Let's go to the beach and eat peaches with Russians!

Hello from a very exhausted girl living it up in Athens!

This Friday was our ever-anticipated Kid's Day Camp! We woke up early to be at the ARC by 8:10 (the kids were due to arrive at 8:30). Of course, they were all there to greet us (it's unclear how long they had been waiting...we're guessing quite a while). We got all our gear packed up and after loading the bus we headed out to the CosmoVision Center (a center for playing soccer, basketball, you name it!). There was an emphasis on bringing an abundance of barf bags. I thought it was said in jest, but unfortunately I was proven otherwise. I suppose you can't blame them, most of these kids haven't been in a car in months, nevertheless a bus! It was gross, but most recovered once we hit dry land.

Once at the center we ran around and played football (their preferred game), basketball, jump rope, hoolahoops and then the cup game at snack time. They loved the chance to get outside and run in an open field, but the beach was what was on everyone's mind.

Most of the kids don't own swimsuits (it's not the most popular thing to do in Afghanistan), so we went to the store and rummaged through donations and found what we thought would fit them best. The girls had a hard time wearing just the suit anyway, so with the shorts (sometimes under the suit), fitting ended up not being an issue. They were all so excited to be going to the beach, but putting on that swimsuit and actually getting in the water ended up being quite the challenge. They were scared to death and it took one adult and a floaty to get them past where they could touch. It was actually the 11 and 12 year-olds that were most hesitant, but even they couldn't resist the chance to grab a floaty and be dragged around the beautifully blue water.

The day was a success and so was the ride home (no need for barf bags when everyone falls asleep right away). It was tiring and I got a whole new sunburn, but a small price to pay for a day of normalcy (well, for someone living in Greece) for these kids. And actually, a day away from the kids likely made the mothers happy as well.

Today (well yesterday...it's almost 2 in the morning here) was Saturday, so another tea house day. We were all exhausted, but the day went smoothly with the kids all a buzz about their swim the day before. After tea house (and pork chops for supper...a Saturday tradition) Almira asked us to join her at Russian fellowship also held at the ARC.

The night basically consisted of prayer, special music, worship (lead beautifully by Almira herself) and a message. All in Russian of course, but with the help of translator Almira we got the most out of it. The best part came while eating some delicious peaches, cherries and watermelon. Everyone asks where your from and then I have to explain where Iowa is, but give up after a number of blank stares... It's not a big deal I say. One man, Mr. Albert (who I know from English class at the tea house) quizzed me, What was New York first called? New Amsterdam, I say. He gives me the thumbs up and I know I'm alright in his book. Other questions included, How many people live in America? How many Russians are there? Why do all Americans shoot each other? Do you like GWB? I was, of course, intrigued by the last question and reminded of how interesting/important American politics are to the rest of the world. (By the way, they didn't like Bush, liked Obama and thought Hillary Clinton was a little crazy. Eh, two out of three isn't bad!)
Saturday ended up being a long day (we ended up at a Christian evangelistic concert in front of the Parliament building until about midnight...If I'm feeling bold I'll share my thoughts on all of that later...I'm too tired at the moment...it would be a rant, for sure), but it was a good day. I'm reminded of how deep and wide the body of Christ is and how God is at work at all places and in all people and for that, I am very thankful.

This one is for you, Monsma!

Just a quick update tonight!

The past couple of days have been filled with team meeting and fellowship (ate my first Greek gyro...yum!) and preparation for tomorrow, Kid's Day Camp! I will have plenty of pictures following what will likely be a toasty, but very fun day at the beach. The kids are wild with excitement (we realized that even more tonight at showers...talk about crazy!).

Anyway, there's a joke on the team that yes, we're in Greece and we're really "suffering for Jesus". It sounds like paradise, yes, but that's not really the case. I can only account for Athens, mind you, and from what I hear, the rest of Greece (the islands) are really fantastic, but Athens has issues. Greece has issues.

It's clear to see that the people and the government are living for the now. There's no concept of the future. They don't recycle, they don't care about pollution, the government is completely corrupt, they burn forests to make more room for real estate and the youth is too busy graffitiing the entire city to stand up for something, anything.

