Psalm 108:5

So here I am in Greece!

We're staying in the Greek Bible Institute, which is in Pikermi, a town which consists of probably no tourists, which is kind of nice. We take the bus and the metro into the heart of Athens prettymuch every day, which is about 45 minutes or an hour each way.

The pastors that are hosting us - Yotis and Argillis, have been very hospitable and encouraging. We got to go to First Church on Sunday for the service, which was in Greek but there was someone there translating for us in English. I'm starting to pick up a few Greek words, but wish I knew more!

The culture here is completely different from America, one aspect being that time is a very fluid concept and a rigid schedule is rare. At the same time, we have been busy non-stop, which is a blessing. There is always something to do and someone to meet, whether bonding with the team, playing basketball with the Greek kids on campus, or learning more about the lives of all the people who live together in this Bible Institute. The Greeks are very relational and love to talk. As Americans, we can tend to value things, and people, by what they can produce. Here, it feels like more value is placed on the person himself. When I was restless the first day or two after we arrived, and asking for tangible tasks to complete, such as washing the dishes even, the pastor told me "Your very presence here is itself an encouragement to us." It's interesting, and different. There is plenty to "do" now though, and on Saturdays we will be doing lots of manual labor to satisfy our American desires to satiate the check list. Hah.

Today we spent several hours in the Universtiy of Athens and surrounding area meeting students and just hanging out and talking about life with them. It's a great spot for talking about the Lord because most of them are open to dicussion. Being American seems to help in striking up conversation because they're interested in us and our lives and culture back home, and also in telling us about theirs. Even the schooling here is so different because the government pays for university tuition and book fees and everything, so prettymuch everyone goes to school for a long time and comes out with a rather devalued degree and not many job options. As far as religion, many are seem to be nominally or devoutly Orthodox, or at least their parents are, but several have broken away from the family tradition and believe in no God at all.

Yesterday we traveled into Omonia, a part of Athens where Nea Zoi - "New Life" - ministry operates, in a small apartment. This ministry reaches out to prostitutes and trafficked women in the city. We had orientation and I go back tomorrow morning at 8:30. I'm really excited to see how the Lord is working in the lives of the women I'll soon meet.

I really like my team and we have been getting along great. We seem to have so many different personalities and skill sets, and they mesh together really well.

The days are filled with so much, and every night I write in my journal with an overflowing heart. This city is so full of both beauty and brokenness. Please continue to pray for the Nea Zoi ministry, the university ministry, relationships with the Greeks and within the team, and for the churches we are partnering with here. Thank yall so much for all of your support! You really are a blessing and I'm so excited that you're part of this!

"Be exalted, O God, above the heavens, and let your glory be over all the earth." -Psalm 108:5