The suggestion from the travel guides is to go to Corinth early in the morning or later in the afternoon. The heat of the day can be really tough.
So, of course, we slept in and left just before noon to get there in the afternoon.
Our train to Corinth was under construction, so we hopped 3 different trains, and then 2 more buses. So 3 hours and a lost pair of sunglasses later, we finally arrived in ancient Corinth.
After a late lunch, we made it to the archeaological site to find out that on Mondays, it closes at 3:00. It was now 3:15. The guides all said that it closed at 8:00pm. Closing at 3:00, was apparently its winter hours. And, apparently, June is winter? By the way, todays high was close to 100 F.
So, with nothing to see, I decided to buy a new pair of "Ray Ban" sunglasses from a roadside stand. Since, most likely, real Ray Bans don't squeak when you open them up, I talked the guy from 15 Euros down to 10. I'm sure I still got ripped off, but it was fun seeing the look on his face when I made these brand new Ray Bans squeak over and over again. Kiki and I had a good laugh over that situation.
A near-death taxi cab experience got us back to the train station in time to catch an early train back to Athens.
We were able to go meet some missionaries at a refugee project in downtown Athens. Apparently, muslim refugees are leaving Iraq and Afghanistan by the truck loads with no place to live and no job to work.
While talking to the missionaries, we got an invite to travel with some of them the following day to visit some ruins. Of all places, ancient Corinth, of course.
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Sunday afternoon/evening
Sunday night Kristin and I went to the Acropolis. The views were amazing and we got some pretty cool shots, but the coolest part happened when we were leaving the Parthenon area.
I asked a guy where Mars Hill was and he pointed to the place. (The place where Paul first preached the gospel when he came to Greece-Acts 16 or 17?) We went over to check it out, but when we got there, security and police were everywhere and there we stands set up all over, and a throne sitting on the top of Mars Hill. Turns out that June 29th is the day, every year, that the Greek Orthodox Church celebrates Peter and Paul bringing the gospel to Greece. The stands filled with people and car after car dropped off officials of the GOC and the Greek government. A procession of soldiers was followed by a band and then dozens of GOC priests in their black hats, black robes, and long beards.
We sat and talked for about 30 minutes to a very devout GO layperson. He explained many "miracles" within the GOC, and the differences between GOC and Catholicism. As Kristin started to ask him about the GOC's requirements for salvation, which happened to be very "works" dependent, he said that he had to go. All in all, it was a very interesting conversation and hopefully a seed was planted.
We watched the ceremony for about 20 minutes before moving on, but found the whole thing very interesting.
We left Mars Hill and headed for the Greek market place for some shopping and dinner. We had a great night and came back home to our hotel for some much needed sleep.
I asked a guy where Mars Hill was and he pointed to the place. (The place where Paul first preached the gospel when he came to Greece-Acts 16 or 17?) We went over to check it out, but when we got there, security and police were everywhere and there we stands set up all over, and a throne sitting on the top of Mars Hill. Turns out that June 29th is the day, every year, that the Greek Orthodox Church celebrates Peter and Paul bringing the gospel to Greece. The stands filled with people and car after car dropped off officials of the GOC and the Greek government. A procession of soldiers was followed by a band and then dozens of GOC priests in their black hats, black robes, and long beards.
We sat and talked for about 30 minutes to a very devout GO layperson. He explained many "miracles" within the GOC, and the differences between GOC and Catholicism. As Kristin started to ask him about the GOC's requirements for salvation, which happened to be very "works" dependent, he said that he had to go. All in all, it was a very interesting conversation and hopefully a seed was planted.
We watched the ceremony for about 20 minutes before moving on, but found the whole thing very interesting.
We left Mars Hill and headed for the Greek market place for some shopping and dinner. We had a great night and came back home to our hotel for some much needed sleep.
