12 Hours

12 hours from now we will be in Pleven picking up Samantha.  12 hours.  Sweet Sam doesn't know it yet, but tonight is her last night sleeping alone in that dreadful orphanage.  After hanging on for 7 grim years she only has to tolerate isolation for 12 more hours!!!  I keep imagining the look on her face when she sees that Gracie has returned for her.  Oh my gosh, words cannot describe how excited I am. 

This morning Grace and I awoke after a full night's sleep, enjoyed a nice breakfast with 3 cups of coffee, and spent some time reading our bibles and doing a devotion.  I am going to share with you an excerpt from that devotion because its words felt like a soothing balm to our weary souls. 

Come to me when you are weak and weary.  Rest snugly in My everlasting arms.  I do not despise your weakness, My child.  Actually, it draws Me closer to you, because weakness stirs up My compassion--My yearning to help.  Accept yourself in your weariness, knowing that I understand how difficult your journey has been. 

A friend of Grace sent her several bible verses as well that we read together that also provided us with much comfort.  The journey has been difficult, but God understands and is compassionate.  In the end all that matters is that Sam is being released into her mother's arms tomorrow, luggage or no luggage.  Praise the Lord!!!  Speaking of which, we still don't have our bags, however the employees at our hotel have been in constant contact with the airport. The last we heard, 2 of the 3 suitcases should be delivered to the hotel anytime while the 3rd bag should arrive in the middle of the night. We are cautiously optimistic and are so thankful for your prayers!!!

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Today we walked around Sofia to familiarize ourselves with our surroundings and to locate stores where can buy necessities should it come to that.  We visited several clothing stores (where we each bought a couple of blouses), shoe stores (women in Bulgaria must have small feet because they had nothing in our size), and a market.  While wandering about I came to the conclusion that Bulgarians do not greet anyone with a friendly smile or nod.  I found myself craving a friendly interaction with someone.  I also got the impression that we stuck out like sore thumbs.  One woman stopped us and asked what nationality we were (at least that's what I think) and when we said "American" she nodded to someone across the street and said "Americans"! Being true to myself, I snapped pictures throughout our excursion.  

Even though it went against everything she believes in (experiencing the culture by eating only their cuisine), Gracie gave in and let me have KFC for lunch.  It tasted just like the KFC back home, finger lickin' good!

Our hotel.

Some random beauty.  You never know where it may sprout up. 

With that I am going to try to get some sleep and have sweet dreams of what lies ahead tomorrow.  Good night!