Getting ready for a new adventure - Mission Trip to New Orleans

I am preparing for a mission trip with my church (Union Baptist Church in Mystic, CT) to New Orleans. This will be from July 29th through August 11th. Check back for more updates before and during this trip.

Eating, drinking, relationships & dancing

I can't believe tonight is my last night in Sofia! I had no preconceived plans or ideas about what this trip would be like. It's a good thing I didn't waste my time thinking or planning because I would have been way off base! This trip has been life altering for me. Everything about it has changed many parts of who I am, what I think about who I am, what I think about what I am capable of, what I think about people in another country, what I think about friends, co-workers, relationships. This trip has shown me the depth of the relationships in my life and the support and encouragement people have for me. I am so grateful and realize the power of relationships and the strength that they provide. I am sure I won't realize everything until I am home and even more over the days to come.

Being in a routine, although only for a week, has created some level of comfort. The hotel is very nice and the staff has been very helpful. Having breakfast in the same place to start the day has been nice. Going to the same office most of the days to see the same faces and build relationships and share information will lead this project to further success.

The last night here in Sofia was so enjoyable! Because of the culture here where meals are big social events, we spent 4 hours at dinner! I didn't even look at my watch during the evening. It didn't matter what time it was - I was having so much fun. The tables sit at least 12 people. We didn't see any small groups there tonight. The appetizers were out when we arrive. Everyone shares from a huge platter in the middle of the table. You can imagine how big the tables are if a platter to feed 12 people is in the middle yet there is enough room to have a plate in front of each person. We all helped ourselves to cut up vegetables, eggplant/pepper mix, yogurt/cucumber salad. All this was on top of huge pita bread. This you would rip a piece off and dip it in a seasoning/salt mixture. Glasses of water and red wine were constantly being filled. Time went by while everyone continued to eat and talk and drink. They cleared that platter to bring another one. At the same time, some beautiful sounding singers started their performance. Then there were drummers. Then some people started dancing. Anyone could join in. The platter that contained the dinner had sausage, chicken, pork, potatoes and grilled vegetables. Again, water and wine glasses were replenished. More performances and more dancing. The dessert tray was the same...huge and full of options. One inch squares of wonderful desserts each with their own toothpick for sampling.

I did have to dance! The music is very easy to dance to. I didn't realize that while I was dancing someone picked up MY camera to take a picture. I am glad they did.

What great memories on this trip! I will never forget the experience and the things I have learned about life (some many parts to name but lots of material for future blogs).

My trip will be coming to an end but my writing won't. I hope you keep reading here and in any other forum that I write in.

If you are having doubts about yourself, ask a good friend how they see your strengths and gifts. Really listen. Believe them then believe in yourself. Take action one step at a time. The quality of your life and what you experience can bring you such rewards.

As my trip started out with someone I met on the plane saying "This isn't a dress rehearsal". Do what you want to do. Don't intentionally hurt anyone along the way. Live your life with passion!

A little about the people and food in Sofia

Today is Saturday. Yesterday was a very long work day and things went very well! The team of folks we are working with are outstanding! They are young, smart, passionate, committed, eager to learn, and young (I know I already mentioned that)! We met the co-founder of the company and other management people. It's one of those environments where the co-founder knows the details of the work and is approachable. There isn't a lot of corporate stuff between the layers of management. It is very professional yet very comfortable.

Dinner last night was wonderful! We are trying to figure out why the people here are mostly very thin. There is a lot of walking (being a busy city where driving is only for the very brave) and food is everywhere. We are thinking its the kind of food and how it's cooked that keeps people thin. It's very tasty but must not be from additives like we have. They use lots of seasonings and the ingredients themselves are tasty. There seems to be a balance of fruits, vegetables, potatoes and meats. And the desserts - yum! The thing about eating is that I am not feeling totally bloated after - even though I am eating very well. It may also be about portion size - the plates are heaping like we expect at home.

Sofia hasn't gotten strict about their public smoking. There is smoking in most places. Restaurants have a smoking and non-smoking section. I remember when we had the split and the non-smoking section was better but not that great. It's that way here. I can smell the smoke but I am not as effected (headache wise) as I thought I would be. It must be all the walking and being outside in the air.

I think the people here are very attractive and thin for the most part. They look like they take a lot of pride in how they dress and attend to their hair and makeup. Like I mentioned before, they are very social. There's lots of couples walking and holding hands. I haven't seen a lot of people walking around alone.

The driving here is only for the brave. I seems like a game to most to see how close they can get without hitting the next car...ahead of them or next to them. They do use their turn signals, which is good, and then they go (change lanes). The cars are not clean like home but they aren't dented up either. It's interesting to me. I look at the driving, speed, stop and go, lane changing and expect to see damaged cars but I don't. The parking is new to me...along the street, along the sidewalk, on the sidewalk - 2 wheels of the same side of the car and some backed onto the sidewalk. I'll have to take some photos of the cars and parking. It makes me chuckle.

It's a different place here and I am seeing these differences. I am also noticing the similarities. This is their world and their life. It is good for them. They have families and friends and socialize and work and play and eat - just like us. They are other people living in the same world. We are connected in ways. I can feel that. I feel the same presence of my Lord here as I do at home. I feel stronger knowing that. I am grateful for seeing other areas of His work.

Slow start

It's Friday morning here around 7:30 AM. I feel different this morning - compared to yesterday morning. I slept longer for sure but am not sure I am ready to wake up. I believe a shower and warm cup of coffee will work fine.

Last night was wonderful! I had a very nice time at dinner, trying new food and sharing great conversations with some new friends. I was excited when I got back to my hotel. It took me a while to "wind down" despite it being around midnight local time. I kept on the local schedule anyway. Once I laid my head down, I fell right asleep!

