From Hello to Avtio (Goodbye)~ A final reflection

How do you sum up a trip, or should I say an experience filled with so much detail, emotions and life changing memories? When I started on this journey, I never imagined the village that would be built along the way. Of course, I knew there would be fun, laughter, and even adventures but God has a way of providing more than we can ever imagine and he definitely showed up! Before I go through an entire box of tissues (I've already used quite a bit just writing this first paragraph) let me give you some of my personal highlights. 

Our village: God orchestrated each and every one of these beautiful faces to be on this trip, not individually but together as whole. Each one of us brought something unique on this trip, we were present and intentional with each other, we listened, encouraged, laughed, cried and learned together. Greece would not have been the same without this special group of people. 

The Greek Bible College: When we first arrived, this was just another brand-new experience and adventure. However, it quickly became home and a place of comfort to many of us. The grounds are so meticulously well-kept and the variety of flowers blooming smelled heavenly. I don't have a photo of them, but the STAFF are incredible. A huge shout out to all who went above and beyond to make us feel welcome and greet us with a musical "Kalimera" each morning!

      

Family mealtime and nightly walks for gelato: Whatever adventure we were on we ate meals together as a family. These were beautifully, intimate moments, and we always switched up the seating arrangement because we genuinely enjoyed talking to each other. There is value in sit down family meals and I don't think any of us will forget this priceless nugget from our trip. We also will not forget the endless yumminess of amazing Gelato!!

There were other golden nuggets as well, we all experienced them differently, but I am positive each one of us will resonate with the ones below on some level: 

                                    The special one-on-one conversations we were able to grab,

  The victorious triumphs we accomplished some physically, others emotionally, spiritually and even those unseen. 

Our roomie assignments- all I can say is God knew I needed this fun-loving adventurous girl from Montana as my roomie!! 

Witnessing our village come together and build each other up 

Capturing quiet moments of prayer or family bonding time. 

Papa Jones- I think I can speak for the entire group we are so grateful you joined us!! 

We made new friends........

Some were even unexpected!! (This little dude tried to come home in the taxi with me) 

We shared some of the most amazing adventures together 

Dr. Jones shared her love for Poros, ATVs and sparkling blue water with us

Dr. Lawson imparted wisdom on us and reminded us to love each other well. 

and lastly I will never forget the only person who remotely almost gave me a heart attack- Jen NOOOO!!!

We started out as mostly strangers, acquaintances at best but we aren't leaving the same way we came- we are a village (thank you Chelsea for the accurate description). We came here for our multicultural class as a full immersion experience. Yes, we learned a lot about Greek culture which is vastly different in some ways but very similar in others, just like people. It takes sitting with each other, being present and loving each other well to recognize and appreciate both: the differences and similarities. We also learned a lot about each other and ourselves; areas we are afraid to let go and let God, emotional triggers, spiritual needs and insight on how we process each of these. God laid it on my heart at the beginning of the year to make sure people are seen, heard and loved- this village in Greece has opened my mind and heart to countless more ways of being obedient to God by loving others well. Plus look at this sign from Poros.....I'm gonna take it as a gentle reminder! 

As the sun goes down tonight and this final reflection comes to an end, we do have one more day left- filled with laughter, tears, delicious food and a Toga/Birthday party (HAPPPPPY BIRTHDAY SLAIN!!) However, I decided to write my blog one day early so I can be present tomorrow and enjoy these last special moments before our village travels back home. The flight home will be different; the emotions will be mixed but our lives have been changed forever. Thank you "Glorious Friends!!" You are seen, you are heard, and you are most definitely loved. 

~Evelyn M.~