SEU Counseling Greece Trip

                              

 As NSYNC would say....Bye, Bye, Bye...…Bye, Bye!!!!!! Goodbye Greece.  What a time we had. I would have never imagined the experiences I shared with classmates, professors, the bible college staff, and the Greek culture would have taken place. I came in with expectations of what I would gain and experience on this trip. But "OH BOY" was I taken by surprise. Being immersed into a new culture with not only Greeks, but classmates, professors and staff was more than what I perceived to be a spiritual journey. It was a personal journey. While on this trip, I learned that spirituality is wrapped up in everything we are and everything we do.  Being apart of this trip provided opportunity to self reflect, opportunity to connect, and most importantly opportunity to learn to love each other well.  This trip has taught me more about myself in two weeks than I could have ever imagined. It awakened emotions, insecurities, identity, and confidence within me. Much of that came wit...

  Matthew 6:26 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?     As we approach our final hours in Greece, it’s starting to settle heavily in my heart. The number of memories, the people around us, and the healing process in all of us these days. Definitely, not what I was expecting...  As I run through the memories and moments, I just want to evaluate myself to be present in all of them. Sometimes we look and experience from a distance what we can’t comprehend or face. There is still much to learn, assimilate, and process from this class, trip, meeting… I don't know what to call it.  It has been so much in such a short time that I still need to sit down to process it and let it settle in my heart and soul. What I am sure and confident about this moment is that God Himself designed this moment in time for me, for us, to meet, here, out of the ordina...

 As we're starting to feel all the things that come with going home soon, we started our day in a more relaxed mood. People are napping, packing, hanging laundry on the line, and running to the store to grab last minute gifts to bring back home. There's a bittersweet mood in the air. For me, a feeling of eagerness to be back in my own bed and see my family again. But there's also the realization that I won't get to see the friends that I have made until October, since I live in Louisiana. Regardless of my extensive to do list, and my mixed emotions, I'm excited for dinner tonight. We board the bus at 4, and we're off. As with anywhere that we've gone while in Greece, the views are amazing. The same can be said with the restaurant that we ate at. We get there, and I quickly realize that this restaurant is quite literally on the beach, with beautiful mountains in the background. The food did not disappoint either, I think it's actually impossible for any m...

As we enter into our last night out together as a group, I am filled with so much gratitude for the group, the Greek Bible College, our wonderful instructors and the incapsulating Greek culture. Where each person is cared for as their own family and no one is left astray. I am humbled by the kindness of the Greek people. I admire the authenticity and realness that they embody and their continual pursuit to go above and beyond for each one of us. It gives new meaning to me of humanity and how I believe God designed us all to be.   One thing that sets Greece apart is found in the sacredness of the water that surrounds its country. The Sea has deep meaning for the Greeks, it is no wonder that the Temple of  Poseidon,  named after the God of the Sea is standing between the two merging waters of the Aegean and Ionian Seas.  After experiencing the islands and now this, I think I am beginning to get a taste of the peace that comes from the Sea. Especially sitting quietly on...

SPARTA! 😀 Today we went to the beautiful city of Nafplio.  Along with our trip to Poros, this is one of my very favorite places that we visit on this trip.   Nafplio is one of the most diverse cities in all of Greece.   Populated by the Italians, the Knights of Rhodes, the Turks, the Ottomans, and the Greeks, it is a beautiful melting pot of a   city,   both   in   architecture,   food,   and   tradition. Nafplio is home to a massive fortress on the top of a cliff, where there are just over 1,000 steps you must take to get to the top.  Many of our students braved going up the steps in the 101 degree heat today (and some smart people took the bus to the top instead 😉). Upon reaching the top, the reward is the gorgeous views of the Mediterranean.  Because today was like baking in an oven, it was also very hazy and harder to see the water, so I am using pictures from a trip a few years ago so you can see how lovely it really is....

WARNING!!! I say “beautiful” way too many times.. I had the privilege of waking up to a beautiful sunrise, on the Island of Santorini with some new friends, and I am full of joy! Ten of us chose to use our free day and book a flight to the island and stay in an absolutely beautiful resort called Dome. (@domesantoriniresort on instagram) As we sat on our balcony’s next to each other, we couldn’t find the words to describe how grateful we all were to be in Santorini. We kept reminding ourselves and each other saying, “We are, in this moment, right here. Soak it in!” So we did. Having breakfast sent to our rooms, clad in robes and slippers, carrying tote bags, and being given toiletry bags filled with local branded needs. We were all filled with glee as we passed these things around and were able to enjoy them!  After breakfast we lounged by the pool, taking pictures and enjoying each other’s company. Taking in every moment that was passing, enjoying the insane views all around us. Ba...

We love rest days in Greece, not only because we need them, but because they also allow us time to soak in this amazing country, culture, and people. We have all made incredible memories here, built friendships that will last a lifetime, and had adventures that we will treasure forever. This has been a life changing experience for everyone in our group in so many ways. As we sit here with our experiences, we must recognize the gratitude that we feel today. We are very grateful for The Greek Bible College. This place has been a sanctuary for these experiences that we now hold ever so close to our hearts. It has literally become our home away from home. In fact, I have heard us all refer to this place as home during our stay, especially after we have been out and about in Greece. Sometimes we even catch ourselves and correct it by saying.....well the Greek Bible College, but the simple fact is, it does feel like home! It is a beautiful place to be sure, and that is certainly one of the r...

 Today was a travel day. We started in Poros, and ended back at the Greek Bible College. From there some of us caught yet another flight for our day off tomorrow. While still in Poros we spent the morning continuing to do things that filled and refreshed us. For some of us this was riding the ATVs around the mountains, and others it was laying by the pool. The last thing we did before leaving was having a final meal together. And then back on the bus! Like many days, it was filled with travel and of moments to be present along the way.  As we’ve been traveling I’ve been thinking a lot about the discipline it takes to be present on the journey. In our modernized American culture we are so used to fast transportation and convenience that we rarely have time to slow down and be present. To not just love from destination to destination, but slow down long enough to enjoy the moment and notice how God is moving in our midst.  We know that so many of Jesus miracles were done no...