My Letter to Future Goers: Reflections from the Balkans
When I first arrived in Bulgaria, I knew that the 2 years would be fun and exciting but also challenging and difficult. I’m still processing my time there but overall here are just some of my thoughts and small bits of advice. Just like everyone else in life, there were seasons of highs and lows - however, being on a specific team with the same goals and desires to serve and minister to Bulgaria was one of the most grounding aspects of my time overseas in missions. Much of my struggles came from either miscommunication or misaligned expectations. Try to do your best to eliminate both of these… Read more >>What did you say? Oh whoops...
Sept 16, 2023 Learning language has been and will continue to be one of the greatest challenges in serving overseas until all the hours and work are put into becoming somewhat conversational. A common occurrence especially for a newbie on the field like myself is to either mispronounce or misunderstand something being said. For me, I’ll just share a couple of light-hearted mistakes.One of the first language hiccups I remember was when I went to the mall to buy a gift for someone. I prepared and googled everything I thought I needed to say and know and felt decently ready when I got to… Read more >>Peace in the Chaos, Calm in the Storm
Aug 1, 2022My first 2 months here have been a whirlwind of events. Feelings of not doing much at all and then all of a sudden having the most busy packed schedule with no breaks at all.From having first arrived and then immediately traveling to Bansko, a smaller city outside of Sofia for a team retreat, to living out of my suitcase for about a month and a half in my team leader’s library room - God continued to be steady and guide everything in his timing.There were many days where I just sat around attempting to study language on my own and take quiet slow strolls around the neighborhood… Read more >>A Weekend Excursion
Feb 28, 2023For this blog, I've decided to give a quick recap on a special event that I got to partake in. One of the things about serving and living overseas is that opportunities often come up last minute and you just have to be ready to say yes to the Lord and dive in! Last weekend, Maggi and I had the privilege to travel to Blagoevgrad and participate in a non-profit organization social innovation case competition. The event is called Innovation Station and is hosted by the Better Community Club at AUBG (American University in Blagoevgrad).Each organization sends in a case study/problem… Read more >>