Finally!!  I conquered the METRO...mostly. After what started as a tough day I at least accomplished one thing that's been hanging over my head.  I followed the map, found the Metro, asked a nice gentlemen who told me what direction to go and off I went.  I met two new boyfriends today; it was a good day!  Seriously, I've never felt comfortable taking underground transportation in a land where I don't know the language. Especially Greek.  I made it to my destination but after that, all bets were off.  I did enjoy the touristy area.  It was full of life on a beautiful Sunday afternoon.  Honestly, I felt like I was in an Italian village.  It amazes me how different and yet how much the same these small countries are.  It really shouldn't be surprising.  After I walked around and got a cup of coffee (I refused to go into McDonalds, but did take a picture of it because there's something that's just wrong about McDonalds being in a country over 2,000 years old),  Today was the kind of day that would have been wonderful shared with friends, family or loved ones.

So, I got to my destination thanks to my new boyfriend's help, but once I got off the idea was for me to walk back to the previous Metro stop and get on there.  That went out the window the moment I saw how few signs there were.  I even whipped out Siri but couldn't get any kind of help following an underground train line.  Are you ready for it?  Here are the pics to prove I did what I said  :)

What a beautiful place to explore and experience the wonderful Greek culture.  At this point I pretty much gave up on finding the next Metro station and gave in to grabbing a taxi.  That's where I met boyfriend #2.  Salt and pepper full head of hair with light blue eyes that one could get lost in.  Too bad he was my taxi driver.  And no, I didn't ask him what time he got off.  Besides, I've been told that most of the married greek men do not wear their wedding rings.  Boyfriends are fun (I got that one from Dr. Teresa Vereb) but I've no interest in tying myself down at this point.  If there hadn't been someone behind me beeping as I was departing the taxi, I'd have asked him for a selfie like I did with the kind gentleman that helped me get on the correct Metro train.  All in all it was a fun few hours but whatever is going on with my sinuses has left me weak.  Good thing my doc gave me plenty of antibiotics should I find myself in need.  We'll see how I feel when I wake up in the morning.  

Hope you've enjoyed the photo's.  My new iPhone takes really good pictures!  Blessings, M

Yesterday I purposely got lost!  Yes, really.  I figured the worst thing that could happen is I'd have to get a taxi to take me home and the best thing was I could discover the flavor of each neighborhood, maybe even a treasure or two.  Nico and Bee told me that Athens is very safe and it's quite common to see even older people walking about.  So far I've felt totally safe and all the shop owners have been very kind.  I just followed busy streets to see what stores were along the busy roads.  Somehow I ended up half way across town and thanked God for Siri who directed me home!!  I got a lot of exercise, especially going up and down some serious hills.  All in all, it was a fun exploration.

This morning I woke up at 6:30 and was terribly nauseated.  I ran to the bathroom and grabbed the Bonine for seasickness and laid back in bed waiting for it to go.  I don't know if I ate something bad last night or what the problem was, but it really ruined my Friday.  Thankfully being in the mission field isn't like working for a company; they work with what the Lord provides and when He provides.  I stayed home all day praying that it's not a bad bug, which has been going around.  It's still bothering me, but I think I'll just have to ride it out.

Living in this big city is fascinating and so different from anything I'm used to.  Cars park on sidewalks and people walk in the middle of the road.  Most shops open around 9-10, close around 3 and reopen around 5.  Reminds me of Mexico and siesta's.  It's not bad at all once you know when and where.

My biggest battle to face and overcome is public transportation.  Really!!  They have buses and then they have the Metro which is under ground.  I know where the Metro is and how to get on it.  I just haven't done it yet.  Tomorrow, God willing my stomach is okay, I'm getting on the metro and taking a tour of all the amazing ruins of the city.  I'm so used to driving myself where ever I want to go, but here cars are a hindrance just like NYC because of parking, gas, and traffic.  There are many who use motorcycles as their mode of transportation. They are definitely practical and make movement around the city easier.

