Out of the Ordinary

Since my last blog was about a typical day here, I wanted to share some of the exceptional things that have happened over the past month. So here they are:

Going to the mosque with my landlords on the first night of Ramazan














During Ramazan here a common meal is served at a small store near the mosque after the evening call to prayer. Anyone who wants to can come and eat--different families just take responsibility for providing the food each night. Ramazan ends on September 8th and since people in this village really take the fasting seriously, they will have a big celebration with Sheker (sugar) Bayram.

Attending festivals in Osikovo and Yagodina














Every town in Bulgaria has a "sabor" which I describe as a county fair/homecoming football game/variety show. In Osikovo we literally danced in the streets!


Visiting a mandra














A mandra is a place where shepherds herd the sheep to be milked. People who want fresh milk, cheese, butter, or yougart can come directly to the source and make/buy it there. We piled 12 people into this jeep (3 in front, 8 in back, and one on the fender) for the rough drive up the mountain! It was a day of beautiful weather and incredible views.


Reading with kids











This may not seem like a big deal, but it was an extraordinary moment for me. While in the library with several kids who were using the computer, one picked up The Giving Tree. I asked if I could read it with him and we began working through it in combination English and Bulgarian. The other kids became interested and huddled around us. When we finished the book they liked it so much that we read it all the way through two more times with different kids taking the lead!

Returning to the U.S.














I came back to the states for my grandfather's funeral (Gene Godby). The occasion was sad, but the time spent with family and friends in Muskogee was such a blessing. All of the grandkids were able to make it! And, I got to meet my second cousin, Elaine :) Thank you to everyone who was an encouragement to me during this time.