On Saturday 15 Aggies arrived in Athens from Grace Bible Church in College Station (whoop!). We just started a partnership with GBC and this is the first group they have sent! I am feeling so at home :) Our week has been filled with going on campus to initiate conversations with students, seeing the sites of the city, eating great food of course, and admiring the wonderful new graffiti (aka "art") that is now in abundance!
Thankfully the riots have not had an effect on their trip and we have already been able to use the circumstances in the city to lead into spiritual conversations with students. When discussing the situation with the students we get a WIDE variety of responses. Some say they think the demonstrations are a waste of time, and nothing will get solved that way. Others, like a girl named Eleni I talked to yesterday, are all for the riots, stating "I am out on the streets every day! But I haven't broken any windows." Students like her hope that the demonstrations will send a message to the government that they both want change, and have power to invoke it themselves.
Some students from the GBC group were on the U of A campus yesterday and walked into the Philosophy building. They were greeted with professors yelling at students to leave immediately. When asking a Greek girl what was happening she causally answered, "there are guys in masks and I think they want to burn down the philosophy building." They asked if she thought it would happen, but she said, "no, I think they are lying...but I think you should leave." This is the chaos we are living in. (I think the building is still in tact)
All the students on both campuses have held councils this week to vote on whether or not they will close their schools (and yes, they are able to close them). We will find out tomorrow whether the campuses are closed.
Please Pray:
-That there will be students on campus for the GBC group to meet the rest of this week.
-For a party we are having on Friday-that students still be in Athens, and not home for Christmas...and will come!
-That the passion college students have for government change will one day be a passion to share Christ with their schools!
-That we will not lose touch with students or lose momentum over the Christmas break.
Thanks so much and gig'em!
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
This just in...
I just thought I would share some sites that have additional articles about the riots and the situation here in Greece if anyone is interested in reading. Here are the links, along with some highlights:
CNN News
BBC News
Reuters
The view of a student:
"The government wanted us to postpone this protest, but they are the ones who have to do something to stop this violence and to improve the quality of our lives," said one demonstrator, drama student Kalypso Synenoglou.
The view of the government:
"The rioters, with their acts, once again, demonstrated that the only thing that inspires them is the destruction," the prime minister said in a statement. "They have targeted social peace, the rule of law, and democracy itself. That is why they are isolated."
The hope of everyone:
"The city wants a smile, it wants hope. We will provide it, because this must be Athens' fate," the mayor said in a statement. "We will defend its history, its cultural heritage, the fortunes of our fellow citizens and, above all, human lives."
I still have not seen any of the damage, but last night was supposed to be the worst. We are all hoping and praying that everything is on the decline now...I'll keep you updated!
CNN News
BBC News
Reuters
The view of a student:
"The government wanted us to postpone this protest, but they are the ones who have to do something to stop this violence and to improve the quality of our lives," said one demonstrator, drama student Kalypso Synenoglou.
The view of the government:
"The rioters, with their acts, once again, demonstrated that the only thing that inspires them is the destruction," the prime minister said in a statement. "They have targeted social peace, the rule of law, and democracy itself. That is why they are isolated."
The hope of everyone:
"The city wants a smile, it wants hope. We will provide it, because this must be Athens' fate," the mayor said in a statement. "We will defend its history, its cultural heritage, the fortunes of our fellow citizens and, above all, human lives."
I still have not seen any of the damage, but last night was supposed to be the worst. We are all hoping and praying that everything is on the decline now...I'll keep you updated!
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
"Riot Days" in Athens...
One of my favorite memories from my Junior year are the "ice days" we had in January. For three days straight my roommate Noel and I sat in our living room and watched chick flicks. Campus was closed and the streets were deserted. We could not drive for fear of skidding down the street on the icy roads (although one attempt was made). We were warm and cozy while icicles hung from our roof and cars.
When I woke up this morning, I had a similar feeling, but for a must worse reason. I am not hulled up in my neighborhood because of cold weather and icy streets, but because of anarchists and riots in the center of the city (not something we had in College Station...).
Anarchist groups are common to Athens and have a desire for there to be no government or police regulation of any kind. Athens has had some political unrest for awhile now, but it has greatly increased over the past 3 days. I found this article from CNN that briefly explains the situation:
The majority of the protesters are college students-the people we are here to minister to. The students here are extremely passionate people and always desire for their government to improve (although the methods may not be the best). Please pray this will open doors to share the gospel with our friends and that one day they would be as passionate for Christ as they are for their government!! My desire is for these "unknown" students to recognize they are known and loved by Christ!
As far as the damage goes...the best shopping street here, Ermoo, is apparently vandalized and burned, and my university, Hellenic American Union, is closed due to destruction there as well. What broke my heart the most was a picture of the Athen's Christmas Tree burning (pictured...this area is equivalent to Rockefeller Center in NYC).
The only thing I have seen of this is through the internet and pictures...so I am completely safe in my neighborhood of Zografou. We are taking precautions and watching the news often...all we need is prayer!
Other prayer requests:
-For the family of the 16-year old boy who was shot...that they would experience God's peace.
-The team of 16 students from Grace Bible church coming on the 12th...easy travel and that the situation will have improved by then
-My parents coming on the 22nd...that I will have a beautiful city to show them, not one that is just burned and looted.
-The students hearts...that God would turn them to himself!
Tonight we are having our own "riot days" (as opposed to "ice days")...making french toast and watching a movie with our team and hopefully some Greek friends...NOT inhaling tear gas (just so you know Courtney).
Thanks for your prayers during these crazy days!
For a video of what is happening go to:
http://edition.cnn.com/video/#/video/world/2008/12/09/black.greece.riots.cnn
When I woke up this morning, I had a similar feeling, but for a must worse reason. I am not hulled up in my neighborhood because of cold weather and icy streets, but because of anarchists and riots in the center of the city (not something we had in College Station...).
Anarchist groups are common to Athens and have a desire for there to be no government or police regulation of any kind. Athens has had some political unrest for awhile now, but it has greatly increased over the past 3 days. I found this article from CNN that briefly explains the situation:
"A police statement... said the incident started when six young protesters pelted a police patrol car with stones. [A] 16-year-old boy was shot as he tried to throw a fuel-filled bomb at the officers, police said.
Other youths converged on the site almost immediately. These young people -- often referred to in Greece as " the known-unknowns" -- use texting and Web sites to organize and communicate.
Fighting between youths and police quickly erupted in other parts of Greece, including Thessaloniki, the country's second largest city. Hundreds of youths took to the streets of the sprawling port city, and finally barricaded themselves behind the gates of a state university, where police are barred from entering."
The majority of the protesters are college students-the people we are here to minister to. The students here are extremely passionate people and always desire for their government to improve (although the methods may not be the best). Please pray this will open doors to share the gospel with our friends and that one day they would be as passionate for Christ as they are for their government!! My desire is for these "unknown" students to recognize they are known and loved by Christ!