Now that I have my assignment mapped out overall, I'm ready to begin going to the different ministries and basically taking inventory of all the assets.  Some have already been done and I just need to verify them.  I'll tag the assets with an HM sticker that has an asset number.  They have one church in Crete which has assets.  I offered to go on my dime because I'd love to see what's going on in Crete and even a little sight seeing.

Not much excitement for the evening.  Just curling up with a cup of herbal tea and trying to take care of my stomach.

Blessings, M

So many things on my mind this evening.  I'll go chronologically.  I was so proud of myself Friday as I walked to the office without using my phone for direction, and I was successful!  I've never been directionally challenged, but then again I've never lived in a city similar to NYC.  The blocks are small and there are numerous ways to go each time.  I laughed about it originally when my "boss" told me to take my phone so I wouldn't get lost, but now I just laugh about it period because I find it humorous and it makes other people laugh too when I tell on myself.  I think that's the best part is the combined laughter, which always lightens everyone's hearts.  Well, those who have hearts that can be lightened, but I won't get into that now.

So, the day started off wonderfully!  I've pretty much got down what my assignment will be and I'm looking forward to doing it. I was waiting until today's staff meeting to be introduced and let the sub-ministry leaders know I would be coming to visit them as I audit all fixed assets of the ministry.  One of the sub-ministries is a ship; that is going to be very interesting to determine a value of that!  But I'll save that discussion for the actual outing day.

At the office I've been getting their system set up on my computer and bringing me officially on the Finance team.  I'm termed as an intern under Stephen who heads up the Finance department, but in the States we would call it the Accounting Department. Stephen's background is in Finance, as in financial planning.  He didn't care for accounting and took the least amount of classes required.  The really neat thing though is that God has provided him the accounting knowledge to oversee all areas of accounting and finance.  And, in the Greek language!  I took a double look when he showed me financial statements in US dollars and then in the Greek euro.  I vaguely remember translating financials from one currency to another way back in Advanced Accounting.  Stephen is pretty amazing in all he does, and he does it unto the Lord.  That's the best part.  He, his wife and 5 kids have to raise funds back home for people to donate to his ministry here. I need it as well and pray the Lord will place it on peoples hearts to donate to my time here helping this wonderful nation.

At this point I think I want to get to the point regarding spending a weekend in an unknown city as quickly as possible then jump to today's staff meeting and what I became aware of.  This past weekend I was supposed to be taken by my landlord on a little exploration to experience the Metro and see a touristy part of town.  I'm so used to driving myself wherever I want to go, and here most people don't have cars much like in NYC because of cost, parking, and traffic.  So they use the public transportation, which I desperately need to learn because I'm actually intimidated by it.  But, I suppose if I were to hop on a bus and ride it all day, I'd eventually either end up back where I got on or in a place where I would have to take a taxi to get home.  I walked out the door this morning full of confidence that I finally knew my way only to discover I didn't once again!!  UGH!! So, I pulled out my trust iPhone with a lovely gps in it and got to see some more of my neighborhood on my way in.  I was disappointed I didn't accomplish basically anything this past weekend, but it's ok.  I did rest and read.

Now on to today.  I waited until it was 8 a.m. back home and called a friend.  Then I tried both my sons but no one answered.  Wyatt was likely out on a quail guide and Jackson probably still asleep.  I know he has a mid term tonight.  I educated myself on the 3 month tourist visa limitations, aka the Schengen Area.  From wikipedia "The Schengen Area is a group of 26 European countries that have abolished passport and immigration controls at their common borders. It functions as a single country for international travel purposes, with a common visa policy. Joining Schengen entails eliminating internal border controls with the other Schengen members, while simultaneously strengthening external border controls with non-Schengen states." All Schengen entities are members of the EU, but not all members of the EU are Schengen.  Make sense? For example, Great Britain, Ireland and a few others are members of the EU but not Schengen.  

