June 4—We Are Family

Dear Family and Friends,

“We are family. I’ve got all my family and me… I’ve got all my sisters and me… I’ve got all my brothers and me.”

This song describes what I’ve been observing over the last two weeks during training with my leader Laura and the other intern teams and since we’ve arrived in Bulgaria. Since our arrival, I’ve been having a wonderful time meeting and serving the missionaries in Sofia. The missionaries are Michelle Arnold, the Pickerings and the Hillmans (each family also has an adorable child). I have been enjoying asking questions about what they have done and how God called them here. Dave Pickering knows one of the people I know from Deaf Missions, Joe Mathis. I’m discovering how small the world is! 

The plan next is to go with Michelle to Berkovitsa to work with the children that live there. We’re planning to teach English, do VBS with the kids and meet people in the village. Then we’ll go to Velingrad to work with the Hillmans and possibly work with some kids there too. Then we’ll come back to Sofia. I’m excited to see what other things God is planning.

My favorite moment in Sofia happened on Sunday. We got to attend a Bulgarian church. Laura and I both thought the service was wonderful. For Communion, the pastor passed out the elements to each person. When the pastor gave them to us, he spoke to us in English saying, “This is the body of Christ” and “This is the blood of Christ.” I was really blessed by this act of love. It’s also a blessing to see that we have brothers and sisters in Christ in Bulgaria and all around the world. We truly are family in Christ!

Praises: Arriving safely with all our luggage
            Meeting the missionaries and getting to know them

Request: Wisdom and creative ways to teach God’s love to the children in Berkovitsa
              Continued good health and safety

God Bless,

Patricia for Team Bulgaria

(Photo: Largest Eastern Orthodox Church in Bulgaria)

Hi Patricia, It is great to see how God has placed you right where he wants you for you to grow into the woman he wants to you to be. It sounds like you are having a wonderful time in Bulgaria. We are praying that God will continue to bless you, your team and the people of Bulgaria, all to his Glory! We love you! Joe and Celeste Posted by : Joe & Celeste Fairbanks - Thursday, June 18, 2009

Hey on Monday we will be on the same Continent for a week, just different parts! Can't wait until you are able to update. Miss you and praying for you! Alisha Posted by : Alisha Lohman - Friday, June 12, 2009

Patricia, I am so happy, that things are going so well. I knew that you would fit in, anywhere you went. The love just shines through you. You truely are a joy and a blessing. I pray that God will bless Laura and you with wisdom on what to say to spread the Gospel of our great and wonderous God we serve. May God keep you both safe and healthy. Don't ever change Patricia, always keep that child like faith. I miss you, and Love you very much. Your dad. Posted by : David Fairbanks - Friday, June 12, 2009

Hi Patricia (Laura too, hope one day to get to know you also). We've been praying for you and hoping you are doing well. We're praying for the wisdom to know what to do. We're praying for the opportunities to let God lead and you follow. We're praying for your health and energy. Learn lots, love even more! We miss you but know your where God wants you to be. God bless. Debbie and Vicki Posted by : Debbie and Vicki - Friday, June 12, 2009

Hi Patricia, I enjoyed reading your update. May God continue to strengthen, and guide you as you share His love with the people there! Posted by : Rhonda Juve - Thursday, June 11, 2009

Laura and Patricia! I am so excited to here you are doing wonderfully, and I am so happy you have made friends and feel welcome there. I miss you and I am praying for you both and your presence in Bulgaria, just be yourself and show Christ, I love you both, Rach Posted by : Rachel Downs - Thursday, June 11, 2009

Hi Laura and Patricia, I am glad to hear that all is well with you in Bulgaria. It sounds as if God has a plan for you to build relationships with other missionaries, local folks and especially the little ones. I am praying that God will bless the work you are doing in His name. Miss you. Love, Mom Posted by : Carol Ann Sutton - Tuesday, June 09, 2009

Hi Patricia and Laura, .We are praying for you and all the good work you are doing for the Lord. Love You!!!! Posted by : Grandma and Grandpa Ulmer - Monday, June 08, 2009

Hi Patricia, So happy to hear that things are going well for you and that you are enjoying what you have been doing. We know that you have the gift of working with children and that all will go well for you. What is the weather like there? We will be praying for you. Blessings - Bob and Judy Posted by : Bob and Judy Ettleman - Monday, June 08, 2009

Patricia, You are an inspiration! Thank you for sharing God's love in Bulgaria. Posted by : Pam - Monday, June 08, 2009

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