Now that my time in Bulgaria has come to an end, I know I will spend the rest of the summer answering the two questions of, “ How was Bulgaria?” and, “So, do you know what you want to do with your life now?” I have spent a good deal of time wondering how I will answer the first question, and [...]
Wednesday we left Albania however I accidentally brought a souvenir with me. We left the hotel at 4 AM for our 6AM flight and in my sleepy haste I took the key with me. The giant paper weight attached to the key to prevent such incidents nearly caused an international security breach as we passed [...]
A Little Bit Country
Jul 22
Just when I had rid myself of the habit of getting lost in Sofia, we left for a new location. For the month of July, we have relocated to Gabrovo, a small town in central Bulgaria where Peter and Ellie have a small cottage. Before we came here, friends from Sofia alerted me that people [...]
After a short and insightful trip to Romania, I looked forward to spending a few nights in one spot. Sunday we arrived in Tirana, the country’s capital, and drove about 45 minutes to our hotel in Durres. The view was spectacular from our hotel facing the Adriatic coastline; however it was appropriately located in the [...]
Romania: Truck Repairs
Jul 20
As part of my internship at Integra U.S.A., I have the incredible opportunity to visit Romania, Albania, and Bulgaria. On this trip I will have a chance to see up close the companies and entrepreneurs that I have been working for from the office. The beginning of our trip seemed like one never ending day. [...]
Hello my name is Jack Quinn (unfortunately, I must admit, no relation to Integra Board member Bob Quinn). I have just finished my sophomore year at DePauw University and feel very blessed to be working at the Integra USA office in my hometown of Wheaton, IL. This is now my 4th week here and I [...]
Finding Joy in Relationships
Jun 21
Being settled here in Sofia certainly has its perks. While some things have lost their “new and exciting” glow, it is remarkably satisfying to be able to navigate my way through to city to meetings with students and to now know enough Bulgarian to ask market vendors for things without having to officially acknowledge that [...]
Sofia Summer Intern
Jun 16
My name is Aubrey Hoeppner, and I have just finished my junior year at Pepperdine University in California, though I am from Chicago. I have been so blessed with the opportunity to spend three months with Ellie and Peter in Bulgaria. Last summer I had meetings with Bob, Ellie, and Christy Schweigert to discuss the [...]
Just Being There
Feb 1
When it comes to working with youth-at-risk at our orphan’s training center (Agapedia), the most imporant thing is JUST BEING THERE. What do the kids need? They need someone to call friend. They need familiarity. They need a place to come where people will laugh at their jokes. They need a place to celebrate Christmas. [...]
Training Day 1
Jan 5
“Do You Do What You Say You Believe?” It’s the end of day one of the 2nd annual Integra Staff Training. Taking place in the beautiful city of Bern, the capital of Switzerland, the participants and staff are going to bed exhausted tonight! The day began with Dr. Dave Sveen leading the [...]