I then googled "How to (Legally) Stay in Europe for More Than 90 Days" and found how many wonderfully creative people have done just that.  You have to be out of the Schengen area for 180 days, 6 months, before you can re-enter.  I really want to go to Italy after I'm finished here, but it appears I will have to do some seriously planning before I go anyway,  Italy of course is a Schengen area AND an EU country.  Bummer.  I have always wanted to travel England, specifically up into Scotland where I have roots.  I may just do that.  All my travels will depend on what's going on at home and whether or not I need to return. I confess, I can't stand Florida in the summer with the heat and humidity.  I've lived there since 1984 and I am definitely ready for a change.  One good thing about being ok with living in many places is the ability to adapt under any circumstances.  That's me; Ms Adaptable.

Now for what's really on my heart making it heavy.  The staff meeting.  I have anxiety problems when I walk into a room of strangers and I'm supposed to introduce myself.  But I did it because I had to and I knew I was among friends.  They were discussing items that we all agreed we need to unify in prayer.  I almost fell over backwards when Janet brought up the horrible situation of a Christian family in Norway who had they're children taken from them.  All FIVE!  The government's first charge was that they were being "indoctrinated in Christianity", then when they learned the children were corrected with spankings, they've now charged the parents with child abuse.

I was going to comment on this whole issue of Christian parents spanking but decided it was too far off topic and deleted it all.  Back to this family.  Actually there are many, many more.  Sadly, and I mean no offense against one of God's creations, but the family's two girls were place in one homosexual home while the two boys were placed in another homosexual home.  The baby was place near the mother so she could continue nursing.  Why does the homosexual homes matter?  That's something you'll have to ask the Lord about. I believe the children need to be with their parents. Period. As it turns out, these "foster" parents are paid quite a nice sum of money for taking in these children. And, ever since these parents have turned to the Christian community, many more families are reporting the same thing.  It's finally getting the attention of EU leaders.  Go to Norwegian Gov't. Seizes 5 Children From Parents for ... to read more about it on church militant.com's website.

One positive thing about this horrific story was we discussed how strong and powerful the Greek Orthodox and Catholic churches are.  Sadly for years they've not wanted their parishioners to read the bible for themselves and have worked against groups like the one I'm with from spreading the bible.  But in this case, they have fervently defended the family unit and Greeks are definitely one culture who are super strong when it comes to family.  Not all members of these two organizations agree with everything they're taught and that's okay.  The truth is, God wants us to read the Word for ourselves so He can illuminate it in our heart and we will grow close to Him.  He tells us that "My ways are higher than your ways, my thoughts are higher than yours".

It really upset me to learn of Christian families being completely dismembered because they are either Christian or they spank their children.  I've read the bible and I know how it ends and if you don't already know, I'll tell you things are going to get much worse.  To the point where "even the elect would be deceived if it were possible" Matthew 24:24.  How many of you realize there are many sitting in church pews who do not know the Lord and they are not saved?  Jesus warned us about this in Matthew 7:23.  It is a frightening warning EVERY person should take seriously.  Also John 10:27.  You really should look these verses up and consider the context.

I have no idea who truly knows the Lord or who doesn't. I'm more concerned about MY relationship with the Lord then I am about trying to figure out if you do.  That's entirely up to you, and God has made it very clear that we are NOT to judge others.  We are to LOVE them, and by doing this, people will know we are His disciples. I'm more interested in loving others, especially those who haven't had an easy time with society coming against them.  I want to be His hands and His feet to the hurting and broken but also to those who have learned to put on a good face mask to hide the pain they've stuffed.  All of us have that; some just deal better with it. Now that I turned 50 this past year, I'm personally exhausted from wearing those stupid masks.  40 years of hiding is ridiculous!! I have family members who are in the homosexual community and they are the most kind and loving people I know.  Honestly I'd rather spend time with them than a self-righteous person 24/7.

So I end now at 10:07 ready for sleep, having shared a few heavy things that hit me today. I truly hope I do not come across judgmental or condemning in any way because I am the last one who should throw stones!  Okay then, that's my heart, take it or leave it.

