I arrived in Sofia on Friday. Biss and I met for a couple of hours to discuss the work there and address what we would focus on during my visit. His life is in turmoil now because of a job change and needing to move, but he is doing a good job of keeping things in perspective. We also spent most if Saturday together.
On Sunday we traveled to Draga’s and conducted our assembly there. She was delighted. On the way, Biss and I bought her all of the groceries we could carry to her place. Before worship she explained that her blood pressure had been so erratic that she had fallen three times in the last few days. Since she doesn’t have a phone, she couldn’t call anyone. Needless to say, that left us troubled.
After worship, Biss, Aaron, and I went back into the city for lunch. After lunch we spent a couple fo hours looking for an affordable pre- paid cell phone to give Draga.
After meeting with just Biss on Monday, the rest of the available group met on Tuesday. Savella had been out fo town, but was back. Aaron had been unexpectedly switched to the night shift, but arranged to be with us. The group had a great visit and discussion. Afterwards, Savella and I decided to walk back to the center. This hour long trek gave us times to work on some of the questions she is facing. All in all, the spirit of the group seems better than it has been in a while. Their resilience is touching and humbling. It seems that Dinyu is still on track for an early release next month.
On Wednesday, I flew back to the Czech republic.
The pictures show Biss shopping, Draga, and variety of street scenes including: ugly face of poverty, a renewed visibility of practicing Jews, and a sign in front of a block of apartments requesting that people not relieve themselves in front of their door. Many things are changing, but many are not.