As far as the damage goes...the best shopping street here, Ermoo, is apparently vandalized and burned, and my university, Hellenic American Union, is closed due to destruction there as well. What broke my heart the most was a picture of the Athen's Christmas Tree burning (pictured...this area is equivalent to Rockefeller Center in NYC).
The only thing I have seen of this is through the internet and pictures...so I am completely safe in my neighborhood of Zografou. We are taking precautions and watching the news often...all we need is prayer!
Other prayer requests:
-For the family of the 16-year old boy who was shot...that they would experience God's peace.
-The team of 16 students from Grace Bible church coming on the 12th...easy travel and that the situation will have improved by then
-My parents coming on the 22nd...that I will have a beautiful city to show them, not one that is just burned and looted.
-The students hearts...that God would turn them to himself!
Tonight we are having our own "riot days" (as opposed to "ice days")...making french toast and watching a movie with our team and hopefully some Greek friends...NOT inhaling tear gas (just so you know Courtney).
Thanks for your prayers during these crazy days!
For a video of what is happening go to:
http://edition.cnn.com/video/#/video/world/2008/12/09/black.greece.riots.cnn
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Feeding the Hungry
This week began our first Staff Field Training of the year. The directors from the Agape ministry in Thessaloníki, Katerina and Satiris, have come down to Athens to join us for four days while we develop our ministry skills, learn more about ourselves and the team, and continue to share about Christ with students on campus.
We also had two Greek girls, Verawee and Anna (pictured with Catherine sorting out/trying on donated clothing), join us in serving the refugees. One of our goals in helping serve Love Meals, is to bring unbelieving Greek students with us to see the love of Christ displayed in a practical way. It was such a blessing from the Lord to have them with us, and I enjoyed getting to know them in a different environment than on campus. They have already expressed interest in God...please pray that interest would continue and they would be convinced of Christ's love for them!
We ended the night eating authentic Chinese food in a small restaurant nearby! I have been craving Chinese since arriving in Athens, and this definitely satisfied! I loved spending time with my team serving others and in fellowship with each other.
Please Pray:
-For the rest of our Staff Training: that we will learn more about ourselves and how we can become more effective in ministry.
-For a game night we have tomorrow night...that many students will come and we will be able to build deeper connections with them!
-For Verawee and Anna...that their interest in God will grow and that Christ will satisfy their hunger for Him!
On Monday we started our first session, then helped a fellow Athens ministry, Hellenic Ministries (HM), serve a "Love Meal" to refugee and the homeless. This is something we have been trying to participate in all semester, and were finally about to help with! HM serves the needy of Athens every Monday night, while sharing something from God's word...translated in 3-4 languages! This week, our very own Paul Wheatley shared with over 200 hungry people about Christ's unconditional love and acceptance (pictured right)
We also had two Greek girls, Verawee and Anna (pictured with Catherine sorting out/trying on donated clothing), join us in serving the refugees. One of our goals in helping serve Love Meals, is to bring unbelieving Greek students with us to see the love of Christ displayed in a practical way. It was such a blessing from the Lord to have them with us, and I enjoyed getting to know them in a different environment than on campus. They have already expressed interest in God...please pray that interest would continue and they would be convinced of Christ's love for them!
We ended the night eating authentic Chinese food in a small restaurant nearby! I have been craving Chinese since arriving in Athens, and this definitely satisfied! I loved spending time with my team serving others and in fellowship with each other.
Please Pray:
-For the rest of our Staff Training: that we will learn more about ourselves and how we can become more effective in ministry.
-For a game night we have tomorrow night...that many students will come and we will be able to build deeper connections with them!
-For Verawee and Anna...that their interest in God will grow and that Christ will satisfy their hunger for Him!
"For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36I needed clothes and you clothed me... 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.' " (Matthew 25:35-40)
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Five Kernels of Corn
Sorry for my extended absence from my updates...the past couple weeks have been busier than ever! I feel like I have SO much that has happened and just can't fit it into one post. This may be long, but I want to update you on as much as possible.
Last weekend, I went to London with Catherine, Paul and Andrew on my team to renew our Visas. It was such a wonderful, refreshing trip...and I could actually read all the signs!! We used this time to meet with a friend of Paul's, Josh, who works for a church in the city. The church is "church.co.uk" (also their website) and does amazing things for the community where they are located. We got a lot of ideas from this church that we hope to bring back to our student ministry in Athens. One focus they have is going into the community and asking what needs they can meet, and using that to share about Christ. We are looking beyond spiritual needs of students here and trying to see if there are practical needs we can meet as well...and use that to build relationships to share the Gospel! Pray for creativity for this to happen!
Our last day in London we took a trip to "Borough Market" (picture above) and had one of the best cups of coffee ever from Monmouth Coffee Co....and despite the cold weather, had a great morning trying great food, and speaking in English. We ended the day with a traditional American Thanksgiving celebration (complete with making paper turkeys, feather headbands and pilgrim hats!) There were about 22 people and TONS of food! I found it slightly ironic that we were celebrating with almost all British people, but they loved it. It was a great preview of the real Thanksgiving to come.
......This week, back in Athens, I met with a girl named Carolina (aka Caroline) for coffee and some Christmas shopping. I met Caroline one of the first weeks I was here, but have just started getting to know her better. She has already told me she is at a phase in her life where she is "searching" and is even interested in reading the bible together and discussing scripture! Our time on Tuesday was just an enjoyable afternoon getting to know her better, but I hope to start doing some bible discussion soon...please keep her in your prayers!
Last weekend, I went to London with Catherine, Paul and Andrew on my team to renew our Visas. It was such a wonderful, refreshing trip...and I could actually read all the signs!! We used this time to meet with a friend of Paul's, Josh, who works for a church in the city. The church is "church.co.uk" (also their website) and does amazing things for the community where they are located. We got a lot of ideas from this church that we hope to bring back to our student ministry in Athens. One focus they have is going into the community and asking what needs they can meet, and using that to share about Christ. We are looking beyond spiritual needs of students here and trying to see if there are practical needs we can meet as well...and use that to build relationships to share the Gospel! Pray for creativity for this to happen!
Our last day in London we took a trip to "Borough Market" (picture above) and had one of the best cups of coffee ever from Monmouth Coffee Co....and despite the cold weather, had a great morning trying great food, and speaking in English. We ended the day with a traditional American Thanksgiving celebration (complete with making paper turkeys, feather headbands and pilgrim hats!) There were about 22 people and TONS of food! I found it slightly ironic that we were celebrating with almost all British people, but they loved it. It was a great preview of the real Thanksgiving to come.
............
After a long wait and lots of preparation, we finally had our Athens Thanksgiving on Friday!! We started the d
ay with a "Turkey Trot" and a "Punt, Pass and Kick" competition on the Polytech campus. I enjoyed the competition, but for those of you who know my athletic abilities, this was not my shinning moment :)
My real personal accomplishment was making my Mimi's cornbread dressing for the meal. This is an item that I have never been without on any Thanksgiving that I can remember...it is by far my favorite part of the meal and I could not imagine this day without it! I actually made my own sausage and it turned out better than I had expected. Mimi must have been helping me from Heaven ;) The rest of the food was amazing as well...but just such a different expe
rience from any Thanksgiving in the States.