I know I have a lot of work to do today. It may go easier than I expect once I get to the office and see what the team actually knows on a particular topic today. That would be a nice surprise if the day is easier than what I think. I am open to see how it goes.

I am grateful to have exchanged IMs with a good friend back home already this morning...she ending her day and me starting mine. We have become a global society and are always "on". Today I give thanks for that global connection...for the technology, the overlap in schedules (although late for her) and our friendship.

The photo is from yesterday morning. This is from my hotel window. It was a sunny day even though it doesn't look like it. I am facing north west I think so that's why the sun isn't shining on the mountain yet. I saw it from a closer view yesterday and it is amazing!

Have a wonderful day and take a moment to slow down, as I was feeling slow to the start of my morning, to notice and be grateful for the (global) connections you have.

Counting down

A good friend described it perfectly...the waiting is sometimes the worst part. I think I am as ready as I am going to be for my trip to Bulgaria. I have money, I have clothes, I have all those little travel items. I am waiting for Monday to actually pack it in my suitcase. Then Tuesday will be those last minute things that get thrown in.

The great part is the work that I am going to do while I am there is already in my head (I have been doing it for quite a few years) and anything that I need to explain will just come up. I love explaining things to people! I really like programming so the QC steps that I'll be enhancing/putting in place will be fun. There aren't any scary presentations or new things I have to learn about the tasks. There isn't anything I have to sell or pitch to anyone. It's all in what I already know and then participating in any discussions that come up. I can do that!

I have made a list of appointments for the next week - really more for me than for my husband! They know what is on the calendar. They are able and willing to cook for themselves (they do most of that when I AM home!!). There have been quite a few people who have offered to help them out while I am gone. It is very nice to know that friends are making themselves available if the need arises.

Banking and other logistics for my trip

Who knew there were so many things to do before traveling? I am learning all about them! There's work money and do you get it now or later and if you get it now do you get it in US dollars or in the foreign currency. How much to get? Are there banks or ATMs near where you are staying? Are they "good"? What are the charges for performing these transactions?

Well, today I think this will be pretty much wrapped up. I'll have money that I need both personal and business. I'll get some foreign money sent to me on Monday (which is already in the works) so no further action required by me.

The airline has a web site where you can register your passport and flight. It is supposed to make the boarding process smoother and quicker. Okay. I did that. I still have to print out a boarding pass within 24 hours of my flight - hey now there is something I now how to do!!! I made myself a reminder - not like I have been thinking about ANYTHING except this trip so I shouldn't forget!

Also, register with the state...United States? Some web site that can have on record that you are traveling to another country. Its a good thing to tell someone other than family. Okay. I did that.

My cell phone isn't built for international calls so I'll be bugging those I am traveling with to call home from time to time. That's nice of them. I don't remember anyone at Sprint asking me about where I travel to and that the phone I bought won't work outside the country! No bother - this may not happen too many more times.

I am charging my iPod and camera over the weekend. I think my iPod can't be charged since I don't have iTunes on my work laptop and I don't know how to do it any other way. I'll survive and maybe the battery will as well. I have an adaptor so I can recharge the camera batteries and my laptop.

I went to the store yesterday to get those convenient travel size items...small mouthwash, facial wipes, hand sanitizer, shampoo, etc. I figure size matters and these things are perfect size to carry on the plane with me so I am not stuck if my luggage doesn't make it to my destination at the same time I do.

I'll post more another time on the emotional items for this trip! I am getting a lot of experience on working to LIVE IN THE MOMENT! Things are being taken care of in one way or another and I have to trust that. So for other life events that happen between now and the hour that I leave, I am working to BE PRESENT for so the trip doesn't take me longer than one week away from home.

Travel Plans Secured

Well, it's really going to happen! My plane and hotel reservations were purchased late last week. I am really going to Sofia, Bulgaria!!! I am very excited and so grateful for the people who are coming forward and sharing all kinds of helpful travel hints :-) I am listening to them all and will incorporate those that make sense to me.

I have already started making a 'pack this' list. Not all good ideas that I have come under pressure. So when I am thinking about something, it has to be written down else it will just fall out of my head!

I know the trip will go by fast. I am looking forward to the reflection time when I return and see how things turned out either as I expected or things that happened very differently. Regardless, it will all be the experience I am meant to have at this point in my life.

The Upcoming Adventure

It's hard to begin to describe what I am going through. I am being transformed by this new experience. If you told me 10 years ago that I would be traveling to another country I never would have believed you. Even a year ago, I wouldn't have believed you.

Well, I have the opportunity to travel to Sofia, Bulgaria in June!! This is for my corporate job. I have trained a group of people to do lots of things. The purpose of me being in Sofia is to be with them on "day 1" and ensure everything goes well. A few days before, we'll go over some last minute things. After that, I'll make sure they are doing everything correctly. I have done the training a few times before with other companies but from the comfort of my own desk. It's the travel thing that is totally new to me.

I have only traveled within the US and even then, I haven't gone very far or gone very often. I didn't really have the interest. But at this time in my life, I am being handed many things that are new to me! I have been doing a lot of self work and I feel like I am ready to accept these opportunities.

I have accomplished a few things up to this point. I have accepted this opportunity (after crying and stressing and wondering why) and am really excited about it. I have also applied for a passport. I have met the folks from the company and they are impressive. This is their specialty and they do it well.

Stay tuned for more posts here related to my growth in this area of my life and what I learn when I am in Bulgaria. I know I will be with good coworkers who I trust and with my God while I am traveling to and from. I will not be alone while I am seeing other areas of this world that God has created. My eyes, heart and mind are open.