It's easier to feel this way when you're working with refugees. The EU has given Greece so many warnings based on human rights issues, but the fines don't have any affect. Norway has even come in and determined that if they find that any refugee with Greek papers is in Norway they will not be sent back to Greece. Things need to change, but there's no one ready to stand up and say it.

With that said...I am excited for tomorrow, even though it is likely that we will have to clean up the dirty diapers, water bottles and cigarette boxes before we let the children on the sand...We'll probably have to clean up some McDonald's too...

I was in a bit of a rush, but yes, that is a McDonald's.. with the Acropolis in the background.

Not tink...THink.

Ya-sas! Hello!

Today was another busy day at the ARC. Whenever we serve food, the crowds are larger and the building gets hotter.

Today we put together bags of olives, peppers, pita bread and sardines. The people flowed in and once word got out that there was food, the line was forming down the stairs. Unfortunately, we ran out of bags within two hours and it's difficult to keep order while trying to communicate our apologies. You just never know how many refugees will show up. Some days it's close to 900!

I got to keep order in the children's room again today. That's where I prefer to be (and not just because it's air conditioned). We used stencils today, colored pictures of Bob the Builder and watched Tarzan. I usually color a picture or two myself (coloring warms one's heart) and they end up on the bulletin board (you know this word now, Almira!) with everyone else's. One boy, Mohleed loves to practice his English words, so he signs my pictures for me. You sign your name and then F-name (your father's name). Seeing Harlan on all my pictures has been pretty amusing to say the least.

After cleaning up a mess of a room (the kids were full of energy today) we got set up for English class. I've decided to try to get to class whenever they're offered. It's not an ideal setting for an English class. It's too small and there aren't enough desks (most people have to use children's books to write on), but they come and want to stay as long as possible. Nick, a Greek American who has been living in Finland for the past 20 years, is here for a bit to teach the English classes. He does a great job, but it's obviously difficult to find a way to teach a large group of eager students who are all at different levels.

I help the women, who sit separated (as much as is possible in this little space) and some have excellent skill and ask questions like, why is "i am getting dressed" not the past form? There's an 'ed'! (One of the more unanswerable questions, thank you English language.) And then there are those who have difficultly pronouncing the 'th' sound or 'd'. I spend a little time after class now with one women, baby on her hip and one on the way, going over the difference between 'eat' and 'drink' and the phrases, 'I want to go to Italia' and 'How much does a ticket cost?'

They all want class to be longer and their eagerness would whip any sleeping college student into shape. They want a better life and they're doing their darndest to take the right steps down any road which leads out of Greece. Every nation could stand to do better for these placeless peoples...hum.

A few pictures from the kid's room today:

The girls don't smile for pictures

(only right after they've been taken!)

...we're working on it!

If you look through the doors you can tell how long the line was getting to the tea/food.

Exploring the Greeks

I had a more 'Greek' weekend the past couple of days. Working with refugees doesn't give you the chance to learn a ton about the Greeks, but that's what going out to eat is for!

After tea house on Saturday I rode home with my friend Abigail (from Tennessee) who is staying with the Holdsambeck's, a missionary couple working with Entrust. We went out to eat at very Greek family restaurant and got the whole experience. During the summer, Greeks don't eat until around 10:00 at night, so leaving at 9:30 meant we were the first ones there. After ordering a dish of a variety of delicious food, a wedding reception joined us! Complete with firework candles on the cake, loads of champagne and flaming fish, the dancing then began. There was live music...two men playing guitar, singing (not as beautiful as their playing) and smoking a cigarette all at the same time. It's customary for each guest at the wedding to lead a train of a traditional Greek dance...a simple two step grapevine. If the leader leads well, they will pour you a glass of champagne. So much fun!

The next day (Sunday) was Abigail's birthday so we packed a lunch and headed to the beach. Greek beaches, at least off the mainland, aren't the white sand you'd picture in the Caribbean or otherwise (oh, the days of Magen's Bay, sigh). Basically, there are no garbage cans so you lay in sand full of baby diapers, cigarette butts, beer cans and rocks then walk through dried seaweed and tiptoe through large stones before reaching what is very beautiful blue water. The sun is wonderful and makes up for a beach that needs a makeover. After the beach we got some amazing ice cream/gelato. I ordered chocolate banana on a waffle. Delicious.