Sunday, June 29, 2008
To Athens
The conference came to a close on Friday night. During the final service, the youth group that I (jason) have been working with all week was performing for the adults. Afterward, the leader of our group, Mr. Larry McCallon who is about 70 yrs old, was recognized by the graduating seniors of the youth group. Mr Larry has been coming to every one of these conferences for 6 years to minister to these youth. Mr Larry loves the kids and the kids very obviously love Mr. Larry. During the service the seniors talked about what Mr. Larry meant to them while taking turns washing his feet. They felt that it was a Christ-like way recognize Mr Larry for his service. There was barely a dry eye in the building and Mr Larry needed a moment afterwards to get himself together. He is a great guy and it was very touching.
Saturday morning Kristin and I hugged goodbye to many of the children that we'd worked with that week before boarding our bus to Athens.
We spent saturday in Athens with a group from a church near Raleigh, NC. We enjoyed the temple to Zeus, a short trip to Starbucks, and a Greek grocery store in the afternoon. Then in the evening we met some of the missionaries to go to a different part of town for dinner. We had a great time with our friends Mickey and Shannon, who'd worked with the youth with me all week, and with the guys from the church's praise band. What a great group of people to hang out with.
Before dinner Kristin and I stopped in at the shop of Melissinos, the poet/sandalmaker of Athens. He's made sandals for many famous people including Jackie O and John Lennon. Now he's also made sandals for the famous Kiki. Not too bad at 25 euro per pair.
Dinner with the missionaries and volunteers was great, we enjoyed a traditional Greek meal with lots of salad and lots of grilled meats. After dinner which ended after 10:00pm, we headed home for bed. unfortunately, their idea of air conditioning is not what we consider it in the U.S. We had in on full blast and the temp probably never got under 85 degrees F. Hope tonight we sleep better tonight than last night.
This morning we met a missionary, Suzanne, for church. She took us to a Greek evangelical church. We walked in and they gave us headphones so that we could listen to the translator. It was interesting to sit in a church where the entire worship happend in Greek.
We've eaten lunch and are planning to visit the Acropolis this afternoon. But before heading up there, I think a swim in the rooftop pool and a nap is in order. Blog again soon! jason
Saturday morning Kristin and I hugged goodbye to many of the children that we'd worked with that week before boarding our bus to Athens.
We spent saturday in Athens with a group from a church near Raleigh, NC. We enjoyed the temple to Zeus, a short trip to Starbucks, and a Greek grocery store in the afternoon. Then in the evening we met some of the missionaries to go to a different part of town for dinner. We had a great time with our friends Mickey and Shannon, who'd worked with the youth with me all week, and with the guys from the church's praise band. What a great group of people to hang out with.
Before dinner Kristin and I stopped in at the shop of Melissinos, the poet/sandalmaker of Athens. He's made sandals for many famous people including Jackie O and John Lennon. Now he's also made sandals for the famous Kiki. Not too bad at 25 euro per pair.
Dinner with the missionaries and volunteers was great, we enjoyed a traditional Greek meal with lots of salad and lots of grilled meats. After dinner which ended after 10:00pm, we headed home for bed. unfortunately, their idea of air conditioning is not what we consider it in the U.S. We had in on full blast and the temp probably never got under 85 degrees F. Hope tonight we sleep better tonight than last night.
This morning we met a missionary, Suzanne, for church. She took us to a Greek evangelical church. We walked in and they gave us headphones so that we could listen to the translator. It was interesting to sit in a church where the entire worship happend in Greek.
We've eaten lunch and are planning to visit the Acropolis this afternoon. But before heading up there, I think a swim in the rooftop pool and a nap is in order. Blog again soon! jason
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Still going...
Fourth Day of Greece Conference
It’s been a busy week. I really like my 7-9 yr. old group. They are adorable kids and seem to be very balanced also. I’m in charge of the lessons tomorrow so I’ve spent some time planning that this evening. I haven’t actually been in with them very much as the week went on because I’m trying to fit more people in for haircuts since I had to miss starting on Monday. I cut about a foot of hair off one lady today. She looked 10 years younger! I love as the week goes on being able to talk to the women one-on-one and learning about them.
