Dancing Drew

Drew dancing at a ski resort in Borovets Bulgaria.

UTF gets a face lift

It was fun to use my design skills once again to do a minor touch up job to UTF, the seminary Marc is working at. We were able to paint with 5 of the students. The previous institutional feeling of the school, which before was all white walls with grey floors, now has some pleasant color to it. I would inadvertently miss the floor you exit on, as each floor looked the same and you exit from the first floor, though inevitably I would end up in the basement.


Now, the first floor entry area is a golden wheat color, the second floor is green and the third floor is a terra cotta red. It was fun to see the students get excited about the makeover and show up on a Saturday. They seamed to be happy with the new colors.


We are planning a follow up day of painting to work on the rest of the corridors as now they look a bit shabby next to the fresh paint. Hope you enjoy the picts! Lisa

TERRORIST ruin my ski trip

A friend and I decided to go down to Bulgaria’s largest ski resort in Bansko on Friday for a short two day ski trip. We arrived at the lifts early Friday morning to only find out the slopes were closed due to a “Bomb on the Mountain.” Information was slow to come in, but we eventually found out that some political ecological group sent a letter to the media and to the ski lifts that they had planted a bomb on the sloped in retaliation to all of the new development in Bansko, as it was destroying nature. (so apparently it is okay to destroy “men” just not the “nature”)

We spent Friday hanging out and visiting some Bulgarian friends, in hopes to ski on Saturday. We arose early to hit the slopes only to find another closed day due to the bomb threat. They decided to plant their own charges to release some of the snow – hoping to detonate any potential bomb and remove the threat of an avalanche.

So it’s not the type of Terrorism you hear on the nightly news – but still terrorism none the less. It looks as if it turned out as everyone expected – that this political group was only looking for media attention – as no bomb was ever found.

We returned to Sofia very disappointed – as Bansko had beautiful weather, but no skiing this weekend. Maybe God was protecting me from myself – who knows. But we do hope to get out again some time soon.

To read more about the actually news story, click here: http://www.novinite.com/view_news.php?id=76247

Farewell Friend

Our beloved Azlan passed away December 23, 2006. We are sure that many of you remember or heard about our 135lb lap dog, Azlan. Azlan was a Greater Swiss Mountain Dog and was one of our first “babies.” Before Lisa and I ever married – I told her that if she wanted to share life with me, it came with a canine or two. Given Lisa never had a dog, or any pets for that matter, she really didn’t know what she was getting into. Plus, she was so smitten by me, she would have agreed to anything ;-) (don’t tell her I said that) Lisa actually did most of the research on what kind of dog we would get – and as wedding present to each other (ok – more for me) we chose Azlan.

Azlan was a lot of fun. He really did think he was a lap dog and was very gentle for such a large beast. Swissys are breed as “working” dogs – originally they were breed to pull carts in the Swiss Mountains. We chose a Swissy due to their docile nature – they have a ferocious presence, but no bite. (just don’t let them step on your toe) I love big dogs, but did not want to take on the liability of some of the negative characteristics of some of the aggressive breeds. The only downside of the Swissy breed is there poor health record. Unfortunately we experienced that piece first hand.

Only months after Drew arrived in July of ’04 Azlan experienced his first epileptic seizure. Azlan eventually reached a comatose state and had to be loaded up with drugs. He eventually pulled through, but after heavy doses of medication he was never quite the same. A side effect of the medication was an unquenchable hunger – if we let him – he would have ate himself to death. He went from being afraid to step over a stick, to breaking out of the yard almost every day – just to rummage the neighbor’s trash. And the Gas! The Gas almost put us under. Other than the side effects, he actually did quite well. Until…

In February of ’05 Azlan experienced multiple consecutive seizures – only medication to knock him out, stopped him from seizing. He stayed like this to two days and then Lisa and I made the difficult decision to put him down. It was late Saturday night and we told the vet to remove him from the medication – if he continued to seize – they would put him down. On Sunday after church we called the vet, expecting him to be gone and to make finial arrangements. To our great surprise – the vet told us that Azlan was awake, alert and doing fine. We were amazed and went to pick him up. They gave him a new medical cocktail and that seamed to do the trick. Azlan continued to lead a “normal” life.