This weekend was good and I'm looking forward to my third week here in Athens. We've got kid's camp on Friday...the kids were thrilled to get their invitation which makes me very excited. I'm getting the hang of things and always look forward to a day spent at the ARC. Please pray for my continued perseverance and motivation! And thanks again for all your support! And pray for cool evenings...the days are still roasting! :)

Today is Refugee Sunday

Even though my Sunday is ending (actually, it's over) many of you may still be reading this on Sunday. Even if you don't, I think this is alright to pray for any day...everyday.

I do have plenty of stories to share about this weekend (like English class at tea house, hidden picture books with the kids, a Greek wedding reception and my crazy tan lines from my first Greece beach experience), but I'm going to save that for later because I think this is most important right now.

[Taken from http://www.refugeehighway.net/]

Please join churches worldwide in praying for refugees and internally displaced peoples – those who have been forced to flee their homelands because of persecution and terror.

More than 33 million people have no place to call home. They have lost family members, friends, and possessions. Often forgotten -- or used as political pawns - these refugees face hardship, confusion and disease on every side.

The following prayer points have been offered by ministries from around the world that work with refugees.

Pray for international governments, that authorities would treat refugees justly; that government officials and contractors would have wisdom and open hearts to offer resettlement to the refugees who truly need it; that the governmental policies in resettlement countries would protect refugees.

Please pray for the Church and refugee workers: pray the Church will welcome the people God is bringing to her doorstep from “closed countries” and other places around the world; pray that God would raise up “workers for the harvest fields” to reach Muslims flooding into Europe from Asia and Africa; pray for refugee workers to develop smooth communication with each other and effective leadership; pray for financial provision, training materials, and Bibles for refugee workers.

Please pray for refugees fleeing violence and persecution; waiting in refugee camps; and resettling in new countries; pray that refugees would hear the gospel and believe in Jesus Christ; pray for Christian refugee leaders to be raised up; pray that refugees would find healing from past trauma. Pray for suffering refugee groups around the world, including millions of Iraqi refugees in dire straits in neighboring countries and in Iraq; for internally displaced refugees in Myanmar who suffered a recent cyclone; for Afghan and Kurd refugee communities in Europe; and for refugees in Africa.


World Refugee Sunday is celebrated by the Refugee Highway Partnership, a global network of refugee ministries.

It's hotter here than the time the air conditioner broke in the Fareway breakroom.

Hello from a very very warm Athens!

I woke this morning (at 6:30 am!) and my thermometer said 84 degrees. The weather changed from bearable to stifling over the past two days. For everyone's sake I hope it doesn't get too much warmer. It's difficult to walk from the metro to the ARC. Downtown is packed full of cars and the exhaust, pollution and heat waves make me wonder if we shouldn't all be walking around with oxygen masks.

Even though it was roasting we heated up the showers for about 25 women and children on Thursday. The women appreciated a chance to take off their head scarves and even drink hot tea (apparently it makes the air feel cooler). One Afghan woman, a regular at tea house and showers, with two young children came in looking quite under the weather. She was quick to explain that she had gotten no sleep the night before. She took our hands and told us to feel the large bump on her head while explaining that her husband had spent the whole evening beating her. By the time showers were about to end the heat, her lack of sleep and her likely concussion got the best of her and she passed out. We quickly moved her to an air conditioned room, gave her a cold wash cloth, a glass of sugar water and prayed. It took a while, but she soon recovered and was quick to ask for family pictures (a now tradition at showers). The perseverance of these women in even the most awful of situations will continue to surprise me.

This is Rudolfa. He is such an intelligent boy and loves to do puzzles (only asking for my help sometimes). We have the most fun playing memory with animals and then imitating their sounds (it's fascinating how animals sound differently from one side of the world to the other). He was very concerned about how messy his hair was in the picture, for he hadn't gelled it after his shower. I thought he looked pretty cute!

Like I said, I was up very early this morning to catch the metro to Lidl (a German grocery store) to pick up the last of the supplies we'd need for the grocery distribution today. We arrived at the ARC at 10:30, greeted by families already in line (we didn't open until noon)! The team created an assembly line, putting olive oil, beans, tomato paste, macaroni, shampoo, hand wash detergent, toothbrushes, beans, rice, toothpaste, sugar, salt and sanitary napkins into a large blue bag. A couple members of the team then went down the stairs to keep order while the rest of us prepared to distribute.