We had the Lottie Moon auction again this week. It moved a little slower than in Hungary and I got a little bored but it was very nice with some really neat national items from different countries. What they wanted from the states was Crisco and Pam and corn syrup. Can’t get that here apparently. The kids wanted the cheetos and oreos.
Jason’s in with the youth right now-they’re doing a talent show. I can hear a girl singing music from Phantom and she’s pretty good actually. Some of them have been terrible and some really silly/funny. I’m sure he’ll blog about what he’s been up to when he has a minute. They keep them very busy.
Apparently we won’t have water in the morning so everyone has to bathe tonight. Tomorrow is our last day of VBS. I have about 12 scheduled haircuts (people always squeeze in where we can fit them throughout the day) and I have to help get my kids ready for their program for their parents in the evening.
My favorite part of today was I gave a haircut to one of “my” girls. When she was finished she gave me the biggest hug. She really wanted a Romanian doll that was in the auction and her parents didn’t have any money to give so later I slipped a little cash in her mom’s pocket and told her to bid to see what she could get. Katherine bid on the doll and stood by that item all night and raised a dollar above the next bidder on the sheet until time was over and she won. It only went for $10 and I think people stopped bidding just because they saw a cute little girl really wanted it. I guess her mom told her later that I had given her the money and she came over with a huge smile and hugged me again and wanted a picture with me and her doll to put in a special frame by her bed at home. That was a priceless moment.
It’s been a busy week. I really like my 7-9 yr. old group. They are adorable kids and seem to be very balanced also. I’m in charge of the lessons tomorrow so I’ve spent some time planning that this evening. I haven’t actually been in with them very much as the week went on because I’m trying to fit more people in for haircuts since I had to miss starting on Monday. I cut about a foot of hair off one lady today. She looked 10 years younger! I love as the week goes on being able to talk to the women one-on-one and learning about them.
We had the Lottie Moon auction again this week. It moved a little slower than in Hungary and I got a little bored but it was very nice with some really neat national items from different countries. What they wanted from the states was Crisco and Pam and corn syrup. Can’t get that here apparently. The kids wanted the cheetos and oreos.
Jason’s in with the youth right now-they’re doing a talent show. I can hear a girl singing music from Phantom and she’s pretty good actually. Some of them have been terrible and some really silly/funny. I’m sure he’ll blog about what he’s been up to when he has a minute. They keep them very busy.
Apparently we won’t have water in the morning so everyone has to bathe tonight. Tomorrow is our last day of VBS. I have about 12 scheduled haircuts (people always squeeze in where we can fit them throughout the day) and I have to help get my kids ready for their program for their parents in the evening.
My favorite part of today was I gave a haircut to one of “my” girls. When she was finished she gave me the biggest hug. She really wanted a Romanian doll that was in the auction and her parents didn’t have any money to give so later I slipped a little cash in her mom’s pocket and told her to bid to see what she could get. Katherine bid on the doll and stood by that item all night and raised a dollar above the next bidder on the sheet until time was over and she won. It only went for $10 and I think people stopped bidding just because they saw a cute little girl really wanted it. I guess her mom told her later that I had given her the money and she came over with a huge smile and hugged me again and wanted a picture with me and her doll to put in a special frame by her bed at home. That was a priceless moment.
Monday, June 23, 2008
Flexible, Flexible, Flexible
Day 10, (1st day of Greece conference)
FLEXIBLE, FLEXIBLE, FLEXIBLE!