We were even able to watch the Macy's parade and the A&M/UT game (which we will not discuss). I truly enjoyed this day, and it made me even more thankful for my team here...God has blessed me so much through them! I did miss my family though and was sad not to see them on this holiday!
One tradition I am sure to carry on in life was to put five kernels of corn on our plates, and each say five things we are thankful for. I loved hearing the little boys say their things...which included "Superman" and "Wii Basketball." I thought I would share my 5 with you:
1) God's faithfulness in my life...he never forgets about us and has a plan for my life, even when I don't know it.
2) My wonderful family...they are always so supportive of everything that I do and I could not be more grateful! (Also thankful for their trip to Athens over Christmas!)
3) My friends from home who make sure that I am not forgotten...I am thankful for every postcard, letter, email, and package I have received here...they mean more than I can express!
4) My Greek friends...God has blessed me with some enjoyable people I really like spending time with. My desire for them to know Christ increases every day.
5) Marta...my roommate and friend. I am so blessed by her and thankful to live with her! She is also an amazing cook, and helps me so much :)
......So overall, the past week has been one of the most enjoyable ones this semester! There are many, many more things I am thankful for, and I could never list them all! God has been incredibly faithful to me here in Athens, even when I miss home, want to call my friends, and am sad about missing weddings, showers, and fun nights College Station. His blessings outweigh everything, and I am reminded of that daily.
I love you all and thanks for your continued prayers and support...I would not be so thankful without them!! Blessings!
ay with a "Turkey Trot" and a "Punt, Pass and Kick" competition on the Polytech campus. I enjoyed the competition, but for those of you who know my athletic abilities, this was not my shinning moment :)My real personal accomplishment was making my Mimi's cornbread dressing for the meal. This is an item that I have never been without on any Thanksgiving that I can remember...it is by far my favorite part of the meal and I could not imagine this day without it! I actually made my own sausage and it turned out better than I had expected. Mimi must have been helping me from Heaven ;) The rest of the food was amazing as well...but just such a different expe
rience from any Thanksgiving in the States.We were even able to watch the Macy's parade and the A&M/UT game (which we will not discuss). I truly enjoyed this day, and it made me even more thankful for my team here...God has blessed me so much through them! I did miss my family though and was sad not to see them on this holiday!
One tradition I am sure to carry on in life was to put five kernels of corn on our plates, and each say five things we are thankful for. I loved hearing the little boys say their things...which included "Superman" and "Wii Basketball." I thought I would share my 5 with you:
1) God's faithfulness in my life...he never forgets about us and has a plan for my life, even when I don't know it.
2) My wonderful family...they are always so supportive of everything that I do and I could not be more grateful! (Also thankful for their trip to Athens over Christmas!)
3) My friends from home who make sure that I am not forgotten...I am thankful for every postcard, letter, email, and package I have received here...they mean more than I can express!
4) My Greek friends...God has blessed me with some enjoyable people I really like spending time with. My desire for them to know Christ increases every day.
5) Marta...my roommate and friend. I am so blessed by her and thankful to live with her! She is also an amazing cook, and helps me so much :)
......I love you all and thanks for your continued prayers and support...I would not be so thankful without them!! Blessings!
Friday, November 14, 2008
Happy Birthday Will!
TODAY is my brother, William Robert Jarvis', 19th birthday! For those of you who don't know, he is a freshman at the best University in the World, Texas A&M...fighting Texas Aggie class of 2012! (whoop!) It's amazing the amount of Aggie Spirit I gain AFTER leaving College Station. This entry is dedicated to him, and the celebration of his birth. This is Will, below...
And us at his Westwood graduation!
I'm sorry I can't send a gift or a card, but this is the best I can do right now! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! Hope your day is full of joy, blessings, and lots of cake!
Love, Paige
And us at his Westwood graduation!
I'm sorry I can't send a gift or a card, but this is the best I can do right now! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! Hope your day is full of joy, blessings, and lots of cake!Love, Paige
Monday, November 10, 2008
"Christ-Bearer"
A couple weeks ago I met a freshman girl named Christina. While I was at a coffee shop with a group of Greek students, she met up with the group late and ended up sitting next to me. I wish I could say we had an amazing spiritual conversation, but that was not the case. We talked mostly of shopping and her boyfriend, but she did mention she was fearful of a lot of things in life. I had the opportunity to tell her of a time God delivered me from fear in my own life. She seemed genuinely intrigued and I knew I wanted to meet up with her again.
When putting her number in my phone I had to list her as "Christina Mill," for I had met her at Millennium Cafe. I also had 3 other Christina's in my phone, all with their own small descriptions. I have decided this is the semester of Christina's!
Sunday afternoon we were able to meet up at Starbucks (both of our favorite places to get coffee...my chai tea latte was especially good that day!) I had prayed the Spirit would lead our conversation and that God would be brought up in a natural way. We began to discuss normal things, and she asked why I chose to come to Greece. I had the opportunity to tell her that I prayed and asked God where he wanted me to go and felt he had led me here. "To meet me!," she responded (if only she knew!). She was blown away that I actually prayed and read my bible, saying she didn't know anyone who did those things. She later said "maybe I need to start reading the bible too." I also asked if she would want to get together and discuss scripture and she enthusiastically agreed, adding, "that would be something very new for me." I can see that she is searching for more meaning in life and was so thankful that God revealed Himself to her through me.
I love that the name Christina means "Christ-Bearer." My prayer is that she would be a bearer of Christ and that God would use her to reveal himself to others! Please pray for her and the other Christina's I have met. Pray their hearts and minds would be opened and that they would continue to see Christ shine through my own life. Thanks!
When putting her number in my phone I had to list her as "Christina Mill," for I had met her at Millennium Cafe. I also had 3 other Christina's in my phone, all with their own small descriptions. I have decided this is the semester of Christina's!
Sunday afternoon we were able to meet up at Starbucks (both of our favorite places to get coffee...my chai tea latte was especially good that day!) I had prayed the Spirit would lead our conversation and that God would be brought up in a natural way. We began to discuss normal things, and she asked why I chose to come to Greece. I had the opportunity to tell her that I prayed and asked God where he wanted me to go and felt he had led me here. "To meet me!," she responded (if only she knew!). She was blown away that I actually prayed and read my bible, saying she didn't know anyone who did those things. She later said "maybe I need to start reading the bible too." I also asked if she would want to get together and discuss scripture and she enthusiastically agreed, adding, "that would be something very new for me." I can see that she is searching for more meaning in life and was so thankful that God revealed Himself to her through me.