The look on the faces of the people receiving this bag of groceries (most which will feed an entire family for weeks) was full of genuine rejoicing. It made me think a lot about my work at Fareway and how we take so much for granted with our heaping cart of groceries bagged and taken out to the car for us... The gratitude these people showed was beautiful.

The past couple of nights I've been able to get to know more people on the team over dinner. Brett and Kristin (and their 6 month old daughter Sophia) invited me over for spaghetti Thursday evening and we went over for pizza and a movie at Carolyn and Susie's today. (Pizza Hut pizza is way better here, FYI.) Tomorrow is another tea house day and then I'll be spending the night with Ms. Fran and Abagail (a girl my age from TN) for her birthday. I'll get my first glimpse of a beach on Sunday!

All in all, I think culture shock has worn off pretty well and I'm settling in quite nicely. Please pray for the health of everyone while it heats up here thinking especially of the refugees who don't have a cool house or even water to revive them. (One boy, Ahmed, had to go to the hospital today and be put on oxygen...most likely from city living, etc. etc.) Pray for their perseverance.

It's Wednesday already!

Hello from a very warm Athens!

First of all, I would like to say a big huge thanks for everyone's emails/comments, etc. the past couple of days. Your encouragement and thoughts came at the perfect time. With lots of prayer I think I can see the light at the end of this homesick/culture shock tunnel. I will survive.

Tuesday was another tea house day. Some of the missionaries actually have family visiting this week, so it was fun to get to know them. (Kristin's parents are members of the RCA in Chicago, go figure!) I also realized that one of the biggest struggles in this adventure is the fact that I have had to ask millions of questions while also asking for help and direction. Truth is, I've taken the direction-giving question-answering role in most areas of my life (some of you know this more than others) and I think this form of "weakness" was really getting to me. I'm also realizing that I'm going to have to slow down. I've been filling my life with so many time wasters without making time to just be still. (Speaking of, does anyone know when LOST Season 4 is coming out on DVD?!) It's an adjustment, but at this time in my life, with the 'real world' just one year away, time to be still and think is just what I need.

I got to spend more time with the children and also in the kitchen on Tuesday. I've already made a few friends (kids love anyone that shows up more than once). We brought out some puzzles (I thought of you Grandma Josie) and had fun even though there were five pieces missing in the end. Some kids get easily discouraged, for the opportunities for intellectual stimulation are incredibly limited. It was fun, but my next goal will be to organize the puzzles and games. What a mess!

That evening Almira and I took the metro and bus over to Themis and Donna's home. We made (rather, Donna taught us how to make) a traditional Greek dinner, dolmadas. I have pictures to prove that I helped, Jenna. And was quite successful. Basically it's meat, rice, mint and onions wrapped in grape leaves then topped with an egg lemon sauce. Delicious. The fellowship was also wonderful. It was nice to chat about those strange church issues that I most often do at home. I am realizing more and more that I'm quite more 'liberal' than the typical missionary. I mean, we can all agree that the church (or the typical American evangelical church...for the most part) constantly divides more than unites out of hypocritical judgment based on biblical issues. It was suggested however that pointing out parts of a person's life that are harmful (for example, prostitution or alcoholism) is one way to show Christ's love. I can agree with that, and for some of those issues it's all pretty clear. There other issues (say, homosexuality) that I wonder if Christ's love can't be shown a different way, free of judgment completely. ...That was a mess, but that's what I left Themis and Donna's house thinking about...and it made me feel good to have a familiar conversation (as atypical as it may be).

The food and the company last night were wonderful, which did great things for my mood and about settling down here in Athens. Today was prayer day at the ARC. From 10-4 (with a break for lunch of a slab of meat, tomato and french fries on a hoagie-like bun and gelato for dessert) the team got together and read through Philippians. While we read we picked out parts for prayer. Time went fast and it was really quite appropriate for where the entire ministry is at at this moment. I encourage you to take time and read a bit of it today.

