Interhotel Sandanski

... late and missed the gondola ride that would take me up to the mountain, so I was stuck in a city where half of it was empty (its major industry is skiing in the winter), having nothing to do. I walked the streets, used the hotel’s wifi to go to internets and relaxed. I ate a simple dinner and tried their "draft wine", I guess it means homemade wine without filtering, and it was cheap and nice.

... It's okay to say something wrong around Marija and Sashe, cause they will correct me. Leaving from Lile's house, we headed back to our house. When we got there, I played with Rita- our pet for the weekend. I think Rita is a mix between Husky and Gold Retriever. She is really cute and a sweet dog. Went to freshen up, because we decided to go to the center of Berovo for a drink. We called Lile to meet us there and then we were off again. We arrived to a small center where ...

... Suzana said that I should go into politics for my diplomatic answer! Ha ha! Talking and laughing for a bit, Andreja and Beti had to get on the road to go back to Skopje. They said they will see me soon in Skopje for more good times. Turning in for the night seemed relaxing for me and Marija said that it is quiet here so it could be good for your nerves. On the other hand it could be bad for your nerves because it is too quiet! Til tommorrow.

... ride to the monastery, located southwest of Sofia. I passed out watching dry plains and very sparse houses then woke up to deep valleys and mountains. The one-lane paved road pierced through the mountain and eventually led us to the monastery! Because today was Sunday (or because this is such a big destination), half of Bulgaria's population was visiting the monastery. The frescoes were from 19th C and were indeed impressive. I was ...

... After DA night ( drinking assembly ;) ), the next morning some people capitulated so they weren't able to come for a hike to Rila NP, but I found energy and I went to see Eco trail in the NP. Rila NP is the biggest NP in Bulgaria, and one of the biggest in Europe with surface of 81 046 ha.It's located in Rila mountains 100 km south of Sofia. It comprises treeless area around the mountain ridge and tick conifer forest below it. There are ...

... history we will throw at you is that the monastery was founded by St. Ivan Rikki in the 10th century. Our minibus then took us to Bansko which is a ski village. Just like any ski village in the summer, things are pretty slow in town. However, the hiking was outstanding. This rejuvenated us both. We love these days. We had perfect weather and amazing views. We had about 5 hours of hiking around the Piren Mountains and got as high as 2,600 meters. Seriously, the day ...

... It has been truly an amazing experience. We have so far gone into two bordering villages and run VBS type programs during the day and then a main service at night. Connections have been made and the people in the villages have really just loved us. Well, the next update will be a video update, until I get it done I will say good bye for now.

... have not all been acquired. so... Prayers for this week: #1 - Pray for the leaders who are coming from the U.K and U.S. to speak and present different workshops #2 - Pray for the team that we have working on different areas directly. (see below) #3 - Pray for God to work and touch the right people to help reach the final financial total so ...

... and leaders were in attendance and the teaching was fantastic. It was a great kickoff and anticipation is that it will grow. An Interesting Fact: In many of the outlying villages you will find huge nests. These nests do not belong to an Eagle, but to Storks! The local people believe that these Storks bring a blessing of good times and believe that it is ...

... everyone else early in the afternoon and we set out on the 2hr bus ride to the Dancing Bear Rescue Park in Belitsa. The road there was so rough that even I couldn't sleep, I think my bottom might be bruised from flying of the seat so much. I know my head hurts pretty bad from bouncing off the window the one time I did try to sleep! The Dancing Bears Park in Belista was founded in 2000 and it ...