Today we woke up to a fantastic view of the Aegean Sea from our balcony, thankful to be in Greece. We were both trying to figure out how to get ready with so little stuff without our luggage and also figuring out the trick of a small European tub with just a sprayer. We took baths but within ½ an hr. we were sweating again from the heat… Jason headed off to work with the youth and I headed off to make phone calls about finding our luggage. Obviously I could not cut hair today without any tools so that made it hard to do my job. The sign up sheet is already completely full. Somehow some of the people in Hungary talked to some here and when I stepped into the conference, adults seemed to know me. Kinda weird… The airport said they had found our luggage and it would be delivered to a bus stop sometime today or tomorrow. When we asked which of the three in town they responded “yes.” Meaning any of them…This is normal here.
I then went to meet my 7-9 yr. old kids. We have 19 and they are cute. We have to constantly keep them busy and stay on our toes but they are very good kids to me. I think their favorites today were music (they do a play for the parents at the end of the week), cheetos for snack, and pool time.
PTL, our luggage did come today about 5:oo (17:00 here) and it was the first time I saw Jason since we both are very busy doing our own full schedules with our age groups. He seemed like he’s very happy and enjoying his kids. He went to take a quick swim in the Aegean Sea before he had to go back to the youth.
I went with 5 other people into the little town for gyros and to walk through the town since this would probably be my only night free (the + of losing luggage). The gyros were the best I’ve ever had, they were huge-1 filled me up, and only cost $2.25. Great deal!
Tomorrow I start “back to work.” I have a very full day of haircuts, but I love it b/c that’s when I get to build some relationships with the M’s. Pray for my shoulder though. It’s been giving me a good deal of pain and isn’t staying in joint very well. The few days off from cutting have been good for healing so I hope it will hold the next 5.
I’m excited for shampoo and a clean face and teeth tonight- woohoo!
FLEXIBLE, FLEXIBLE, FLEXIBLE!
Today we woke up to a fantastic view of the Aegean Sea from our balcony, thankful to be in Greece. We were both trying to figure out how to get ready with so little stuff without our luggage and also figuring out the trick of a small European tub with just a sprayer. We took baths but within ½ an hr. we were sweating again from the heat… Jason headed off to work with the youth and I headed off to make phone calls about finding our luggage. Obviously I could not cut hair today without any tools so that made it hard to do my job. The sign up sheet is already completely full. Somehow some of the people in Hungary talked to some here and when I stepped into the conference, adults seemed to know me. Kinda weird… The airport said they had found our luggage and it would be delivered to a bus stop sometime today or tomorrow. When we asked which of the three in town they responded “yes.” Meaning any of them…This is normal here.
I then went to meet my 7-9 yr. old kids. We have 19 and they are cute. We have to constantly keep them busy and stay on our toes but they are very good kids to me. I think their favorites today were music (they do a play for the parents at the end of the week), cheetos for snack, and pool time.
PTL, our luggage did come today about 5:oo (17:00 here) and it was the first time I saw Jason since we both are very busy doing our own full schedules with our age groups. He seemed like he’s very happy and enjoying his kids. He went to take a quick swim in the Aegean Sea before he had to go back to the youth.
I went with 5 other people into the little town for gyros and to walk through the town since this would probably be my only night free (the + of losing luggage). The gyros were the best I’ve ever had, they were huge-1 filled me up, and only cost $2.25. Great deal!
Tomorrow I start “back to work.” I have a very full day of haircuts, but I love it b/c that’s when I get to build some relationships with the M’s. Pray for my shoulder though. It’s been giving me a good deal of pain and isn’t staying in joint very well. The few days off from cutting have been good for healing so I hope it will hold the next 5.
I’m excited for shampoo and a clean face and teeth tonight- woohoo!
It's all Greek to Me!
Day 9, (1st day in Greece)
We got our wake up call at 2:30 AM. Met our group to get on the bus at 3:30. We had to walk about 10 min. through the city, rolling all our luggage (31 of us w/ 2-3 pieces each!) over cobblestones as the sun came up. It made a huge noise and was a spectacular site to see with 200 yr. old buildings all around us. We made it to the airport just before 5:00 so they we could get the entire group of 31 people checked-in for 7:30 departures.