We then took inventory of the food we have had donated (and that the mice haven't gotten into) so we can know what to buy on Friday. Friday morning I will wake up very early to get on the metro and meet Susie and Kate at Lidl (an inexpensive German grocery store here in Athens) and purchase the rest of the goods we'll need for the grocery give-away that afternoon. Families picked up tickets at tea house yesterday and are already excited for the package of beans, milk, macaroni, shampoo, etc. they'll receive. Tomorrow is a shower day and then I've been invited to eat with Brett and Kristin and their six month old daughter, Sophia. She's adorable.

So, that ended up longer than I intended, my apologies. I should ask if you have any questions...am I missing any details? Just let me know.

Again, thanks for everything, your prayers, etc. Some of you have also been wondering about sending things this way. Due to the expense and time it would take to retrieve it from customs, best packages are light and worth less than $50. Baby clothes and items are very expensive here, so those are always in need. And like I've mentioned before, underwear is always welcome. If you'd like an address or anything, drop me an email.

About this weekend.

So I have made it through my first weekend here in Athens. Today is Monday (and our day off) so it can be included. An overview:

Saturday:
Saturday's are a tea house day at the ARC, but unlike Tuesday we didn't provide any food. I worked in the kitchen instead of the children's room this time, just to get another view of the ministry. We brew three large pots of tea and then serve them through the window (either zahkahri (with sugar) or without. They all join together to fellowship with one another and some of our team (males with males, females with females) while a Christian evangelical video plays on the three televisions.

I also took this time to chat more with some of the people on the team. Honestly, there is a transition happening and so things appear to be a little tense, but I hope that with the break on Sunday and Monday some of that will blow over. The theology of the team also contradicts a bit with my own (but that's no surprise). If anything, it's making me think more and more about my own and being challenged within it. I'm sure more conversations on those details will ensue as one of the leaders is also curious about "why I'm a democrat"...oh boy...I just can't seem to get away from that question. haha.

After tea house a few of us team members and one Albanian immigrant went out for pork chops (Iowa chops win hands down) and gelato (and yes, it was real gelato, Jenna). It was nice to a see a more quiet side of the downtown.

Sunday:
Stephanie invited me to church with her at the Second Evangelical Church. It's in Greek so translation is through a headset. I really liked it though and hope to return next week.
After church I joined Stephanie, her OperiationMobilization host Joanna and four women from the UK here to help with this week's VBS for lunch. We took a long stroll past the Acropolis to a little alley cafe where Joanna ordered up the best of the Greek food. Greek salad, beet root, fried cheese, feta, fish, etc. etc. It was delightful and topped off with yogurt and honey (a Greek dessert).
I headed home and did some laundry and cleaned before making some supper. More realization that this is hardly a vacation. :)

Monday (Today):
I slept in...which was nice. I then met Stephanie down at the Acropolis where we ventured around. It appeared to be free admission today (it's Pentecost) so we climbed up to Mars Hill (where Paul preached, see Acts 17) and around the ancient market place. It was very hot so I didn't make Stephanie go up to the Acropolis again (I'll do that later with others who have never been), but it was just fascinating to be surrounded by architecture created in 'Bible Times'. We then wandered around Plaka, a cute little neighborhood where all the best souvenir shopping is done. It's almost 8:00 here so I'll head home before going to bed relatively early (tomorrow is tea house!).

Please pray that I continue to adjust to life on my own here in Athens. It's quite different from the comfortable life among 200 women in Stegenga Hall.

This time with pics!

Ya-sas! Hello!

It is almost 11 in the evening here in Athens on Friday the 13th. Today was a free day, so Almira and I went exploring Athens some more on the metro and ended up at The Mall (literally called, The Mall) and the Olympic Stadium. Although it sounds quite silly that we went to The Mall it gave me a chance to really interact with Athenians. Even though I'm in Greece, much of my interaction is with the refugees (who are mainly Afghanis) or with my team (basically North Americans) or with my roommates, Almira (who is from Russia) and Stephanie (from Ohio). This has truly been a cultural experience.

Thursday was a work day at the Center though. Every Thursday is 'Shower Day'. The men arrive in the morning and shower from about 10 to 2. The women then arrive with the children around 3 and shower until 6. We set up chairs, steep some tea and put out some biscuits before they arrive. We also get the flip-flops, towels, hair brushes, shampoo, etc. ready.