Oops, one more important thing.  NBC news said ALL Americans will receive a microchip implant in 2017.  If you don't know the bible, you need to know about end time prophecy and the "mark of the beast".  Just google it and you should find it discussed in Revelations.

Blessings,
M

As I sit here tonight eating my dinner (burned cheese toast, and don't yell at me about it Mom), I'm reflecting over my day, the past couple weeks and this journey the Lord has me on.  I know from friends who have gone on week long mission trips that in the end, it's really not about what you do for the people you're helping but rather what God wants to do in you.  I knew that coming into this, but it is only hitting me now in at a greater depth of His Spirit moving in me.

I remember back in early spring wanting badly to get out of town and see some new scenery.  Life wasn't much fun back then.  It was a rough stretch in my life, but as always, when we run to God, He grabs us and holds us close pouring out loving comfort.  Many years ago I'd decided that if I were ever single again, I'd want to go to the mission field, maybe an orphanage, to grieve and fall into God's comforting arms.  Well, I found myself single again and prayed about which missions field did I want to explore.  Very quickly He answered and it was Greece.  I was surprised.  I was glad it wasn't some place terribly hot and sticky (just being honest here) but I didn't know much about Greece.  I knew some history from biblical studies.  Everything fit into place and it clearly was the Lord's hand in sending me to Greece.  I was ready to go back then, almost begging them when could I come.  As it turned out, it wouldn't work until after the first of 2016.  So wait is what I did and in the mean time I began preparing my heart and soul for the journey ahead of me.  I booked my flight using my airline miles and enjoyed my time with my sons and friends.

Now here I am, it is February 12th, I arrived in Athens on February 1st, and I'm relaxing after a wonderful day of experiencing life in a thriving city full country-wide of amazingly wonderful Greek people.  Today was a blast!!  For some reason I was really tired and slept hard last night, waking up late and rolling into the mission headquarters at 10 a.m. It's almost 8:30 and I feel like I could crawl in bed with a good book (and will do so directly after I complete this). These people, this culture, is amazing! There is so much warmth and kindness in each Greek I've had interaction with.  The lady at the bakery, the mini mart owner, the women's clothing store owner...all of them have been so friendly and reminded me more of Italians than anything else I knew.  Now I know there is a feud between the two countries so I don't want to put anyone down; I simply want to say they are both full of wonderful people.

As has come to be my custom, I know which direction I'm to head when I leave my apartment front door, but after that there are numerous pathways to go to the office.  I'm technically only 3 blocks away, but many routes to choose.  I think I've become so dependent on my phone map that I haven't been paying attention to what's around me and have thus become lost each and every day at some point through out the day.  It's become the office joke when today my "boss" sent me on an errand and reminded me to take my phone.  I thought it was in case they needed to reach me, but he laughed and said "in case you get lost".  I laughed so hard!!  I'm usually an excellent navigator and I love maps, but I'd become technologically dependent and couldn't tell you where I was or how I got there without looking at my phone.

Getting lost wasn't fun, but I didn't panic because I had my phone.  Yet I realized today how much I've actually enjoyed exploring new routes.  The headquarters is in the middle of Lydias Street so I can get to it from either direction.  Today I ended up (not intentionally) coming from the opposite direction and as I did, I came across a new baker and a lady's clothing store.  There were some lovely things in the store window and so I went in and ended up purchasing a nice teal angle cropped cardigan.  It was like finding a treasure on my daily adventure.  Well for me each day has been an adventure because I've never known how I was going to get to the office, LOL!  Yes, I did just now use a text lingo in a letter.  I have 2 english teacher friends who would hopefully correct me.  I never was great at English; always did better with math and science. If I tried to diagram a sentence it would be like me trying to translate Greek to English.

