Last weekend we went to the island of Aegina to get some
much needed rest. The island was incredibly beautiful and the water was so
blue, it could have been the Caribbean. We ate delicious food, of course, but I
didn’t have any of the Greek seafood which consists of octopus and squid. We
also rented scooters and went all over the island, along the coast and up into
the mountains. We also climbed a small mountain that overlooked the whole
island, but when we started out we didn’t know that the mountain was covered in
thorns. But it was well worth the scratches when we got to the top!
That night, while the others swam in the sea, I sat out on
the balcony and watched the sunset over the sea. I read and journaled and it was
one of those moments where you want to remember every detail of, what you hear,
see, and feel. The words to my favorite hymn came to my mind and I knew that it
was true. “It is well with my soul.” It wasn’t being on the island. It was
having the time and the space to process what I have seen and learned.
Everything that I have been a part of has shown me something about God and
something about my own heart. Whether its cleaning a carpet, making animal
balloons, or doing outreach at Nea Zoi, it shows me my sin and God’s abundant grace.
This last week was the last week of the festivals and with
the last night getting closer and closer I started just watching, listening,
and soaking up the joy that was around me. I looked around me and I knew the
faces of almost all of the kids, the same kids were there that came the first
night. They get so excited when you speak Greek to them, even if its just
asking what color of string they want for their bracelet. These kids get so
excited over a painting contest, or making bracelets for the third time. It doesn’t
matter what it is, they love it. They don’t need big spashy entertainment, just
a bucket, a sponge and some competition and they will have a blast. On the last
night everyone stood around after everything was over and talked and took
pictures. No one wanted the night to end. It felt like the end of summer camp.
Yesterday, Beth and I were tourists for the day. We walked
around with map and camera in hand just to fit in. We went to the Acropolis and
from the top we were able to find the 1st Church (where we live). We
went to the Areopogus and we read Acts 17. It was amazing to see the Acropolis
from the hill and know that it was the same view that Paul had when he gave his
speech. Then we got lost trying to find the Ancient Agora and in the mean time
stumbled upon the Roman Agora. By the time we found it, it was closed. But we had
an adventure, just like everything has been since we got here.
The last few days through my eyes:
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| On the ferry, sailing towards the island. |
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| Island water. |
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| "Look over there!" |
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| View from the top of the mountain we climbed. |
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| Looking at the island from a bids eye view |
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| One of my buddies from the festivals |
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| Merina, who gave the best hugs every night |
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| Beth and I with our friend Rei. |
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| The Parthenon. |
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| Jumping picture at the Acropolis? Of course. |
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| Acts 17: 22-23 at the Areopogus |
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