So long home. Greece Post 7

It's amazing how in a matter of 8 weeks Pikermi, Greece has become home. I have learned what to buy from the store, what trees have the best figs, what to order at the local cafe, what routes to go on a run, what bus to take to get to Athens, and so much more. However, now home is being uprooted and this week has had a lot of lasts.


Last run up the hill.

Last time climbing the fig tree.

Last time sitting on the roof gazing at the stars.

Last time walking to Cafe Veneti for rose cookies and an espresso freddo.

Last time sitting in the green chapel.

Last time waking up to the smell of fresh bread.

Last time sitting on the ledge near the gate watching sunrise


I knew going into this trip that we would only be at Greek Bible College during the beginning of the trip, yet this change is startling. We pack our bags, trinkets, and memories up and set out again.

Tomorrow we leave to stay in a hotel in Athens for nine days while we have a ministry week. After that we are touring Turkey, going to the churches mentioned in Revelation. Lastly, we will be finishing the trip as we stay at a camp near Thessaloniki.

I have been loving Greece, and I know it's only a matter of time before I come back. Now I hope that I can cherish every moment that I have left here.

So long Pikermi, sweet, Pikermi. It's time to continue the adventures

Mykonos. Greece post 6

This past weekend we went to Mykonos. While this island is known for it's raging parties, we were there for the thrill of a new land. For me, there is something oddly intoxicating in adventure. It lures me in with the unknown.

We rented ATVs and zipped around the land. Without a goal, we landed on the terrain of an abandoned lighthouse. 

Rolling hills, white houses, blue trim and ever present sea greeted us at every turn. 

 Mid-day we stopped at a bakery, and sat by the bay with our espresso freddos.

The next endeavor included a beach with water like crystal. 

Night rides on the ATVs, resulting in a flat tire at 11pm. 

Little Venice windmills

Sunrise, moonset

Hostel bungalow

Paradise

So long Mykonos

See this video for more info of the weekend: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wRJq8OIW43A&list=UU8RpZY-VQmXj3XNpVWTyGkQ

Good.

"How are you"
"I'm good."
"Okay... how about you give me at least two sentences on how you really are."
"Well actually....."

The girls small group here in Greece met yesterday on the roof of our college. 10 of the 22 girls were there, allowing everyone to speak. I asked the girls to tell me how they were doing, to which a simple "good, good, good" was heard. I then charged them to explain at least two complete thoughts on how they were doing. Once again we went around the circle. All started with, "I'm good, but...." then went into what would throw anyone into a tizzy, revealing that they weren't really good.

Why do we say we are good? What is good?
Are we really good? Or is it God who is good?

Cognitively, I think we all understand that God is good. I often don't believe it or see it. I look and ask God, how can this be good? What is good in this? What does good look like in this situation? God in His definition is benevolent. I don't understand goodness.
In reality, there is nothing good about me. I'm not good, but God is good.
While it feels like the ground beneath my feet is shattering, and I'm learning hundreds of things a day, and I don't know what to focus on, and I don't know what I will do after this trip, and I don't know what the heck I'm going to do with my life, God is good.
While all is crumbling, glorious, decent, or sorrowful, God is good. While I can lie about my emotions, and hide things in truth I can say God is good.

I'm not good, but God is good.