I'm looking forward to the weekend because I'm going to go on one of those red tour buses that takes tourists to the more important spots and allows you to get on one and off, then get on another one when you want. I've been here almost 2 weeks and I have no idea how far away the acropolis is or in what direction.  Tuesday was fun when Steve, my sweet young landlord, took me to see where to get on the "metro" train and how to purchase a ticket.  This weekend we're supposed to take a ride on the metro and walk in a nice district he thinks I'll like.  This kid has a bright future in front of him because he has 1. ambition and 2. natural people skills.  I call him my personal concierge.  Honestly, I could call him at 3 a.m. and ask him to bring me nyquil and he would!  How's that for service?  His English is almost perfect and he is always looking to take care of things.  I've given him some of the things I saw as a business CPA of what factors brought success to people and what businesses failed and why.  I've given him the positive things I see in him that bring success; things from an American's perspective.  He seems to have appreciated the positive feedback, and it's all been true.

Tomorrow begins another adventure!  And my pillow is calling my name.  Until next time, God Bless!!  M

Wednesday

Oh what a wonderful and tiring day!  I absolutely love these Greek people!  They are so kind and friendly.  Today my boss, Stephen, took me to the cell phone store and we replaced my sim card with a Greek sim card so I'll be able to use my phone anywhere on the islands.  I tried to avoid it, but Verizon wanted to charge me $10/day to use their international travel plan.  Yikes!  That would add up fast…just think of what I could do with $300.  I made it fine on my way to HM today, but when I had to run back to my flat to get my passport for the sim card, I got lost.  I at least have my address and the ministry's address so I can always grab a taxi if I'm in a pickle. I'd normally laugh at how silly I must have looked walking around looking at my cell phone for directions, but everyone else is doing the same so I guess it's normal.  Who knew!  I decided to download Google maps because they show you area landmarks like grocery stores, banks, etc…

I think I'm going to have to get me one of those granny carts that you put your heavy items in to haul it all the way back to where you live. I also learned today that I can order on Amazon.co.uk which is different than the US version.  Maybe I'll find one on amazon! I read one suggestion when packing for Athens, Greece was comfortable shoes because the pavement is not level.  Crooked would be a better description, but it sure is good for the derriere going up and down the hills.  Those stupid alley cats are driving me nuts when they start their mating calls at night!  Sara from the center told me there are areas of wild dogs and areas of the cats.  I'm not sure which is the lesser of two evils?

Now that I've got my phone working properly and my laptop is also, I'm able to start taking a look at the finances and the issues that need addressed.  Poor Stephen, actually poor Mary, his wife.  They have four wonderfully behaved children who are in the school system here.  Right now two of their kids have chicken pox.  Oh I remember those days.  I think I better find out more about that shingles shot. My mother had an awful case of it and I don't want to go through that.

I must say, I'm pretty darn tired after a full day of finally looking under the hood, so to speak.  When one of the volunteers asked me what I did, I told him I am an accountant and I'm here to help compile the ministry's fixed assets.  He just sort of looked at me with a pathetic look on his face and said "I wish you well, sister" followed by a sorrowful comment about working in the finance department.  I said "oh no, I love what I do!  God created me for this".  I love looking at maps, putting puzzles together, and creating financial statements. lt's been quite an adjustment being 7 hours ahead of my friends and family in the US.  I received a nice text from Jackson today, even told me he was praying for me.  I love my boys and I'm excited to see what journey life has for them.

I'm fading fast. Think it's time for a cup of tea and maybe some reading, if I can stay awake long enough.  I love that the office doesn't really get going until 9:30-10:00.  Sure beats 8:00 a.m. any day!!
Blessings, M

Wow, it's been 10 days since I last blogged.  Time sure flies when you're learning new things and trying to get with the flow of a new city.  So far this trip has been good, but it's certainly not been without paying attention the cultural differences.  The Greek people are wonderful!  They are kind and friendly.  Of course with my face, I can fit into just about any culture except asian and africa.  It's a delight to have a woman approach me, asking a question in Greek.  I'm not used to being without transportation so I have to learn how to use their metro system and their buses.

