Bitter - Sweet Day

 We are at the airport (early as usual). The weather has changed again; cloudy, and looks like it might rain. My spirit is torn, I have really enjoyed our time Greece but also looking forward to getting home and into a routine again.

We spent yesterday with Fotis and Mary. We attended their church and then went for lunch on the waterfront. They so appreciate our coming to their homeland and reiterated their appreciation for the support of our church.

Two years ago Rich held this little boy and now he is 3 years old.

We will be traveling for the next 20 hours so I will sign off and see you on the other side of the world and/or on our next adventure.

Good-Bye to Naxos

It's hard to believe that it is time to say Good-bye. We have loved our journey with all its ups and downs  with the frosting on the cake to have our son Brad and his wife Melissa with us for the last 10 days. 

They met in high school and were in the same youth group. When he was 15, I remember saying to him "I think Melissa likes you" and he replied "I hope so." They have been through it all with us, even before Jason was dating Sara and Sara Jo was dating Jeremy. When the older two went off to college they made sure we were not lonely. We are so proud of the adult they have become and have raised three wonderful, responsible children. 

They have become involved in an inner city clinic with Brad as the Medical Director and Melissa doing most of the publicity and vision casting. You can check it out on https://www.hisbranches.org/ If you order the Neighborhood coffee some of the proceeds go to their clinic.

We have not always been able to help them financially so thanks to the fact that we are both still working, this trip is a "thank-you" to them.

As we leave this island we remember that it was here that Fotis' mom read a bible left by a tourist and due to her questioning the priest was kicked off the island at age 16. She arrived in Athens and connected with some believers and now there is a small group of believers here in Naxos. We look forward to Fotis and Mary being with us in March for our Missions Conference.

Update on Sara's Surgery: She had reconstructive surgery on Thursday and all went well. She is now at home recovering.

In a few hours we will be boarding our last ferry to Rafina and stay at the AVRA hotel. Brad and Mel will leave on Sunday and we will spend the day with Fotis and Mary and fly home on Monday.

See you soon

 

Arriving in Naxos

 Yes, the ferry ride was amazing. I love being on deck to watch the islands pass by with the breeze in your face. The minute I sit down I fall asleep. I wish I could sleep this good on the airplane.

Once again we are staying at the Naxos Resort Beach Hotel. I love this place. It's so relaxing and in a great location AND they have good pillows. What a difference from 4 weeks ago. Instead of a packed hotels with family's from Europe on vacation, it is now less populated with more retirees. The streets are much more fun to explore as they are less crowded. AND yes, the Waffle House had Raspberry Choco Crunch ice cream.

Today will be a down day, sitting by the pool, walking the city center and hopefully getting to the Rotonda for dinner tonight.

Santorini

 After a short flight we arrived in Santorini. We stayed at the Nolis White Fira; a cave link structure. Nothing fancy but in a good location and comfortable. 

Again we walked the main street, ate great food and drove around the island, spending the last night walking Oia.

Presently we are packing up and getting ready to board the ferry at noon - heading to Naxos and the Naxos Beach Resort Hotel.

I'm looking forward to Naxos. These last few days of 10,000 steps (up and down) have been fun, but I'm ready for some less strenuous hiking.

We met this young couple at a restaurant after praying for our meal. Turns out they are new christians and it was an amazing God appointed moment. 

Brad and Mel

 We arrived early at the airport and returned our rental car. This time was easier since we rented from Eurocar which was in actually at the airport instead of having to take a shuttle.

I have to admit that the islands were missing one thing - chocolate croissants. So when we found one at the airport we just couldn't resist.

Brad and Mel actually arrived early so we were glad we scheduled some extra time. Clifford is excited.

After a shower and short rest, we walked the streets on Athens. The weather has cooled down and it was very comfortable.  Our new hotel was very nice but was further from the City Center. That night we walked it, but the next day we decided to take a taxi. Good decision!!

We also took a taxi to the Mount Lycabettus Hill; another good decision since it was approximately 3 miles to the bottom of the hill before taking the cable car to the top. It was fun (or not) remembering that in 2005 we actually walked it.

On Sunday Brad and Mel took a tour to the top of the Parthenon. Since we had been there before, we thought this was the best way to let them experience this part of Greek History while we took a side trip to Socrates Prisonenjoyed some Greek Music.

Another glitch came with a taxi strike on Monday so we had to make other arrangements to get to the airport.

Right now we are sitting at the Nolis White Fira on Santorini. Tomorrow we will explore this island before heading on the 24th via ferry to Naxos.

Cosmovision Center

Fotis and Mary Romeos

The last 2 days, we spent with Fotis and Mary Romeos at the Cosmovision Center about 5 miles from the Athens Airport.   They lead the ministry of AMG which "connects people with the gospel".  Fotis and Mary are Greeks so they are the natural leaders of the ministry in Greece, Albania, Romania, Bulgaria and other areas.  As always they extended Greek hospitality. The timing was unique in that the day we arrived, it was obvious Fotis was burdened and when he finally shared, they had just found out the radio and internet ministry they have was blocked by several countries in the region.