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