letter4

Dear Family and Friends,

Hairy old men in tight speedos, hairy-legged women in skimpy bikinis chasing
stark-naked toddlers, children clustering in wet masses, warm murky waters
crowded with grasping, clawing bodies eager for a small section of the small
pool, inflatable objects bouncing from one exposed head to the next . . .
where did I spend my hot, stifling Bulgarian Suday afternoon, you ask? I
acompanied my host mom, host siblings, and a few of their friends and
relatives to a warm swimming pool, which was referred to as a, "Banya," or
"Bath." I didn't know what to expect as all seven of us piled into the
compact European car, as I had been told we were going to the "beach" and I
know as well as anyone that there isn't a "beach" in miles. So, I piled up
my bathing suit, towel, and other essentials and, as usual, went a long for
the ride.

The "Banya" reminded me of a swimming "arena" that you would see in one of
those funny movies set in the 50's. The small fenced in area, draped with
green ivy, was the scene for wall-to-wall people of all shapes, sizes, ages,
and genders. Most of the area was taken up by hot dirt, in which people
deposited towels, clothes, inflatable objects, kids, shoes, and other odds
and ends until they formed an amazing obstacle course that even the most
agile gladiator probably couldn't tackle. I jumped into the warm water with
Iva, along with the many other people who were basically lined up in the
small pool like concentration camp victims, I was totally oblivious as to
what bodily fluids and other chemicals I might have been swallowing as I
treaded murky water. I played with Iva and Dimitar until I had had enough
of bouncing balls on their heads and then I layed out on my towel in the
middle of the dirt, which clung to any wet foot that happened near it. I
relaxed immensely as I watched the sights and listened to the Bulgarian
around me, stopping to pose for a picture with 3 of the big high school
friends of my host aunt's son, upon her insistence of course. We had ice
cream at the small cafe on the platform by the dirt and truly had an
interesting, relaxing day. And, you know, the entire time we were there, I
didn't see one lifeguard . . . they must have just been on their
lunchbreak!!! :-)

So, I'm great, Bulgaria's great, and I am living up this experience with
everything that is within me. God is already changing me and working in me
so much that I marvel in his greatness. Please keep praying and I love and
miss you all greatly!

Love Always,
�� (Chantel in Cyrillic!)