It is a smaller amount of women that come for showers (an almost selective amount) because the ARC can't handle much more. The families come and we all greet each other with a warm 'Salaam!' and three kisses on the cheeks (holding the last one a little longer than the others). The kids then run to the children's room and fight over which video we'll watch (their favorites are Little Mermaid II or Pocahontas). We sit and chat for a while while the older boys take their turn in the showers. The oldest boy in the picture above relishes this time because he is too old to live in the same Sisters of Charity home as his mother and younger siblings. He instead lives in a home with older men, selling trinkets on the street to pay for his food. He is a delight though, very polite.

The highlight of the day was when Carolyn passed out new underwear for the women. Most of the children can't afford to wear any underwear and the others likely have two pairs they rotate. We take so much for granted, even the unmentionables. Most of the women haven't had a bra in years. Stephanie (my roommate) and I decided that when we go back to school we are having a bra drive in the women's dorms. Underwear is light really and if you could see the look on their faces when they get a new pair you know the shipping costs would be worth it. We're still trying to come up with a more catchy name....any suggestions? Bras for Afghanis? Or is it Afghans? (The Office...remember?)

So Thursday was a pretty eye-opening day, but the women are wonderful and love to have their pictures taken. I also became more aware than ever how these refugees are being affected psychologically. Some children are five years old, but still operate as a two-year-old and some women look much older than they really are. Of course, they are all beautiful, but that too can be dangerous. The needs for these people are continuous....

A few things to be in prayer for:
*Almira went to see about an extension for her visa. Each day would cost 50 Euros...a price that isn't consistent for everyone.
*For time for relaxation for the Helping Hands staff here in Athens. Summer means more refugees, more teams and less charitable giving.
*While the last families were showering on Thursday we blew a fuse. We thought it was something quite easy to fix, but it turns out it was the water heater itself. It's questionable whether or not Helping Hands can afford to fix it, but after seeing how necessary such an outreach is, please pray that the funds arrive.

Until next time! Oh! And I have Skype now! Email me if you want to get in touch. Salaam!

Just a quick note today.

Slept in until 11 today. I needed it.

Almira and I ran to the market just down the street. Picked up some apricots and carrots. My Greek needs a lot of work, so I did everything as a mute, but they worked with me. I'll be back every Wednesday if I can!

We then made our way to our team leader's flat across Athens via metro. We had a business meeting (which I actually enjoyed) and mapped out the plans for the next two months. There will be a group of people here from Egypt and California in that time, so planning gets even more tricky. We'll also be having a special day of activities for the children and another one for the women. I'm excited to plan for that. We also had to decide when we would be giving food away at tea house and when we would have a grocery give away.

We then ate...baked potatoes, salad and cake and then prayed with one another. I should take time to explain who is all on the team, but I'm realizing that might take a long time, so hopefully I'll be able to give you insights as the time goes on. In short, many of the long-term missionaries are from the US (California, Illinois, New Jersey) plus a couple of women from Canada, one Albanian (who jokes he's from the United Nations) with a few Greeks sprinkled in. We all work at the ARC and get help from Christian refugees (who are lifesavers when it comes to translating!).

I'm getting more used to the city, but I'm realizing that Athens is much like every other city in the US (pollution, poverty, stray dogs, ugh, the dogs...). This is especially difficult for the refugees and makes things discouraging for my team members who have been here for quite a while. Please pray for their continued perseverance among the chaos of this city. Also pray for my roommate Almira as she will be going in tomorrow morning to apply for an extension on her visa so she can stay at work at the ARC (Athens Refugee Center, the building for ITeams Athens/Helping Hands, the official name of this Greek charity).

Tomorrow will be a time that women come in to take showers. I'm excited to chat more with them and see the kids again! :)

I hope everything is well there. I hear it's pretty rainy back in Iowa...I won't mention how beautiful the weather is here....

My first day!

Hello all!

I woke up at 2:00 this morning. Talk about jet lag. Read a little and got a couple more hours of sleep before I had to get up at 7. The showerhead, which you have to hold up yourself, made a mess and got freezing cold. Not a good start. Alas, Carolyn came over to the house and we bought my metro ticket (10 Euros for access to all public transportation for seven days) and climbed aboard a very crowded light-rail train and made the twenty minute commute to downtown.

