Borovtsi

We visited this home for the first time nearly 3 years ago.

We were shocked at the condition of the building that housed the cafeteria, kitchen and laundry facilities. The roof was caving in and the building was literally falling down (editor's note: N.B. the "dip" in the roof!). Not a safe or sanitary environment for staff or children.

We were also shocked that there was little food – not nearly enough to feed all those hungry children even one meal. We met immediate needs for food at that moment.
 

Then we decided that BCI should build a new building to house the kitchen/cafeteria, new bathrooms and toilets, etc. As most things go here, it has been a long process!
 

This project began almost 2 years ago. A local architect donated hours of labor to provide the plans for the new building. We hired a Romani construction company from Rakovitsa. At that time we (BCI) had planned to build only a one-story building. Later, we agreed to build the shell for a two-story building but to finish only the lower floor. In Oct. 2003, a volunteer team of people from the Heights Baptist Church, Richardson, Texas came to Bulgaria to help put new winter shoes and boots on thousands of children living in orphanages. When members of that team saw the need for monies to complete the upper floor of the building, they generously provided the funding. The building itself was completed months ago. It is really beautiful with showers. toilets, and a cafeteria/study room on each floor. The lower floor also houses the kitchen and laundry facilities and an office. The upper floor houses an emergency shelter, medical exam and quarantine rooms, and the computer lab in addition to the baths/toilet/personal laundry facilities and cafeteria.

After many, many delays due to problems with the sewer line to the new toilets and trying to get approval for the electrical system in the building, the building was approved last month for use!!!!

Borovtsi was also one of the homes that we visited on our Winter Food Distribution.  The kids were very happy to see us (and the food!) and were great helpers in the unloading.

Most recently,  on January 13, 2005, Andrew Ridgway and Stevcho (BBU driver) drove our recently purchased 8-tonne truck (another gift from the Heights ) over the mountain to Borovtsi. They took with them a number of wonderful donations:

1. Tables and chairs were purchased with money donated by the children of William's Trace Baptist Church.  The tables and some of the chairs were for the new computer lab, and the other chairs went to the cafeteria.

2. A huge, new, German made refrigerator was purchased with money donated in honor of some dear friends. The refrigerator made a great impression! We are glad for the hope it gives for the children to eat healthier foods.

3.We were also able to send 6 computer set-ups for a computer training lab for the children. The orphanage personnel had contacted the local news media. Camera crews showed up to film the donation, talk to the kids, and get some footage of Andrew setting up the first computer!

4.  We gave a second-hand washing machine that had been donated by a member of the International Baptist Church in Sofia.

5. They also took pajamas and tablecloths made by the sewing circle in a nearby village.

The staff and kids were thrilled. I wish you could see their faces. Then you would know what your generosity has meant in their lives

Though we had the grand opening of the lower floor more than a year ago, we will have a formal dedication of the entire building as soon as the director is well and weather permits.

Kathy Pardew, wife of Ambassador Jim Pardew, has an American flag - one flown over the capitol building - for the dedication ceremony. We do hope she can be present for the official opening of this building that will mean so much to these kids.
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Thank you for caring.
Judy Ridgway

(For a photo gallery that chronicles our history with this home, click here.)