Spring Update

We hope you all had a wonderful Easter holiday with your families. Once again we have been so impressed with how the Bulgarians celebrate Easter. Based in the Eastern Orthodox tradition, everyone greets each other with “Christ Has Risen,” answered by “He has Risen Indeed!” There are even a few billboards in Sofia that say “Christ Has Risen” – never mind they are right next to billboards of naked girls selling something. Unfortunately, it is an accurate picture of the culture - stooped in traditions with little personal relevance.

Celebrating birthdays and major holidays now for a second time in Bulgaria has been a reminder to how long we have been here and how far we have come in “adjusting.” We have greatly enjoyed our time here. We have learned a lot and we are hopeful that we have been able to give back to our new Bulgarian friends.

Our time here is now short – about 6 weeks remaining. Like always, things seem to get pushed to the end and now I find myself very busy. I am preparing my second year’s assessment of UTF’s business practices and will present them to the director and the board. I have been busy transitioning items to the UTF Staff – the Alumni Program is now in capable hands, we have a communication plan in pace and the job descriptions have been finalized. I have also been busy evaluation and implementing some standard Project Management procedures for SEND International.

The need is still great as UTF continues to pursue the “Campus for Tomorrow.” If you have followed my reports, you will know they have come across a number of “glitches” in trying to build new facilities. UTF is now making some headway as we have received the new revised cost estimate of the new building and are pursuing financial options. Please keep UTF in your prayers as they continue on this journey.

Lisa’s belly continues to grow and Drew is still not convinced that a “baby” is in there. I suggested that maybe mommy got hungry and ate a soccer ball – but he didn’t fall for that one either. When I ask him why mommy’s belly is so big, he promptly replies “it is not big!” to his mothers delight. He does know he is having a sister, but for now the baby lives at the Dr.’s office on the TV screen. He has also said that he will get his sister when we go to America. So, we’ll go with that, for now.

Mom and baby girl are doing very well. Please continue to keep them in your prayers as we have a very busy two months ahead of us. Lisa is packing, we have a trip to Turkey planned in May and the first week of June we head for home, with a few days stop-over in Rome. Quite a bit for a 7 month pregnant lady. We will spend a week in Detroit MI with our mission agency and then spend the remainder of June in Decatur. After the 4^th of July holiday we will move onto Des Moines where we will temporarily settle down to await the arrival of our new little one around the 3rd of August. Please continue to pray with us as we continue to lean on the Lord as He guides and directs us through this new transition.

With sincere love and gratitude,

Marc, Lisa and Drew