Omonia is very crowded and very run down. We walked a little ways (4 blocks) to the center and began preparing for the day. After introductions, devotions and prayer our team started getting the food bags ready. Consisting of eggs, olives, peppers and pita bread the refugees come in with a ticket to receive one for their family.

A group of 4th and 5th graders from the International School of Athens (that means they have learned English) arrived with donations and to help out for an hour or so. We opened the tea house at 11:45 and the people started streaming in. I was situated in the children's room and we colored the hours away. The kids don't speak English so the language barrier makes it interesting, but smiles and laughter translate easily.

Later I was able to help a woman with her English lesson, making sentences and reading outloud. I found it fascinating how difficult it became to explain what words like 'announce' and 'judge' meant. She was grateful for the help and I was just impressed by how much she'd learned in a mere three months.

Most of the refugees I chatted with today were from Afganistan. Their living conditions here in Greece are awful, so most hope to move on to Italy or Belgium, but without papers that is proving difficult.

The children grabbed me and Rachel (a student from Spring Arbor College and Allise Vugteveen's cousin...small world) to play a version of duck duck goose. It hurt my knees, but it was worth it. The kids show affection by pinching your cheeks (a little too hard sometimes), and I love it. The women and kids are so wonderful and are able to show their thanks and love without words with ease.

It was a long day, didn't get back to the house for lunch until 5:30, but after eating and a nap Stephanie and I are ready to sit in Irakilo's square (our neighborhood hub) for a frappe and to cheer on Greece in their game against Sweden!

Today was a good day, but I'm still not fully adjusted, so please pray for good sleep and healthy eating patterns.

Location: Athens, Greece

Greetings!

I arrived safely in Athens, with my luggage, only a half hour late.

Woke up at 3:00 a.m. to the sound of tornado sirens in Council Bluffs, but with the help of some amazing girls (Thanks again Kalie and Laura) I made it to the airport and departed without a hitch.

It finally hit me that I was off on my own to a city I knew hardly anything about and a language I couldn't speak...all alone. I spent most of my layover in Philadelphia weeping, much to my discouragement. I was for sure that I would feel all Ms. Independent (cue Kelly Clarkson), but feeling overwhelmed and weak is all part of the process, and I think it was good I felt it.

I ate some food (to please Aunt Jane) and was given the chance to chat with a great couple on their honeymoon. Just talking made me feel much better and I thanked them for their kindness. Paul then said, "The Father puts people into your life at just the right time." This same phrase had come up so many times this past year (Sara James...) and so I knew it meant something.

After a ten hour plane ride I was greeted by Carolyn and Kenn (leaders of ITeams Athens/Helping Hands). We found our way to the apartment...driving in Athens is crazy. The cars are just like in the US, but the streets are nuts. Pedestrians NEVER have the right of way and motorcyles do whatever they want. Pretty dangerous, but all part of the adventure I suppose.

Carolyn oriented me to the neighborhood and my apartment. I will be sharing it with women in and out over the summer. One woman, Almira, is from Russia and loves to cook, which was perfect for my empty stomach. Stephanie, from Ohio, is here on a cultural studies internship and we are already having a great time grocery shopping and discussing Irrestible Revolution. An answer to prayers for sure.

After some Starbucks I'll be sure to stay awake for some time yet, but when it wears off the sleep will be great. I will wake up at 7 and get ready to take the metro to Omonia, or downtown Athens where Carolyn will do some more orientation and then we will prepare for Tea House. I'm excited to meet the women and children...I hear they are super cute!

Thank you for your prayers, I am convinced that it was what brought me here so smoothly. Please pray for my travel on the metro and around downtown (don't worry, Mom, our neighborhood is super safe).

This internet cafe is pretty great, so I suppose I'll come here often. It's fun to hear the local boys playing their computer games, shouting in Greek and jamming to this very techno Euro music.

Until next time!

Soon to depart...

It's the first post!

I'm excited to use this blog as a way to keep everyone updated while also creating a virtual journal for myself. Internet access shouldn't be an issue in Athens, but you just never know. Check in often.

I will fly out of Omaha bright and early Sunday morning. After catching flights in Chicago and Philadelphia I will arrive in Athens on Monday morning. Please pray for safe travel and the arrival of my luggage! :)

Talk to you all soon!