I love that the name Christina means "Christ-Bearer." My prayer is that she would be a bearer of Christ and that God would use her to reveal himself to others! Please pray for her and the other Christina's I have met. Pray their hearts and minds would be opened and that they would continue to see Christ shine through my own life. Thanks!
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
The Votes are In!
...and not the American votes, as you are probably thinking. On Monday and Tuesday we did a survey on the two college campuses and asked Greek students who they would vote for if they could vote in the US election. We got info from them, such as their school, major, Greek political party, favorite football team, etc. We then gave them a link to a website that posted the results last night. The website had articles about "Real Change" in our lives through Christ and a link to everystudent.com (a Crusade site).
Out of over 400 students surveyed, we had a total of 21 for John McCain, if you were curious. The outreach was a great way to make the gospel quickly accessible to hundreds of students and we are counting the number of hits it gets each day! Pray this is a successful experiment!
As for the real election, it is strange to be in foreign country when so many changes are occurring at home. It will be odd to come back in July and have completely new governing authorities. I also realized today that I have no idea who controls the country in which I live right now...I am just so disconnected.
As we talk to students about politics, it is evident that they are extremely discontent with their own government. The majority of students are involved in a political party on campus (somewhat of a social club as well) and they openly discuss political issues. They hold councils and debate frequently, but do nothing to make serious changes. If we ask a students if they have hope in government, they say "no." If we ask what they are doing to change things they say "nothing." If we ask what can be done, they say, "there is no hope."
My prayer is that students would find hope for their lives and their future...not in government, but in Christ. They need something to believe in, and God is the only hope that will ever satisfy. I need to remember that myself many times. We cannot place our hope and trust in other people, they will inevitably fail and make mistakes. God has a hope and a plan that is far superior than that of any political figure. He is in control and will always follow through on His Word.
"Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him." (Psalm 62:5)
"The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him" (Lam. 3:25)
"Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful." (Heb. 10:23)
"In his name the NATIONS will put their hope." (Matt. 12:21)
Out of over 400 students surveyed, we had a total of 21 for John McCain, if you were curious. The outreach was a great way to make the gospel quickly accessible to hundreds of students and we are counting the number of hits it gets each day! Pray this is a successful experiment!
As for the real election, it is strange to be in foreign country when so many changes are occurring at home. It will be odd to come back in July and have completely new governing authorities. I also realized today that I have no idea who controls the country in which I live right now...I am just so disconnected.
As we talk to students about politics, it is evident that they are extremely discontent with their own government. The majority of students are involved in a political party on campus (somewhat of a social club as well) and they openly discuss political issues. They hold councils and debate frequently, but do nothing to make serious changes. If we ask a students if they have hope in government, they say "no." If we ask what they are doing to change things they say "nothing." If we ask what can be done, they say, "there is no hope."
My prayer is that students would find hope for their lives and their future...not in government, but in Christ. They need something to believe in, and God is the only hope that will ever satisfy. I need to remember that myself many times. We cannot place our hope and trust in other people, they will inevitably fail and make mistakes. God has a hope and a plan that is far superior than that of any political figure. He is in control and will always follow through on His Word.
"Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him." (Psalm 62:5)
"The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him" (Lam. 3:25)
"Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful." (Heb. 10:23)
"In his name the NATIONS will put their hope." (Matt. 12:21)
Friday, October 24, 2008
a weekend in Nafplio!
Last weekend Marta and I decided we were ready to get out of busy city life, and see a different city in Greece. After consulting our travel books, we decided to go to the small city of Nafplio, a 2 hour bus ride from Athens. We woke up early on Saturday, took 2 buses and a metro, bought bus tickets and were on our way!
The city was a quaint and old, with beautiful buildings, tons of shops and cafes, mountains AND the ocean. A couple highlights were eating a picnic lunch by the beach (although old men in speedos were abundant), climbing 1000 steps to "storm the castle" at the top of the hill overlooking the city (we found a few secret passageways and explored for over an hour), eating at a small cafe on the street, and finally ending the night with gelato and people-watching on the square!
Our hotel was less than extraordinary, but was apparently the "best budget option" in the city...let's just say I thought I heard a mouse or animal of some kind under may bed...but an experience non-the-less!
We awoke the next morning to eat the best bougatsa pastry EVER and even made it back in time for church. The trip was wonderful, but increased my desire to travel around Greece and see more than just Athens. Here are some pics of the lovely place...enjoy!
Prayer Request:
We have a retreat this weekend with the other campus ministry up in Thessaloníki. Pray for safe travel, and that God would stir in the hearts of the students there to go to the world (or even just to other areas of Greece) with the Gospel!
Thanks!
The city was a quaint and old, with beautiful buildings, tons of shops and cafes, mountains AND the ocean. A couple highlights were eating a picnic lunch by the beach (although old men in speedos were abundant), climbing 1000 steps to "storm the castle" at the top of the hill overlooking the city (we found a few secret passageways and explored for over an hour), eating at a small cafe on the street, and finally ending the night with gelato and people-watching on the square!
Our hotel was less than extraordinary, but was apparently the "best budget option" in the city...let's just say I thought I heard a mouse or animal of some kind under may bed...but an experience non-the-less!
We awoke the next morning to eat the best bougatsa pastry EVER and even made it back in time for church. The trip was wonderful, but increased my desire to travel around Greece and see more than just Athens. Here are some pics of the lovely place...enjoy!
Prayer Request:We have a retreat this weekend with the other campus ministry up in Thessaloníki. Pray for safe travel, and that God would stir in the hearts of the students there to go to the world (or even just to other areas of Greece) with the Gospel!
Thanks!
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
If there is one thing I've learned...
If there is one thing I have learned about Greeks since I have been here, it's that they don't ever make permanent plans. Sure they may tell you they will meet you somewhere, some day, at some time...but it doesn't mean they will actually be there. Now this is not everyone, but it does happen. This makes it a little difficult when trying to set up meetings with Greek friends. So I thought I would share with you my experience on Friday trying to meet up with 2 girls, Konstantina and Katerina. I hope you find it amusing :)
I had "scheduled" to meet Konstantina at 1pm on Friday and she told me to meet her at the Theology building on campus...I was happy that she actually chose the location, thinking this was a pretty permanent meeting place. Well at 1:05 Catherine and I show up as planned and I give Konstantina a call to tell her we are there...
(on the phone)
Paige: Hi Konstantina, we are at the Theology building, where are you?
K: Can you get in a taxi? (not a good sign...)
P: Ummm...well...where are you...maybe...??
K: giaoiiohdgeiokieshooaihwoe... (aka some place I have never heard of...still not a good sign)
P: umm...is there a bus that goes there?
K: I don't know, can you get in a taxi?
P: [I'm thinking: No, we do NOT want a taxi! We want you to be here!] Well, I'm not sure, can you tell me the name of the cafe and the area of Athens?
K: I will call you back.
So at this point Catherine and I decide to get a sandwich and wait it out...10 minutes later, a text message...
