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| Southeastern University |
“Put your
mask on before helping those around you”; “you can’t pour from an empty glass.”
These lessons all have one common theme: self-care. As counselors or those in
helping roles, we can easily forget that we cannot keep going without taking
time to rest and recharge.
Day 1
Mark 6: 30-32 The apostles returned
to Jesus from their ministry tour and told him all they had done and taught. Then Jesus said, “Let’s go off by
ourselves to a quiet place and rest awhile.” He said this because there were so many people coming and going that Jesus and his
apostles didn’t even have time to eat. So they left by boat
for a quiet place, where they could be alone.
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| On the Water Taxi boat to Poros, a quiet place |
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| View from the Water Taxi boat |
The smell of
salt and a cool sea breeze welcomed us to the island as we walked up the steps
to our hotel. Our stomachs growled with anticipation for adventure….and pizza!
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| One of the many pizzas we ate |
Our lunch at
Colona Pizza was incredible! This was probably the best pizza I had ever had,
Greek cuisine does not disappoint. I’m pretty sure we set some kind of record,
as we ate 13 pizzas, 6 salads and let’s not forget warm and gooey Walnut cake
with ice cream!
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| The walnut cake that we had to stretch our stomachs for |
Once our
bellies were full, we were ready to take on the island. While some had their minds set on what adventures to do, I chose to focus on what NOT to do and decided to unplug and let the island
life take over my mind. I left all my worries and stress on the mainland, after
all, this was Poros.
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| Poros, we have arrived! |
Much like
every Greek island has its own beautiful and unique personality, we also had
wonderful and unique plans for how we were going to recharge. Some had plans for adventure on the ATVs, while others swam in the sea.
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| Dinner at the hotel |
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| Part of our group trying out the selfie stick |
Day 2
Acts 2:26 No
wonder my heart is glad, and my tongue shouts his praises! My body rests in
hope.”
Rest. The
next morning was quiet and the air was ripe with possibilities for where the
day might take us. Naturally,
we get busy in our lives and sometimes forget to take time for ourselves as we
get consumed with caring for others. Poros reminded us all to rest and carry joy in our hearts.
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| A view of the Sea |
After
breakfast, I jumped into the water and was surprised at how easily I could float
with little effort. The water was mesmerizing and so clear I could see my
shadow on the sea floor…which was a slightly terrifying sight if you’re not
used to a dark figure following you underwater. As I loosened up and let the
waves rock me gently, I felt the anxiety leaving my body and began to rest.
After a short nap on the shore, I felt the urge for adventure and joined the
group of ATV riders.
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| The hotel parking lot BEFORE we arrived |
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| The hotel parking lot AFTER we joined the ATV life |
We rode up
into the mountains and left all matters of time in our dust. The common theme
today was pure joy. “I am so happy,” was all I heard as we rode up the mountain
and stopped at various hidden beaches and cliffs. The only thing brighter than
everyone’s smile was the sparkling sea beneath us.
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| Sanctuary of Poseidon |
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| View of Poros from the top |
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| One of the many small beaches we found while exploring |
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| No better way to explore the island than riding this |
After lunch,
some went back to ride while others cooled off in the sea. The immediate access
to the water just added to the spontaneity and adventure of the day.
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| Watching some of our classmates go parasailing |
The perfect
day was topped off by an amazing dinner at Odyssey Bistro. The atmosphere was welcoming
and cozy, and the locally-grown food was full of love…and flavor. The laughter
was like honey in the air as everyone shared the family-style dishes and
engaged in conversation.
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| Odyssey Bistro |
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| The last bit of our team arriving to dinner fashionably late |
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| The most amazing mushrooms cooked in ouzo and balsamic |
Day 3
As we woke
up this morning, we didn’t want to leave. Many tried to catch the sunrise on
their ATVs or on their balconies as if not wanting to miss a drop of light
before we left. There was no chaos, no busyness, no stress. I was taken aback
by the silence, it was like the whole island decided to sleep in and all I
could hear were the birds chirping and waves crashing as I waited for the sun.
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| A quiet Poros morning |
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| Breakfast with a view |
Luckily, we didn’t
have to check out until noon, and we did not waste a second to soak up the last
bits of what the island had to offer! A few of us decided to head into town and
visit the shops in hopes of taking a piece of Poros with us. I found some beautiful
souvenirs while also meeting some interesting shop owners and testing out my
Greek vocabulary.
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| Found the cutest shops while exploring the town! |
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| boarding the water taxi boat to leave Poros |
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| Goodbye! |
How can I describe
Poros? I can’t. Its beauty and aura cannot be captured in words, Poros is a
feeling. A feeling of being alive, feelings of pure happiness, slow days on
fast rides and just being at peace. Poros is a reminder to slow down, leave your
worries on the mainland and take time for yourself.
--Valeria
Pete
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