In deciding to leave for Bulgaria in the summer of ’05 we knew we had the difficult responsibility of placing Azlan, with all his medical needs, into capable and understanding hands. Who would take on such a daunting and ultimately fatal task? We prayed hard about it and God gave us the perfect answer in Kensey and Sarah Russell. Kensey and Sarah are a young couple in our church who had just moved into their first new house and were looking to get a “large” dog. They heard we were looking to place Azlan and to our surprise, Sarah had an epileptic dog when she was younger. So after knowing Azlan’s full medical condition they were still willing to take him.

Azlan became their baby very soon. In our household, after Drew arrived, Azlan when from being our baby – back to being a “dog.” With Sarah and Kensey – he was the center of attention once again. I truly believe that Sarah and Kensey added many more months to his life.

Azlan lived the rest of his days seizure free. Due to his epilepsy he was on very potent medication – over time they took their effects on his internal organs. Azlan died in his sleep at Sarah and Kensey's parent’s home – peacefully – no seizures. We don’t know for sure, but we assume his organs finally gave out. Azlan lived a full life and escaped death many times (did I tell you he ate a whole box of rat poison once!). He was loved by many and will be fondly remembered.

So – do dogs go to heaven?

I think so… and maybe I’ll get to pet that big o’l fat head again someday.

Farewell friend.

First Dr. Appointment in Bulgaria

Last week, I had my first “baby appointment” here in Bulgaria. I feel comfortable in that Dr. Kalvatcheva, the doctor I am seeing, was the Dr. for two other American, missionary women who both delivered here in Bulgaria. There are a few minor differences than in the states- the first being there is no receptionist so you wait in chairs in the hallway outside the office and hopefully go in to see the Dr. in the order you arrived (of course on the honor system, which in lines, Bulgarians are not always good about.) You then let yourself in after the person in front of you. Luckily with this system, the door is locked behind you to avoid embarrassing moments. Speaking of embarrassing moments, when asked to “prepare” for the appointment, I asked, “Do you prefer the robe tied in the front or the back?” as I have been to doctors with different preferences. Her kind reply was, “Oh, there’s no need for a robe as we are the only ones who will be in here.” True, but a bit more uncomfortable with no robe. There are some really nice differences. My appointment with ultrasound cost 18 leva ($12) blood work 40 leva ($26.50). Ultrasound is the regular method here of checking in on the little one so we’ll have a lot more than just the one we had with Drew. We still have yet to decide for sure whether or not we will find out if it is a boy or girl. We are excited about becoming a family of 4 and well let you know how future appointments go!

Love,
Lisa

Bebeto dve makes chetri (Baby 2 makes 4)

We are pleased to announce that we will be expecting our sencond child around August 3rd of this year, making us a family of 4. We feel blessed and are excited about this new little addition. We will return to the states in June of 07 and hopefully settling in somewhere in July. Thank you for all your notes of congratulaions and support!

Marc, Lisa and Drew (the BIG brother)

Bombs Welcoming the New Year

We have learned that it is tradition in Bulgaria to welcome in the New Year with a massive Firework display. This is truly an amazing site as all of Sofia is lit up with Industrial standard and make-shift bombs bursting in the air.



The action actually starts about a week out – with an occasional blast going off here or there. If you are familiar with an “M-80” firework in the States – multiply that by 4 – and you’re just getting started. The show cumulates at the stroke of midnight New Years Eve as the grand finally goes for almost an hour. Sort of like our 4^th of July – but nothing orchestrated and set to music – more like mad chaos – but what a site!

We were joined by our friends from our team, the Smiths and the Shipleys. We had a great time welcoming in the New Year - Bulgaria Style!

UTF Christmas Party

In continuing our efforts to establish our new Alumni Association – we held an UTF Christmas party for the current students and Alumni of UTF. It was a smaller gathering, but a great time was had by all. We held an “open house” from 4 to 8 where guest were welcome to come and go as they liked. We served Christmas cookies along with other treats and drinks.

Our goals were two fold – one to provide the current students with a nice break during their final week of school before their “final testing” began. The second was to provide another opportunity for the alumni to gather and interact with each other. An added bonus was to have the current students and alumni interact as well. This allowed for networking opportunities and helped forge new friendships that will be essential to their future ministries. I worked with Martin, the new Student Pastor at UTF, to help plan this event. Our plan is transition the planning of these alumni events to Martin.