K: I don't know which bus it is, can you ask someone. I can't.
P: What cafe are you at and is it in Zografou? (our neighborhood)
K: Millennium. yes. (this cafe is within walking distance and there is a bus that goes directly there from campus...Catherine and I are now laughing that we were told to take a taxi somewhere thats a 5 min. walk away)
P: I know exactly where that is. We are on our way.
We continue to eat our lunch, then slowly start walking. 15 minutes later we arrive...I get a phone call.
K: Where are you?
P: We are at Millennium, right outside.
K: In Omonia? (Another neighborhood far away...again, not looking great.)
P: [oh no...] No, in Zografou, are you here?
K: Can you come to Millennium?
P: The Millennium in Zografou??
K: Yes.
P: We are AT the Millennium in Zografou, right NOW.
K: I will be there in 10 minutes (of course...)
P: (just to make sure) You will be AT the Millennium Cafe IN Zografou in 10 minutes??
K: yes (and hangs up)
We go inside and easily could have waited another hour, but surprising 10 minutes later they arrive. So we got to drink Frappes, chat, and 3 and a half hours later, I left. The time ended well and I left frantically shaking from my caffeine intake (pretty typical). I think this was my initiation for the year ;)
The time was actually really great and God taught me patience through it all :)
So goodbye to my watch, my planner, and any preconceived notions I ever had about appointments with Greek students...
Prayer Request:
-For patience in times like these and for ease in making appointments and meeting up with students as planned!
Thanks!!
I had "scheduled" to meet Konstantina at 1pm on Friday and she told me to meet her at the Theology building on campus...I was happy that she actually chose the location, thinking this was a pretty permanent meeting place. Well at 1:05 Catherine and I show up as planned and I give Konstantina a call to tell her we are there...
(on the phone)
Paige: Hi Konstantina, we are at the Theology building, where are you?
K: Can you get in a taxi? (not a good sign...)
P: Ummm...well...where are you...maybe...??
K: giaoiiohdgeiokieshooaihwoe... (aka some place I have never heard of...still not a good sign)
P: umm...is there a bus that goes there?
K: I don't know, can you get in a taxi?
P: [I'm thinking: No, we do NOT want a taxi! We want you to be here!] Well, I'm not sure, can you tell me the name of the cafe and the area of Athens?
K: I will call you back.
So at this point Catherine and I decide to get a sandwich and wait it out...10 minutes later, a text message...
K: I don't know which bus it is, can you ask someone. I can't.
P: What cafe are you at and is it in Zografou? (our neighborhood)
K: Millennium. yes. (this cafe is within walking distance and there is a bus that goes directly there from campus...Catherine and I are now laughing that we were told to take a taxi somewhere thats a 5 min. walk away)
P: I know exactly where that is. We are on our way.
We continue to eat our lunch, then slowly start walking. 15 minutes later we arrive...I get a phone call.
K: Where are you?
P: We are at Millennium, right outside.
K: In Omonia? (Another neighborhood far away...again, not looking great.)
P: [oh no...] No, in Zografou, are you here?
K: Can you come to Millennium?
P: The Millennium in Zografou??
K: Yes.
P: We are AT the Millennium in Zografou, right NOW.
K: I will be there in 10 minutes (of course...)
P: (just to make sure) You will be AT the Millennium Cafe IN Zografou in 10 minutes??
K: yes (and hangs up)
We go inside and easily could have waited another hour, but surprising 10 minutes later they arrive. So we got to drink Frappes, chat, and 3 and a half hours later, I left. The time ended well and I left frantically shaking from my caffeine intake (pretty typical). I think this was my initiation for the year ;)
The time was actually really great and God taught me patience through it all :)
So goodbye to my watch, my planner, and any preconceived notions I ever had about appointments with Greek students...
Prayer Request:
-For patience in times like these and for ease in making appointments and meeting up with students as planned!
Thanks!!
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
An earthquake and a scooter ride...
Two nights ago I was in bed and had woken up a couple times throughout the night. Around 5:15am I awake to my body swaying from side to side for a couple of seconds. I wait, unmoving for a few more minutes and feel this same sensation a second time. I wasn't sure if my exhaustion and lack of comprehension at that time of night had gotten the best of me, or if the earth was actually moving (I did have visions of my bed shaking and moving across my bedroom floor though). That morning I found out there had in fact been a small tremor! So, my first earthquake experience occurred and unfortunately is only the beginning...I also got to ride on a scooter for the first time today! I'm happy to say it's not nearly as scary at it looks and there is truly no better place to be than Athens for a scooter ride :) I'll be sure to take a pic next time!
Also, thanks for everyone who prayed after my last post! We had 8 people at "Mythos and Truth" (our tuesday night outreach) this week! We doubled our numbers! We also ran into 2 girls who were met last year and over the summer while walking on campus Tuesday...both of which mentioned they had been thinking about God and what students had talked to them about months before. Today we met 3 new amazing freshman girls and re-met with Christina and Georgia (who I mentioned in a previous post.) God has truly been faithful this week!
I thought I would share a pic of Marta and I eating our favorite dessert at IKEA (of all places). The warm, gooey chocolate brownie with ice cream. 1.30 euros of pure bliss!
Prayer Requests:
-Marta and I have both had trouble sleeping at night for awhile now. Pray for good rest so we can be awake and alert during the day!
-For continued ease following up with students we have met.
-That God would give us direction concerning who to initiate conversations with while on campus.
-Marta and I have both had trouble sleeping at night for awhile now. Pray for good rest so we can be awake and alert during the day!
-For continued ease following up with students we have met.
-That God would give us direction concerning who to initiate conversations with while on campus.
Monday, October 13, 2008
A Wonderful Week of FIRSTS!
Last week was the busiest week we have had yet and it included a LOT of firsts! Our first language classes, our first time following up summer project contacts, first "Mythos and Truth", first Worldwide day of Prayer, and first party for the students!
The most exciting thing was following up the summer project contacts! The students that came on summer project from May to July handed over a list of about 70 Greek students they had connected with and befriended while they were here. They had the chance to share the gospel with many of them, or at least get into great spiritual conversations. We then had the task of calling and texting all these students to reconnect this year. The response we had was incredible though! So many of them wanted to meet us and were so excited that we called! I am pursuing 4 girls in particular and will hopefully have the chance to meet them this week.
"Mythos and Truth" is our name for a weekly get-together with these students. It is held Tuesday nights at a bistro near our language school. While only 4 students showed up this past week, it was an answer to prayer that anyone showed up at all. These are all people who really didn't know us at all and still took the time to come and spend a couple hours with us. I met a wonderful girl, Afrodite, and her friend Voula. Afrodite is an extremely personable, endearing, energetic girl who seems to truly enjoy life and meeting new people. She was so open with us, and said we could hang out anytime. I really can't wait to get to know her and Voula better.
