I’ll admit it…when presented with the idea of a trip to Sofia, Bulgaria, I had no idea what to expect. While, of course, I had heard of Bulgaria before (and not just because we have a program there), I still couldn’t pinpoint a famous Bulgarian monument, or quintessential Bulgarian food. But, when the opportunity arises to travel in order to grow a program and ultimately find more families for waiting children, you go! In the days leading up to the trip, I spent a lot of time scouring the good old internet trying to get more of a ‘feel’ for the country and her people. I learned a lot, but ultimately knew that I wouldn’t truly know Bulgaria until getting there.
8 hours to Frankfurt, 3 hour layover, then another 2ish to Sofia (pretty easy in comparison to some other trips I’ve been on!), we were finally there. We were tired, it was rainy, but I was immediately struck by how friendly everyone was!
Our first full day thankfully started with the rain gone, and the sun shining. While we had an agenda for the day that was packed with meetings, just being out, and driving around Sofia was amazing! So many little streets and alleys, cafes and restaurants, and people going about their days. And, again, the friendly disposition of all who we encountered made us feel so welcome in this beautiful city.
Towards the end of the day, we had the chance to sit on Vitosha Boulevard, the main promenade in Sofia, and have a quintessential Bulgarian meal. Boy do the Bulgarian people know how to eat! Meats, cheeses, salads, veggies, you name it….they made it! The food was divine, and to be able to eat and relax, while watching Sofia go by along the promenade, was the moment I fell in love with the city, and the country of Bulgaria.
We spent several more days there, mainly in productive meetings with various partners, discussing how we all can work together for the good of the Bulgarian children. But we got to enjoy Bulgaria too. We left with not only a newfound love of the country and people, but also with a strong desire to do all we can to find families for the precious waiting children of Bulgaria.
Interested in learning more about adopting from Bulgaria?
We are pleased to offer a $1,000 grant to families who apply in the month of June!
Visit our website, or email LindseyG@madisonadoption.org!