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Hi everyone, I’m Flavia!
It’s already been 5 weeks since I arrived in Mrachenik, and I can’t believe how quickly time has flown. When I first stepped off the train, I was a mix of excitement and nervousness. Now, looking back, I realize that every single day here has been a fundamental lesson—not just about what I can do, but about who I am becoming.
The first few days were a whirlwind. I wasn’t used to the heat, but the real surprise was the unpredictable weather: it rains often and unexpectedly here. We faced several troubles with water, which would run out precisely because of these weather changes. At first, it was frustrating, but our group reacted with incredible unity. We overcame it all by working as a team: we organized ourselves to collect and manage water carefully, keeping morale high even when things got tough. It was in those moments of difficulty that I truly understood the power of unity: it’s not just about finishing the work, but facing it together, turning problems into opportunities to grow closer.
Beyond the physical challenges, we achieved something truly tangible. I had the chance to paint and build the windows and doors of the “barn” together with the others. We managed to finish the roof, a huge milestone that felt like a victory for all of us. From the very first day, we also started constructing improvements for the school, making the space better for the community. Seeing the metamorphosis of these buildings with my own hands gave me a deep sense of accomplishment and pride.
Beyond the physical work, this place has taught me so much. I learned to handle the heat and the sudden cold, to organize daily tasks according to the weather, and, most importantly, to navigate the Bulgarian language. It’s not much yet, but being able to say “hello,” “thank you,” or understand basic directions made me feel connected to the place and its people; every small effort became a bridge to others. Living here, far from the constant noise of social media and notifications, has been a gift. I have always practiced meditation, but Mrachenik is a truly special place for it: peaceful, luminous, and filled with a quiet energy that deepens the practice. It is a sanctuary where the mind can find stillness.
I am also discovering the joy of slow, creative hands: I am learning to knit, and the rhythm of the needles has become a form of moving meditation. But perhaps the most beautiful lesson comes from our kitchen. It is wonderful to have people from different backgrounds cooking together. We each bring our own traditions and flavors, diversifying the recipes to create dishes that are truly unique and special. Every meal becomes a celebration of our differences, a reminder that when we mix our cultures, we create something far more delicious than we could alone.
After 5 weeks, I feel calmer and more grounded. I’ve learned to manage anxiety by focusing on the present moment and the group, discovering that everything doesn’t need to be perfect to be happy. This experience has clarified what truly matters to me: the desire to help people, to build bridges between cultures, and to work towards a positive impact on communities. I am now more certain than ever that I want to dedicate my future to making a difference, finding a path where I can use my strengths to support others and foster connection.
I still miss home, but I don’t want to leave just yet. There is still so much to learn, so many memories to make, and so much growth to experience. I am grateful for this opportunity to step out of my comfort zone and discover a stronger, more resilient version of myself, capable of adapting to any challenge—from the weather to construction tasks, from knitting to cooking—always working together with others.
Thank you for following my journey. I’ll be back soon with more stories from Mrachenik!
With love, Flavia
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