To end out the week we had a party at our "Steki" (aka our office), which is the word for a "hang-out" in Greek. We invited the SP contacts and had 10 students come. This is great for this being the very beginning of the year and our first event!! The students were great and I loved sitting on the couches and talking to them. Greeks just love to talk. We had a rock climbing wall as well, but no one was brave enough to attempt it...I mean, I totally would have, but didn't want to show off of course ;)
So prayer requests for THIS week:
-For our 2nd "Mythos and Truth" on Tuesday...that more students would come and that we would be able to transition normal conversation into spiritual ones.
-For a chance to get together with the 4 girls met this summer and that they would become great friends for the entire year.
-Language school. enough said.
-For all our appointments this week. That our schedules would align appointments will easily be made. (I am praying to have at least 3 appointments this week, if not more)
-Catherine and I are meeting with 2 girls Wednesday, Iris and Christina. Pray for favor in their eyes and that they would see Christ through us!
Ευχαριστω πολυ! (Thanks so much!)
The most exciting thing was following up the summer project contacts! The students that came on summer project from May to July handed over a list of about 70 Greek students they had connected with and befriended while they were here. They had the chance to share the gospel with many of them, or at least get into great spiritual conversations. We then had the task of calling and texting all these students to reconnect this year. The response we had was incredible though! So many of them wanted to meet us and were so excited that we called! I am pursuing 4 girls in particular and will hopefully have the chance to meet them this week.
"Mythos and Truth" is our name for a weekly get-together with these students. It is held Tuesday nights at a bistro near our language school. While only 4 students showed up this past week, it was an answer to prayer that anyone showed up at all. These are all people who really didn't know us at all and still took the time to come and spend a couple hours with us. I met a wonderful girl, Afrodite, and her friend Voula. Afrodite is an extremely personable, endearing, energetic girl who seems to truly enjoy life and meeting new people. She was so open with us, and said we could hang out anytime. I really can't wait to get to know her and Voula better.
To end out the week we had a party at our "Steki" (aka our office), which is the word for a "hang-out" in Greek. We invited the SP contacts and had 10 students come. This is great for this being the very beginning of the year and our first event!! The students were great and I loved sitting on the couches and talking to them. Greeks just love to talk. We had a rock climbing wall as well, but no one was brave enough to attempt it...I mean, I totally would have, but didn't want to show off of course ;)
So prayer requests for THIS week:
-For our 2nd "Mythos and Truth" on Tuesday...that more students would come and that we would be able to transition normal conversation into spiritual ones.
-For a chance to get together with the 4 girls met this summer and that they would become great friends for the entire year.
-Language school. enough said.
-For all our appointments this week. That our schedules would align appointments will easily be made. (I am praying to have at least 3 appointments this week, if not more)
-Catherine and I are meeting with 2 girls Wednesday, Iris and Christina. Pray for favor in their eyes and that they would see Christ through us!
Ευχαριστω πολυ! (Thanks so much!)
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
dear old golden rule days...
Well, yesterday was my first day of Greek class at Hellenic American University...and it was unlike anything I had every experienced! I am in a "beginning" level class with four other people from my team. I told Catherine last week that my biggest fear about this class was that the teacher would walk in and just start speaking Greek....well, guess what? that's exactly what happened. Having lived in Athens a total of 3 weeks I have accumulated a vocabulary of about six words, most of which deal with ordering food...not too helpful in this situation I must say.
The next 3 hours of class consisted of me frantically writing everything she wrote onto a notepad with an occasional smile and nod when she looked my way :) I have officially regressed to kindergarten with homework consisting of copying letters multiple times and sounding out words. Also, for anyone who thinks they know the Greek alphabet, you don't. I was pretty sure my knowledge of Greek letters would put me a step ahead on the first day...but that was not the case. For example, to all my Pi Phi friends, the sorority you pronounce as "Pie Beta Phi" is actually "Pee Veeta Phee". I'm thinking of writing to Panhellenic Council and telling them to
properly instruct students on the Greek language...we should really know these things :)
Anyway, I thought this might make you appreciate your A&M classes for those of you still there. I did take a first day of school picture, which is always a must!! (as you an see to the left)
So...if you happen to remember while you are hating work, or struggling in school...it could be worse...so pray for me!!
I have faith that this will be a learning, growing, and humbling experience :) I will be sure to keep you updated on my progress.
Γιασας! (Yassas!)
The next 3 hours of class consisted of me frantically writing everything she wrote onto a notepad with an occasional smile and nod when she looked my way :) I have officially regressed to kindergarten with homework consisting of copying letters multiple times and sounding out words. Also, for anyone who thinks they know the Greek alphabet, you don't. I was pretty sure my knowledge of Greek letters would put me a step ahead on the first day...but that was not the case. For example, to all my Pi Phi friends, the sorority you pronounce as "Pie Beta Phi" is actually "Pee Veeta Phee". I'm thinking of writing to Panhellenic Council and telling them to
properly instruct students on the Greek language...we should really know these things :)Anyway, I thought this might make you appreciate your A&M classes for those of you still there. I did take a first day of school picture, which is always a must!! (as you an see to the left)
So...if you happen to remember while you are hating work, or struggling in school...it could be worse...so pray for me!!
I have faith that this will be a learning, growing, and humbling experience :) I will be sure to keep you updated on my progress.
Γιασας! (Yassas!)