About 15 students attended and we had a hand full of alumni attend as well, along with UTF staff and faculty. The fireplace was roaring and the food was being devoured – always a good sign of a good party. Games were being played and when 8:00 rolled around – many were slow to leave. All had a good time and we plan to hold more events such as these in the future.

Vienna Christmas

It has been said that Vienna is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe – from what we saw – we cannot disagree. If we had to be away from family and friends this Christmas season – Vienna was the place to be. There was a buzz, a “spirit,” of Christmas in the air. Decorations and lights were everywhere. They had open air “Christmas Markets” selling all kinds of Christmas decorations and serving up hot wine punch and roasting chestnuts on an open fire (literally).

We took the metro out to the Schonbrunn Palace, which was the “summer” palace of the Habsburgs (of the Habsburg Empire from the 1300’s – 1918). We had a great time – they too had a Christmas Market outside of the palace, serving great food and playing live Christmas music. We toured the palace – taking in a brief history of the Habsburgs as we viewed the grandeur of palatial living. We were actually able to stand where the young Mozart once played. Yep – feel’n pretty “cultured” I must say!

Vienna’s city center has wide open pedestrian streets lined with merchants and lighted with grand chandeliers that hung above the crowds. We truly enjoyed our time there. We stayed through Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Drew was able to see and talk with his Grandparents via “skype” and they were able to watch him open some of his gifts. Not quite the same – but being half way around the world – not bad. We attended a beautiful catholic mass Christmas morning. It was a bit difficult to fallow, given it was all in German, but the Mozart music made up for it.

Thank you once again for giving us the opportunities to experience these wonderful places. We know you did not send us to Bulgaria for us to go tour Europe. While still being fiscally responsible we have had the opportunity to visit our neighbors at reasonable prices. While still doing the work God has called us to, we feel comfortable that you would approve of our expeditions – thus the reason we share.

Thank you so much for your love, prayer and support.

Love,

The Sheps

Please feel free to view out pictures at the following link:

Christmas in Vienna

Budapest, Hungary

Budapest may have just been one of our biggest surprises of our trip. I think it surprised me most because I had very low expectations of the city – to me it was just a stop-over on our way to Vienna. I knew Hungary had a similar history to Bulgaria – thus I assumed their capital city to be a lot like Sofia. We were very surprised to find a beautiful city set on the Danube River with amazing architecture displayed in their parliament buildings, St. Stephen's church and the old Buda palace.

We were only there for a day and a half so we decided to take a bus tour of the city. This tour was what they call a “stop and go” tour – as the bus rout had designated stops where you can get on and off the buses as you like within a 24 hr. period. The tour also gave us a high level history lesson that helped explain why Budapest escaped a lot of the communist demise.

Please forgive my lack of detail or precision with this history – but I am trying to repeat what I heard on a bumpy bus ride around a busy city. Unlike Bulgaria, Hungary has a strong Roman Catholic influence – 98% of the residents consider themselves Roman Catholics. Hungary was converted by St. Stephan (Stephan I of Hungary) in 1000AD – converting the whole county to Christianity. Like Bulgaria, the Turks invaded in the 1400’s to establish the Ottoman Empire. Unlike Bulgaria, the Turks only ruled for 150yers – contrasting 400 years in Bulgaria. In the mid 1500s the Austrian Habsburgs invaded and ruled up to the time the Russians came in 1944 to “liberate” them, only to then occupy them. They too were under communist rule from 1944 to 1991 – however the communist did not confiscate all of the land and buildings as they did in other countries. We feel this is a big reason that Budapest still has many of its cultural treasures today. We also think the Christian / Catholic influence also had a large impact on the society that helped them to persevere through the difficult times.

The highlight of the Budapest trip was our restaurant find. After the bus tour, cold and hungry, we passed through the downtown shopping area of Budapest. We spotted a restaurant called “The Cellar” – but it was only a narrow hallway leading back to a distant door. A menu was posted outside and we spotted the Hungarian Goulash and Hungarian Stroganoff – thus we decided to give it a try. We walked the hallway and through the door only to find a spiral staircase heading to nowhere. At the bottom was another set of doors with no light reflecting through – we actually thought they were closed. We pressed through to find a long candle lit hallway literally leading back to a “cellar.” It was wonderful – a nice quiet cozy restaurant, well decorated for the Christmas season sitting beneath the busy city streets. We enjoyed great Hungarian food as Christmas music played in the background – what a wonderful gift.