My flight coming from Atlanta to Rome was really good  I was surprised that I was actually comfortable in the cheap seats.  In fact, I purposely selected the seats in the very back of the plane in hopes of being able to get some extra space.  As it turned out, I had a window seat and no one next to me.  The 5 hour layover in Rome was tiresome but it went by quickly.  The airport in Rome was a great place to people watch!  I heard people speaking Italian (of course), French, Greek and a few fellow english speakers.  I sure do envy people who can pick up second languages without a problem.  That's one gift I'd love to have.

Once we arrived in Athens, I went to the luggage carousel and got both my bags.  With two large bags and a carry on for my lap top, I dragged all my stuff out to the curb wondered how on earth was I going to find Steve, my ride and landlord while I'm here.  I walked around a bit outside, then saw this young gentlemen coming towards me.  I asked if he was Steve and voila! I found him.  Well, actually he spotted me but I gave him a  pretty good description (look for someone your mother's age, in a grey sweat suit, looking like their lost.  That will be me!)  It worked all right and I have truly been blessed by this 27 yr old young man. By the time we made it to the apartment, I was practically delirious.  I unpacked a few things and then decided I needed to get in bed.  About 1 am I awoke and was freezing!!  I put on layers of clothing and didn't get warmed until I got under the nice thick quilt.

I purposely came a week before I would be needed to give me time to adjust to a 7 hour time change.  SO very glad I came early and Steve had already stocked the kitchen with a few food staples because I knew I wouldn't be going out in the first 4 days. So my first night was definitely an interesting night, which I expected.  I am so glad I purchased a 110 converter because my phone needed charging and that was after I had used my external battery pack.  I was up until 4 a.m., dozed off a few times but finally got myself to the bed for a good night sleep.  The funny part was the Greek tv channels.  Steve told me most of the tv stations were in english but I could only find one and it was a bad horror flick.  Those who know me know I will not watch a horror movie, gives me bad dreams.  So as I was unpacking some, I let the tv run in the back ground with the volume down.

I think anytime we step out of our comfort zones, we learn a lot about ourselves.  Such as I don't like tom cats screeching in the middle of the night; they sound awfully much the same as a baby crying sometimes  The very first night I heard a guy on the street walking his dog and the dog wouldn't shut up  Now I love cats and dogs, but I don't want to hear them when it's bed time.  I went in to the office Friday for a few hours.  Everyone who works at HM are wonderful. I'm looking forward to getting to know them. There are people from all different parts of the world working in there and it's fun to be around them!  I hadn't thought about church on Sunday so ended up hanging out at the apartment and reading.  There are two churches I was told to try and I will need to learn how to use the metro to get to some.

One morning a couple days ago I work up at 5:45.  I was just awake and pondering whether I would get up or turn over and try to go back to sleep.  All of the sudden my iPhone was face timing into me and it was my parents who live in Nevada.  They were getting ready to go to bed and I was getting ready to get up soon enough.  My parents have made it a priority to learn how to Skype and use face time do they can stay in touch with me.  I  had an hour conversations with them.  At first my screen was dark, then I turned the light on and they could see me.  I know by the time this is over, I'll be really good at messaging.

Yesterday I asked Steve (my landlord) if he would show me how to get to the metro.  I felt so much safer walking around with someone than I would trying to find it myself.  The Greeks are so friendly, all I have to do is ask and they smile and tell me.  But I hadn't worked up my nerve to go exploring.  It's funny, but my biggest concern is getting lost.  A friend suggested writing down the address and taking it with me.  If I get lost I can always get a taxi.  Now that's a brilliant idea!  I've been going out exploring a little bit more each time.  My big test will be to take the metro to one of the other stations and come back home. I'm trying really hard to notice landmarks and pay attention to where I am.  Steve took me to the metro last night and showed me where to buy a ticket and where it went.  He's actually a really good teacher!

I finally got my phone on the international plan thru Verizon, which happens to be $10/day.  Yikes!  The ministry has a cache load of used burner phones and they are going to give me one for making calls in Greece.

Thank you everyone who has downloaded WhatsApp, which offers free wifi talk, text and photo features. It just gets so expensive using Verizon.

Until my next adventure….
M