No direct flights forced us to get to Athens by way of Rome. We only got to see Rome from the air, so we’re looking forward to going back. We made it into Athens around 3:00pm and immediately found our contact for the Greece conference. Unfortunately, we didn’t find our luggage. “They” tell us that it will come in tomorrow and be delivered to the bus stop near our hotel. The town of Eretria where we’re staying is on the island of Evia- a 1 ½ hr. drive from Athens. The hotel complex is really nice overall but it must be too hot here to keep up with watering the plants b/c even the cactus are struggling. The pool is great though and so is the staff.
We met our kids and stayed up late getting oriented with what our responsibilities are for the week. It is a bit hotter here than Hungary- about 95 where Hungary was in the 70’s. We do get air condition from 10-2 at night so we can sleep-I’m very thankful for that. I’m also thankful for deodorant and toothbrushes! You don’t realize how much until you need them!!
We got our wake up call at 2:30 AM. Met our group to get on the bus at 3:30. We had to walk about 10 min. through the city, rolling all our luggage (31 of us w/ 2-3 pieces each!) over cobblestones as the sun came up. It made a huge noise and was a spectacular site to see with 200 yr. old buildings all around us. We made it to the airport just before 5:00 so they we could get the entire group of 31 people checked-in for 7:30 departures.
No direct flights forced us to get to Athens by way of Rome. We only got to see Rome from the air, so we’re looking forward to going back. We made it into Athens around 3:00pm and immediately found our contact for the Greece conference. Unfortunately, we didn’t find our luggage. “They” tell us that it will come in tomorrow and be delivered to the bus stop near our hotel. The town of Eretria where we’re staying is on the island of Evia- a 1 ½ hr. drive from Athens. The hotel complex is really nice overall but it must be too hot here to keep up with watering the plants b/c even the cactus are struggling. The pool is great though and so is the staff.
We met our kids and stayed up late getting oriented with what our responsibilities are for the week. It is a bit hotter here than Hungary- about 95 where Hungary was in the 70’s. We do get air condition from 10-2 at night so we can sleep-I’m very thankful for that. I’m also thankful for deodorant and toothbrushes! You don’t realize how much until you need them!!
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Last Day in Budapest
Day 8, Saturday (Last day in Budapest)
This morning we took the metros to Margerite Island. It is a small island in the middle of the Danube between Buda and Pest. It is named after a 13th century princess. Her father was losing a war at the time and had also lost his first two daughters. He promised God that if he were given another daughter and won the war, he would give that daughter back to God. When they won the war, his wife became pregnant. They gave that child, Margerite, to the monastery on this small island.
It is now a tourist spot with only the ruins of the old church. We went for the swimming. The water park there had at least six pools, including a wave pool, a hot water pool, and some water slides.
Tonight we are going to enjoy authentic Hungarian goulash and search for some very popular black, Hungarian pottery that we have yet to find. (I’m so excited.)
We have to get to bed early tonight. Our bus leaves for the airport at 4:00am. Next time you hear from us, we will be in Greece.
This morning we took the metros to Margerite Island. It is a small island in the middle of the Danube between Buda and Pest. It is named after a 13th century princess. Her father was losing a war at the time and had also lost his first two daughters. He promised God that if he were given another daughter and won the war, he would give that daughter back to God. When they won the war, his wife became pregnant. They gave that child, Margerite, to the monastery on this small island.
It is now a tourist spot with only the ruins of the old church. We went for the swimming. The water park there had at least six pools, including a wave pool, a hot water pool, and some water slides.
Tonight we are going to enjoy authentic Hungarian goulash and search for some very popular black, Hungarian pottery that we have yet to find. (I’m so excited.)
We have to get to bed early tonight. Our bus leaves for the airport at 4:00am. Next time you hear from us, we will be in Greece.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)