Driving to Vienna

To save on expenses we decided to drive the trek to Vienna over Christmas. This added a whole new level of adventure: border crossings, 130 km/h speed limits and inclement weather – all while traveling through 4 different countries, with different languages and currencies - all within a day’s drive.

Besides the distance, I really enjoyed the drive. Once you get into Serbia, an hour from Sofia, they have a major motorway (highway) that travels directly to Budapest and then onto Vienna. The roads are new, big and clear of pot holes. They also have a speed limit of 130 km/h – which in our 2-door VW Golf - it was all it could do to reach 130. Unfortunately we did run into a snow storm in Serbia which did slow us down quite a bit.

Crossing the boarders went well. It seams to be an unfair bias – but it sure is nice to have a US passport. Although the media would have you think everyone in Europe hates the US – actually most wish they could live in the US and they honor and look up to those who do, though we personally have not done anything to earn that respect. That respect goes to our forefathers – but I digress. This is all to say – we had easy border crossings – 15min at most (some have waited 2+ hours). One funny moment with a border crossing guard was when we were on our way back home, crossing from Hungary into Serbia. The guard asked us where we were going and where we lived. She then wanted to know why we lived in Sofia, so I tried to explain that I was working at a Bible School in Sofia. And then, with a very puzzled look on her face, she asked – and I quote “Why do you want to live in Bulgaria, don’t you know that the United States is much better?” We just smiled and really didn’t say anything – she just couldn’t understand why we wanted to live in Bulgaria.

When we left for Budapest – it should have taken us 8 to 9 hours to get there, but ended up taking 11 hours with the snow storm. The leg to Vienna a couple of days later only took two hours – unfortunately it took us another 2 hours to find our hotel once we reached Vienna. The internet directions we had from the hotel were horrible and our map was not that detailed. Lisa had to reach back to her freshman year of German to help read the signs. We eventually got there and had a great time.

I just wanted to share the driving experience with you now in this blog. We had some wonderful experiences in Budapest and Vienna that we will post very soon. Thank you so much for your prayers of safety – as the travel went very well.

Christmas Trip to Vienna

This was our first Christmas without being with family (ever for either of us), so Lisa and I decided to travel for the holiday season. Given we are on this side of the world we did not want to miss out on seeing one of the most beautiful cities in Europe: Vienna, Austria. Vienna is only a 10 hour drive from Sofia, so we decided to take the trip. Given Budapest, Hungary is on the way – we also decided to stay there for a couple of days along the way. We chose to go to Vienna because of its reputation and it being within a “days” drive. Austria is also a Roman Catholic country and was never under communist rule – thus the tradition and celebration of Christmas is alive and well within Vienna.

Given Budapest, Hungary was on the way to Vienna, we decided to stay there for two days. What a wonderful surprise. Budapest has amazing architecture and most of it’s historical buildings are still standing. Budapest is built on the Danube River and has some remarkable views. We will post pictures and write more soon.

Vienna, or Wein as the locals like to call it, lived up to our expectations. It too is steep in history, culture and architecture. Vienna was all dressed up for Christmas and it definitely gave you that yuletide feeling. We also spent a day a Schombrum Palace – learning the history of the Hapsburg Empire and snacking on roasted chestnuts at the local Christmas market.

Below is a link to our pictures. We plan to post more details soon, but we wanted to let you all know how we spent this years Christmas.

We hope that you too have had a wonderful Christmas holiday with your family.

We feel so blessed that the Lord has allowed us the opportunity to explore some wonderful sites on this side of the world. We feel privileged for being able to take this trip and it has been a wonderful distraction from not being home for Christmas with all of you.

Christmas in Vienna

Christmas in Bulgaria

“It’s beginning to look a lot like…” Well… maybe not – or at least not the kind of Christmas we are use to. Christmas in Bulgaria has been different – contrasted to the Western media educed, economy driving Christmas we have come accustom to. To some extent – that has been a good thing – avoiding all the hype and focusing on the true reason for Christmas. However, we really find ourselves missing all of that Christmas “buzz” – decorations everywhere, malls packed with people trying to find that last minute gift and sipping on a Starbucks Peppermint Mocha, watching all of those frantic people. Its funny how those things you considered frustrating are actually missed when you don’t have them.