Saturday, October 4, 2008
Thankfulness
Last night I was sitting on my bed and one of my favorite verses came to mind:
"Be joyful always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances,
for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." (1 Thes. 5:16-18)
for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." (1 Thes. 5:16-18)
This has become one of my life verses and gives such a great picture of how I would like to live. So, I decided to make a list of everything that I am currently thankful for here in Athens. I know I will have some low points during the semester, and thought it would be a great thing to look back on when those moments come. So, I thought I would share these things with you:
What I am thankful for (as of last night...and I added a few more...in no particular order):
-The Greek music being played downstairs
-The door in my room that I can open onto the porch
-Beautiful weather
-Marta
-My wonderful team
- 80 cent frappes
-Clean metros
-Greek students (especially ones that want to hang out with me)
-The paint color in my room
-IKEA
-The brownie and ice cream from IKEA (seriously one of the best desserts in Athens)
-scarves
-God's faithfulness
-Skype
-All my supporters
-The 12 people I know ministering in 5 different continents right now
-Awkward moments on campus
-Public transportation
-The fact that straws here all bend at the top
-The Acropolis
-The book "The Shack"
-Starbucks
-My "Body Milk" lotion that smells like figs
-"Family Time"
-God's wisdom and timing
-Greek food
-Small adventures around the city
-Paul's (in the bible) boldness
-My jar of peanut butter
-Febreze
-Mail on its way to me
-The beauty of Orthadox churches
-People who read my blog
-Supportive and loving parents
-Time with the Lord
-My Austin Stone community group
-Marta's decorating and cooking skills
-Betty-the girl who works at the sewing shop
-The market on Mondays
-The "Goodwill" (aka the free stuff people leave by the dump)
-My iPod
-"It's All Greek to Me" OPI nailpolish
-My Life in Athens :)
What I am thankful for (as of last night...and I added a few more...in no particular order):
-The Greek music being played downstairs
-The door in my room that I can open onto the porch
-Beautiful weather
-Marta
-My wonderful team
- 80 cent frappes
-Clean metros
-Greek students (especially ones that want to hang out with me)
-The paint color in my room
-IKEA
-The brownie and ice cream from IKEA (seriously one of the best desserts in Athens)
-scarves
-God's faithfulness
-Skype
-All my supporters
-The 12 people I know ministering in 5 different continents right now
-Awkward moments on campus
-Public transportation
-The fact that straws here all bend at the top
-The Acropolis
-The book "The Shack"
-Starbucks
-My "Body Milk" lotion that smells like figs
-"Family Time"
-God's wisdom and timing
-Greek food
-Small adventures around the city
-Paul's (in the bible) boldness
-My jar of peanut butter
-Febreze
-Mail on its way to me
-The beauty of Orthadox churches
-People who read my blog
-Supportive and loving parents
-Time with the Lord
-My Austin Stone community group
-Marta's decorating and cooking skills
-Betty-the girl who works at the sewing shop
-The market on Mondays
-The "Goodwill" (aka the free stuff people leave by the dump)
-My iPod
-"It's All Greek to Me" OPI nailpolish
-My Life in Athens :)
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Appropriate for the moment
I just finished reading "The Shack" by William P. Young last week. I highly recommend it...but just know it IS fiction...so also form your own opinions about what he says. Anyway, each chapter begins with a different quote, and I just thought this one was appropriate for me:
"You can kiss your family and friends good-bye and put miles between you, but at the same time you carry them with you in your heart, your mind, your stomach, because you do not just live in a world, but a world lives in you."
(Frederick Buechner)
(Frederick Buechner)
Just wanted to share and let everyone reading this know that I think of you often...and I carried you to Athens with me ;) Also, great book...go read it!
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
First days on campus and a trip to the market!
Well, yesterday and today were our first days on campus meeting students for the year! It has given me an intro into what the rest of the year will look like. This time on campus has truly opened my eyes to how students view God, religion, and church. God is definitely not a part of their personal lives, and they are just so indifferent about life in general. Here is a glimpse of what these 2 days have looked like:
Monday Catherine and I met two girls, Christina and Georgia. They were sitting on some steps at U of A, both had long dark hair and were wearing the typical black shirts/skinny jeans ensemble of most Greek girls. We started a conversation and they asked where we were from and why we were in Athens. After small talk we told them we were with "Agape" (the European Campus Crusade) and wanted wanted to talk with students about their view of God and how to make him a part of their personal lives. The girls stared at each other and laughingly said they did not think God was personal at all.
Christina said she went to church at Christmas and Easter and only prayed when she needed help with something in life. Then after talking longer...
Georgia said: "Being able to talk to God is crazy. I have to depend on friends and myself in life, that is all there is."
Catherine: "Wow, that sounds really lonely to me."
Georgia: "Yes it is. Life is just lonely. We are on this earth alone and depend on ourselves."
It broke my heart to think of going through life on my own and having nothing to live for and nothing to rely on. This is just a picture of how the typical Greek student views life. We were able to get their numbers though and they said they would like to get together again this week...so we'll see what happens.
Today we met some very friendly students who all wanted to get together again for coffee (pretty much everything revolves around coffee here). And one girl even said what we do is "really cool" (praise the Lord!).
So that is how things have been so far. Please pray for more interested, curious students and lots of Greek friends!
On another note, Marta and I went to the market on Monday where all the local farmers sell their fruits and vegetables. It was one of the highlights of the past two weeks! A guy selling flowers even gave us each a red rose as we walked past. It felt like we were in a movie, so we took a picture. One of many more market trips I'm sure!!
Again, keep Athens in your prayers! We are on campus all week, so there will be more stories to come...
Monday Catherine and I met two girls, Christina and Georgia. They were sitting on some steps at U of A, both had long dark hair and were wearing the typical black shirts/skinny jeans ensemble of most Greek girls. We started a conversation and they asked where we were from and why we were in Athens. After small talk we told them we were with "Agape" (the European Campus Crusade) and wanted wanted to talk with students about their view of God and how to make him a part of their personal lives. The girls stared at each other and laughingly said they did not think God was personal at all.
Christina said she went to church at Christmas and Easter and only prayed when she needed help with something in life. Then after talking longer...
Georgia said: "Being able to talk to God is crazy. I have to depend on friends and myself in life, that is all there is."
Catherine: "Wow, that sounds really lonely to me."
Georgia: "Yes it is. Life is just lonely. We are on this earth alone and depend on ourselves."
It broke my heart to think of going through life on my own and having nothing to live for and nothing to rely on. This is just a picture of how the typical Greek student views life. We were able to get their numbers though and they said they would like to get together again this week...so we'll see what happens.
Today we met some very friendly students who all wanted to get together again for coffee (pretty much everything revolves around coffee here). And one girl even said what we do is "really cool" (praise the Lord!).
So that is how things have been so far. Please pray for more interested, curious students and lots of Greek friends!
On another note, Marta and I went to the market on Monday where all the local farmers sell their fruits and vegetables. It was one of the highlights of the past two weeks! A guy selling flowers even gave us each a red rose as we walked past. It felt like we were in a movie, so we took a picture. One of many more market trips I'm sure!!
Again, keep Athens in your prayers! We are on campus all week, so there will be more stories to come...
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
The U of A "Stray Dogs"
...ok, so that's not really the University of Athens mascot, as you might have guessed, but if they decide they need one, that would be appropriate. We have decided there is no need to have a pet in Greece, for there are plenty of communal ones to share with the neighborhood. I don't walk down the street without seeing at least 4 dogs and about 7 cats...if not more.
Today was the first day on the University of Athens campus and we met some wonderful students already. It's amazing that you can talk to someone for about 5 minutes here, and then ask for their phone number to get coffee later...if they don't ask you first. They are such welcoming people who truly value community (and coffee). We start our normal schedule on Monday when classes start, when we will meet as many students as possible! Keep those prayers coming!
Yesterday was a great day as well, so I thought I would share about that too:
We drove about an hour and a half to a campsite run by Hellenic Ministries, another Christian ministry organization in Athens that runs about 8 camps at their site during the summer. We helped them lay Astroturf for soccer (or should I say football) field they are putting in. Yes, I wore work gloves and rolled Astroturf over dirt and rocks for a good part of the morning and afternoon (Kimbo you would be so proud!) The team there is wonderful, and I look forward to working with them more this summer...I'll keep you updated on some of their ministries as well!
This was the view on the way out to the site...it looked even more amazing in person.
This the astorturf field that was laid...not quite done, but it was an empty field before.
Part of the team of the little boat ride away from the campsite!
I added this one so you can see the stray/communal cat in the corner :)
Another boat on the water...just thought it looked so peaceful.
