Equip 1-Perushtitsa

From Monday through Wednesday we taught Equip 1 in a Gypsy church in a small village not far from Plovdiv. The Pastor's name is Salcho and he is a very strong leader and an excellent role model. We have come here many times and we have formed an uncommon bond of friendship with these people. For us, coming back here is a pure joy. These people are so eager to learn, but more importantly, to APPLY what they are learning.

As is true of our other groups, as we get deeper in to the program, the group gets smaller. We expect that and it doesn't bother us. People weed themselves out of any challenging endeavor that is spread over time; look how many begin college in our country but never finish. So this is normal. The great thing is that the ones that stick are dedicated and serious about becoming better leaders. They are the ones we want!

This is fairly typical of most Gypsy villages. It was getting dark so it is hard to see it too clearly but hopefully you will get the idea; they have very little of the abundance we, and even most ethnic Bulgarians, enjoy. Yet, they still have joyful hearts and their hospitality is overwhelming and truly humbling.