Back to Bulgaria

Hello,
I hope that you are reading this because you are interested in participating in this journey with me. I cannot express how excited and extremely bless I am to have such an amazing support system of family, friends, and mentors next to me.. I promise that without you, I would not be at this point in my life. I have received so much loving support urging me to pursue different paths, ultimately leading me to take this huge leap of faith, the next chapter of my life.


Our chapel theme this year at Trevecca has been Reconciliation, which has been very fitting for me. This year, my senior year of college, is one that has changed me spiritually and academically, which are more related than you might expect. This year is situated between my summer abroad and my year-long missionary assignment, both in Vidrare, Bulgaria.


During my three months in Vidrare last summer, I was able to see reconciliation actually play itself out. I say actually because as a Social Justice major, I hear, read, talk, learn about reconciliation at least weekly. It is one of those things you can talk about all you want, but the true power comes with experience.


As Christians, we talk all the time about being a light in the darkness. It is something we say we strive for, yet many of us prefer to remain in our comfort zones, surrounded by light. Darkness is scary. It is unknown, unpredictable, and uncomfortable, which is what makes that step of faith so powerful. In order to be effective, we must first allow God to work on us, which is where I am right now. I know that this year is not going to be easy, three months was not easy, but I am trying to prepare myself for what may come. It would be so easy to attempt this journey on my own, but I wouldn't make it very far.


I have had to come to terms that i did not to go Bulgaria to save Bulgaria, but to be a part of what God is and has always been doing in Bulgaria. I had to get over the idea that my leaving meant taking all hope with me. We are called to partner with God, not to be God. It has been hard to be at peace knowing the people I left behind are still in God's hands even though I am not there. I know that he is still there, working in each of their lives and caring for them in their time of need.


I believe that God sent me to Bulgaria with a Mission. I still cannot claim to know what it is, other than to simply love his people; however, I am simply keeping an open heart, actively seeking him and listening for his voice.


Again, thank you so much for your interest in what God is doing in my life right now.


-Vera


High King of Heaven, my victory won,
May I reach Heaven's joys, O bright Heaven's Sun!
Heart of my own heart, whatever befall,
Still be my vision, O Ruler of all.