Well, we are going to Corinth tomorrow!! Read Acts 18 if you'd like...I did today! Bye for now!
Today was the first day on the University of Athens campus and we met some wonderful students already. It's amazing that you can talk to someone for about 5 minutes here, and then ask for their phone number to get coffee later...if they don't ask you first. They are such welcoming people who truly value community (and coffee). We start our normal schedule on Monday when classes start, when we will meet as many students as possible! Keep those prayers coming!
Yesterday was a great day as well, so I thought I would share about that too:
We drove about an hour and a half to a campsite run by Hellenic Ministries, another Christian ministry organization in Athens that runs about 8 camps at their site during the summer. We helped them lay Astroturf for soccer (or should I say football) field they are putting in. Yes, I wore work gloves and rolled Astroturf over dirt and rocks for a good part of the morning and afternoon (Kimbo you would be so proud!) The team there is wonderful, and I look forward to working with them more this summer...I'll keep you updated on some of their ministries as well!
This was the view on the way out to the site...it looked even more amazing in person.
This the astorturf field that was laid...not quite done, but it was an empty field before.
Part of the team of the little boat ride away from the campsite!
I added this one so you can see the stray/communal cat in the corner :)
Another boat on the water...just thought it looked so peaceful.
Well, we are going to Corinth tomorrow!! Read Acts 18 if you'd like...I did today! Bye for now!
Monday, September 22, 2008
American, Philippino, French and Greek!
Well, yesterday and today were very multicultural days in Athens. Yesterday (Sunday) was probably my favorite day so far actually. It started with a trip to Starbucks with Marta (my wonderful roommate). It was like a little piece of home here in Athens:) Sadly my coffee was super bitter, but time with the Lord was wonderful. I will frequent that place often.
We then headed to church-an international church lead by an American pastor. There were a little over 100 people probably and lots of people from the Philippines. It was so great actaully and so different from the 98% white middle-class american mega churches I am used to. At the fellowship had we at the most amazing rice cake pastries...seriously, I wanted to take the box home. So...if anyone knows a recipe for those, please send it my way!!
Today was a lot of planning with a little guitar hero thrown in :) We also had "salty" crepes for lunch and a "sweet" crepe for dessert...it felt very french.
I am looking forward to learning more about this culture and all the other ones that are mixed in here! Language class starts in a couple weeks, so I'll be including some Greek words soon!
Well, it is POURING down rain here and I have to make the treck up to my apartment to watch the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants (I thought it was appropriate)...Good night for now!
We then headed to church-an international church lead by an American pastor. There were a little over 100 people probably and lots of people from the Philippines. It was so great actaully and so different from the 98% white middle-class american mega churches I am used to. At the fellowship had we at the most amazing rice cake pastries...seriously, I wanted to take the box home. So...if anyone knows a recipe for those, please send it my way!!
Today was a lot of planning with a little guitar hero thrown in :) We also had "salty" crepes for lunch and a "sweet" crepe for dessert...it felt very french.
I am looking forward to learning more about this culture and all the other ones that are mixed in here! Language class starts in a couple weeks, so I'll be including some Greek words soon!
Well, it is POURING down rain here and I have to make the treck up to my apartment to watch the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants (I thought it was appropriate)...Good night for now!
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Arrival...
Hi to everyone who is keeping up with me this year in Athens! I have never had a blog before, so this is something completely new. I hope you enjoy hearing about my time here and about all the amazing things God is going to do in the lives of college students in Greece! I can't wait!
I arrived safely after a VERY long and tiring plane ride. I met one of my teammates, Andrew, in Frankfurt and from there we flew to Athens! Some more of our teammates met us at the airport and we all had dinner together that night...it was so surreal to finally be in the place I had been planning to go for so long.
I have to say this city is absolutely breathtaking. I love everything about it so far (starting out in the Honeymoon stage for those other Crusaders out there). My neighborhood is very Greek with hardly any tourists and my apartment sits right next to the 2 campuses where we do ministry...University of Athens and Poly Tech. I actually see the dorm rooms from my balcony!
This is a view of Poly Tech from the roof of some dorms...
Day 2 we toured campus and our neighborhood and prayed over our year. Day 3 we went downtown to Mars Hill where Paul preached about Christ in Acts 17:
"Paul then stood up in the meeting of the Areopagus and said: "Men of Athens! I see that in every way you are very religious. For as I walked around and looked carefully at your objects of worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: TO AN UNKNOWN GOD. Now what you worship as something unknown I am going to proclaim to you." (verse 22 and 23)
The views were aboslutely amazing and I couldn't believe I was walking where Paul walked so many years before. Here are some of the pictures I took:
(This is Paul's speech in Greek on the side of Mars Hill)
Over the past couple days I have been to Ikea and the french Wal-Mart, Carrefour, eaten AMAZING food, and gotten to know my wonderful team. I've also had 2 people come up to me and start speaking Greek-I must look like a local ;)
We start meeting students at the beginning of October when classes start so please start praying God brings students into our lives that are interested in spiritual things and who want to spend time with us and learn more about the Lord.
I am so thankful to everyone who made it possible for me to be here and miss everyone so much. Thanks for all the prayers! I will update again soon! Opa!
I arrived safely after a VERY long and tiring plane ride. I met one of my teammates, Andrew, in Frankfurt and from there we flew to Athens! Some more of our teammates met us at the airport and we all had dinner together that night...it was so surreal to finally be in the place I had been planning to go for so long.
I have to say this city is absolutely breathtaking. I love everything about it so far (starting out in the Honeymoon stage for those other Crusaders out there). My neighborhood is very Greek with hardly any tourists and my apartment sits right next to the 2 campuses where we do ministry...University of Athens and Poly Tech. I actually see the dorm rooms from my balcony!
This is a view of Poly Tech from the roof of some dorms...Day 2 we toured campus and our neighborhood and prayed over our year. Day 3 we went downtown to Mars Hill where Paul preached about Christ in Acts 17:
"Paul then stood up in the meeting of the Areopagus and said: "Men of Athens! I see that in every way you are very religious. For as I walked around and looked carefully at your objects of worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: TO AN UNKNOWN GOD. Now what you worship as something unknown I am going to proclaim to you." (verse 22 and 23)
The views were aboslutely amazing and I couldn't believe I was walking where Paul walked so many years before. Here are some of the pictures I took:
(This is Paul's speech in Greek on the side of Mars Hill)Over the past couple days I have been to Ikea and the french Wal-Mart, Carrefour, eaten AMAZING food, and gotten to know my wonderful team. I've also had 2 people come up to me and start speaking Greek-I must look like a local ;)
We start meeting students at the beginning of October when classes start so please start praying God brings students into our lives that are interested in spiritual things and who want to spend time with us and learn more about the Lord.
I am so thankful to everyone who made it possible for me to be here and miss everyone so much. Thanks for all the prayers! I will update again soon! Opa!
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