When you drive through Sofia it is hard to recognize it is Christmas time. (Other than the two new malls build by foreign investors). It is not completely barren of Christmas – you will see some lights downtown and small downtown shops will cater to the Christmas crowd – but you will not see it on the grand scales as you expect in the States. There are only a few Christmas lights in people’s homes and those who buy Christmas trees only do so a day or two before Christmas.

Growing up in the States, Christmas was always the grandest holiday – the presents, the family, all the hoopla – I just assumed it is that way all around the world. Although we know Bulgaria was under Turkish and Soviet rule for the last 400 years – I just assumed Christmas was still celebrated (naive American). Bulgarian Christians still celebrated in their homes, just not on the grand scale we are use to.

Last week we had a good friend, Maia, over for dinner. She is Bulgarian and is our age (31). We asked her how she celebrated Christmas as kid and to our surprise she said her family did not celebrate Christmas. She did not grow up in a Christian home and up to 15 years ago – Christmas was illegal to celebrate. For them and many other Bulgarians, New Years is the big Bulgarian holiday. I could not imagine growing up without Christmas.

Maia’s story helped me to understand the “lack” of Christmas in Bulgaria – they have never had the traditions of Christmas. I am talking about a lot of the extra tangibles of Christmas, as I do believe the Orthodox Christians did celebrate the birth of Christ – especially as a family, but they do not have a lot of the built up traditions of the season that we have become accustom to in the States.

We are not saying one is better or worse – just different. We realized we would have many different experiences living in Bulgaria. I was presently surprised how much more Bulgarians celebrated Easter than back home. I guess I am a bit disappointed to not see the same exuberance over Christmas. Then again, maybe they got it right.

Christmas Letter

Today, a Savior has been born unto you...

Merry Christmas! How we wish we were there to celebrate with all of you! Know that you are missed and are in our thoughts often, especially during the Christmas season.

Drew continues to be our pride and joy. What a pleasure it is to see the smiles and attention he gets from others in a society that can use a little extra joy and hope. He is growing so fast and is a mere shadow of the baby he was when we arrived. He is fiercely independent with a sweet disposition. Favorite activities include talking to his grandparents on skype, “play toys” and playtime with his little friends. Favorite phrases now are: “I do it ME-SELF”, “Actually, ...”, “I need a hug!” and “Sing it again.” Neither Marc nor I have singing voices, but we cherish the brief time he enjoys us singing to him. While there are hints of the terrible twos, most of the time he is a fun and adorable little kid.

We have now been in Bulgaria for almost a year, and although it does not seem like “home,” we have settled in and are adjusting to the Bulgarian way. We are still experiencing times of intense learning and growth, followed by times of routine and normalcy. We have slowed more into the Bulgarian pace, getting less annoyed when things don’t happen instantaneously, or at all for that matter. We are finding the slower pace to be more enjoyable, as we have time to build relationships with our teammates and Bulgarian friends.

Marc is really involved with the Bible School here – helping to establish process and procedure that will continue to help the school long after we are gone. Lisa continues to brush up her design skills, working on 3-4 design projects here in Bulgaria and Croatia.

We pray that you and your family are enjoying this Christmas season and are taking time to reflect on the many Blessings God has given all of us.

With much love-

Marc, Lisa and Drew

Modern view of Sofia

Here is a short film (clip) on Sofia created and produced by Alex Rossner, posted on the TurnHere website. We found it when searching the net for things to do in Sofia.

It gives a great view of the "modern" cultural life here in Sofia. Lisa and I still want to go and do some of the things in this video - the hard part is finding where they are at.

Hope you enjoy... http://www.turnhere.com/city/Sofia_Bulgaria/All/films/483.aspx

Return to Boulder River

You may remember an earlier post on the Blog were we went to our near by mountain, Mt. Vitosha, to go play on the “Boulder River.” Many of you thought we “doctored” the pictures – but most boulders are as big as your car or SUV. It is a valley on the mountain where these large to huge boulders all form a river cascading down the mountain. There is actually a water river that flows under the rocks – you can always hear it and at times see it.

