, and next week we'll teach Bible lessons. The kids are full of passion for life and excited to do something different with us. The kids enjoyed learning English and thoroughly enjoyed the games "Hokey Pokey," the "Wiggle Game," and "Making Rain." This time teaching English really helped us to start building relationships with the kids.
Hospitality is a word that describes this culture. On our first day, we were invited to the neighbor's house to talk and drink cola. The second day after church, we were invited for lunch. Then, on a few other days we were offered dinner at two other houses. We find ways of communicating with each other, and sometimes it's quite funny! Thanks to Michelle for translating for us! The people want to know about us and our families.
A funny story that Michelle and Laura wanted me (Patricia) to put in: When we were visiting with a family I saw the youngest son with a fish. I thought it was fake bait, so I took the fish. Michelle and Laura enjoyed that. After I found out the fish was a real dead fish, I still held it for 10 minutes, and passed the fish to a little girl. The fish got passed around, then came back to me. Finally, I threw it in the street. In my defense, I was going to give the dead fish back to the little boy.
I got to go to the center in the village to buy eggs, butter and bread. The first little shop didn't have butter, so I went to the second store. The clerk was patient; I showed her my bread and mimed buttering bread. I was excited and said "Merci." I'm learning a lot about culture and about learning another language! A random quote by Patricia, "One of the muppets saved me."
Patricia for Team Bulgaria