Greeceful Gratitude


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 reasons that we love it, but it really is the people that make this place feel so much like home. From the moment we arrived here and all the days since, we have been loved and we feel it. Dominic loves on us by working tirelessly to maintain the most incredible gardens. We can breathe here, we can breathe deeply. This allows us to be present to ourselves and with others.

(Pictured: Viorica and Dominic Mayland)

Viorica (Dom's amazing wife), Ioanna, Olympia, Tonia, Maria, Olga (our incredible cook), Theodosis, and Katerina (our coordinator extraordinaire) help to prepare our meals, organize our excursions, translate for us and so so so much more. I do not know of any hotel that would do the things that they have done for us. They are gracious beyond words. It is not an easy task to manage a group this big, and they do it with such love and grace! We will carry their kindness and love all in our  hearts always. 

As we close or reflection today, we would be remiss, if we didn't acknowledge two very important people who have loved us into being on this trip. Dr. David Lawson and Dr. Tiffany Jones. A classmate called out today as we listened to one of Dr. Lawson's lectures "we love you Dr. Lawson" and we all concur!  Love is the embodiment of this man's existence. It flows from him effortlessly, and it is contagious! If you've ever prayed with him he typically ends his prayer with "Lord help us to love each other well." Some of us have even started praying the same way.

I had the opportunity to speak with Dr. Jones on the way to Greece. She shared how much she desired for us to  and the things that she is hoping that we all take away from it. I am writing to assure her that her labor of love has not been in vain. We have gained all she has desired for us and so very much more. She has the ability to hold space for us like none other and has taught us to do the same.

So one last time, we would like to thanks all of the people in our lives that have made this experience possible,....we are truly and deeply grateful! 




(Pictured: Dr. Tiffany Jones and Dr. David Lawson)

Sharlene Yuille




 


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