Last week we had a 60+ degree day and we knew it could be one of the last nice days before winter set in. Lisa’s cousin, Rachael, is here for a few weeks – so we decided to take her to one of our favorite spots. We had a great time and the weather was beautiful. We were so glad we went, because the day following it began to snow. Today, a week later, the top of Mt. Vitosha is now covered in snow. Saddened that we will not be able to play on the rocks for awhile – but excited that ski season is just around the corner!

Please click the picture below to see more pictures.

Return to Boulder River

New Family Photos

Our Little Loov

Last year he was our little “tiger,” this year he is our little “loov.” (Lion in Bulgarian). Last Saturday we attended a “Fall Festival” for the missions’ community here in Sofia. Of course Drew had a great time – kids and candy – how can you go wrong? I guess we now need to start working on that “bear” costume for next year.

You can see pictures on the link below. Happy Halloween and Drew says “Grrrrrrr!”

Fall Festival

Papa and Jeje Visit Bulgaria

We were excited to spend the last two weeks showing my parents our life here in Bulgaria. While we all know they came to see little guy (said of course just to get a rise out of mom ;) ) they were good sports in our tours of what we do here as well. 4+ Orthodox churches, dinners and lunches with our co-workers, a visit to mom’s group, a trip to the zoo, and an evening at Awanas were only brief smatterings of Sofia we were able to share.

A highlight included a day trip to the Rila Monestary. While Marc and I had been before, Fall in all of it’s glory had arrived and was beautiful to explore on a brisk, sunny autumn day. We all felt like school children on a field trip as we drove up the mountain road past Rila. Dad enjoyed the livestock which ambled across the road every now and then, and taking pictures of Bulgarian tractors.

It was a lovely time and made home, for a brief period, seam not so far away. We were grateful for good weather and good health for my parents. The two weeks flew by, and we could have easily filled another two more. My parents need another 2 weeks of vacation just to recover. While dad knew before hand Bulgaria is far from handicap accessible, with a little help from Marc, they got to experience quite a bit of Sofia. Only once was he half thrown out of his wheelchair. Mom also experienced a bit of how dangerous it is to walk with your “shoulders up, head held high” here. We saw her acrobatic side as she missed a 2 inch step in the middle of a restaurant while carrying Drew and did a textbook tuck and roll to save Drew any harm. Overall the greatest joy was to see how happy Drew was with everyone together. Numerous times he would say, “Papa, JeJe, Drew, Mommy, Daddy do it to-geth-ER.”

Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers during our time together.

Love to you and yours-

Lisa

Click the link below to see more pictures:

Papa and Jeje Visit Bulgaria - Oct 2006

New Executive Director at UTF

(From: Nick Nedelchev, UTF Chairman of the Board)


Dear Friends and partners,


My heart is full of joy when I am sending this information! Believe me : It is answer of my prayers for very long! God is GREAT !


With great pleasure I want to announce that Stoyan (Tony) Lalev has been elected Executive Director of UTF at a special meeting of the Board of Trustees on September 28, 2006. Tony will fill the position left vacant when I was elected Chairman of the Board of Trustees late last year.


As most of you already know, Tony is a member of our first graduating class of 1996, and has been active in ministry ever since. He has served as a Pastor in the Congregational Church in Bansko, as Assistant to Dick Walton and SEND International, and for the last three years as a full-time staff member at UTF. He is also a founder and Pastor of the Holy Trinity Bulgarian free church in Sofia.


Tony has been closely associated with academic operations of the school, serving over the years as a teacher, translator, and director of extension studies. Administratively, he has been an important contributor in recruiting, fund-raising, strategic planning and the Campus for Tomorrow building campaign.


When I asked Tony to come on board full time, it was with a specific plan in mind to prepare him for leadership in the school. I have been encouraged by his growth in maturity and management. In these last few years he and I have worked closely together in almost all matters, and I am confident that he is ready to assume the role of Executive Director at this time.


Please join me in lifting Tony up in prayer as he begins this new and exciting chapter in ministry. Remember the school, too, as, we collectively rise to meet the challenges the Lord has laid out in front of us, in service to Him and for His glory!


Yours in Christ,


Nick Nedelchev

Chairman of the Board