2012- Our Travels Begin

Where did this month go? I am ready to write about our life in Greece and realized that I had never even downloaded pics from Tim, Jordan, Maria and Julia's birthdays.January was filled with good days. Days with friends and family. Several evenings over at the homes of new friends who share our faith. It was also a month of good-byes. We all found it difficult to leave behind our dear friends at Dalraida. It would seem as if that would become easier as many times as we have done it. At least we have learned from our experiences that being away just helps us be grateful for the days we have shared, and we can anticipate the time when we will all be together again.we arrived yesterday evening after two nice flights. The flight to Frankfurt was only a third full, which made our trip very comfortable. Both flights were early. Unheard of anymore! The James' met us at the airport, along with some Harding students.After finding our rooms, we all walked down the road to Dimitri's, and ate Greek salad and gyros. Sweet fellowship.This morning we were able to visit with Vicki,Mietek,Yianna and Fofi. It was wonderful to catch up on their lives! yianna's husband has now been unemployed for a long time and her son, with a social work degree, is only paid half the time. What a humbling reminder of how the news of a troubled Greek economy is not simply a business fact. There are so many here who are really hurting.Tonight we had a young man visiting who was originally from Emory University in Georgia.He is on a year abroad scholarship with St. Andrews in Scotland. He met some of our students at worship in Glyfada on Sunday, and came to spend the evening with us before heading to London in the morning.He is a good friend of one of our Faulkner girls, Naisa.After dinner, a few began singing hymns. Our guest had a beautiful voice and led us in one song after another. The group gradually grew to about 40. 40 beautiful voices, sharing one hymn after another. All voices raised together in worship to God.Oh, how wonderful to worship the same Savior.What I believe I loved the most was seeing Jordan sitting right in the middle of the group. ten years ago, I sat at these same tables, and watched my two teenagers, Jon and Chelsea, sing many of these same songs. And I know how God blessed them by the time they spent here.We sang until about 9:15 and during tea time I looked over and Christian was playing the theme song to "The Office" on the piano, while Jordan played the guitar. Students had bribed Christian to play by promising him his favorite cookies. Tomorrow starts the boys and I's return to schoolwork. Sigh.Then Saturday we will be heading in to Athens for the day. to my dear children and grandchildren- I love you all.