It's Monday evening and I've settled in with a nice cup of loose tea.  I've been going to a few shops for certain items consistently and have become on a first name basis with 3 so far.  Michael runs the video store, Natasa runs the mini mart that has basic needs like juice, peanuts, chewing gum and Helen runs the patisserie that has fresh baklava.  I see Michael about every 3 days, and same with Natasa as her store is across the street of Michael's.  I used to see Helen every other day but I've given up that desire.  Nearby is a large park, I think I've talked about it before.  All around the perimeter of the park are wonderful restaurants and the shops.  I've yet to go out to dinner because I just don't feel comfortable dining alone.

I've yet to return to work.  I've done a few small things, basically getting a game plan in line while I continue to recover.  It just amazes me how much strength the flu zaps out of one.  I woke up this morning with a cough again and out loud said "oh no you don't!  Sickness you're not welcome!"  I talk out loud to myself and the Lord a lot.  The many months before I was finally launched for the Greece mission position, I learned how to enjoy the Lord's company just us two.  I do pretty well as long as I communicate with someone during the day.  Good days are when I accomplish quite a bit, which leaves me feeling happy.  I feel like I've finally found my purpose, at least for this stage of my life.  Both boys are pursuing their own journeys and I pray I'll be a part of them, especially when and if grandchildren come.

I've been wanting to go visit Corinth where the Corinthian church started by Paul has much history now.  I looked on AirBnB, found a place with a private room and bathroom and I'm going Friday, returning Monday.  I'm looking forward to doing some sight seeing and catching up on I and II Corinthians.  Athens has so much history covering Greek and Roman periods.  One period of history I haven't studied is Alexander the Great and he deserves some study.

Last night I went and rented my usual 8 movies (they're 1.5 euros each or $1.65).  One of my friends said they thought Easter is celebrated at a different day than the Catholic and Protestant churches.  I don't quite know the difference between the Catholic church, the Greek Orthodox and the Russian Orthodox churches.  So when I went over to get some juice from Natasa and I asked her if next weekend was Easter.  She speaks english pretty well but didn't know what I was talking about.  I used hand motions to show the cross, nails in the hands, dying, then rising.  Then she understood!  I asked Michael the same thing and he had the same response.  Then he explained to me that they have a different name for it, pah-shuh.  It seems to be no big deal to most people I've met and talked with about this.

I was in a taxi recently and the driver spoke english really well.  It was nice to talk to someone who speaks so well.  We covered various topics and when it came down to religion, I mentioned that my solution was prayer the driver immediately became defensive.  He shared his opinion that it doesn't matter who you call the creator whether it's Buddha, Allah, God, etc... they're all the same.  I knew I wasn't going to get anywhere with this guy so I just shared that I too had wondered and when I prayed and asked for the truth, the creator answered.  I suggested he try it himself and left it at that.  I'm normally not the outgoing person sharing the gospel but after watching my close friend do it as if she were breathing air, I realised that I too could do that.  This was the first time I've come across someone caustic, but I know that I just planted a seed and the rest is up to the Lord.

Statistically Greece is 3% born again Christian and 97% Orthodox who have no clue about the bible.  That's the main ministry of Hellenic Ministries, to scour section by section all of Greece handing out FREE bibles in the current Greek language.  The orthodox church uses the old Greek and most people can't understand it.  So the goal is to share the gospel just like Paul did approximately 2,000 years ago. That is why I chose to answer their need for an accountant; I believe in their mission and don't doubt it comes from the Lord.  I love being at the office.  It's truly the body Paul used as an example to show us how we all have different gifts that when brought together power from the Lord comes and makes a difference.  I'm grateful to have a good support system.

I remember back in October when I was at a women's conference called Ruach (literally "God's Breath") and the Lord showed me a couple very important things about this new journey I found myself on.  The first was an exercise they had us do where we used a piece of paper and wrote a question or issue we're facing in the middle of the page, then ask the Lord to speak and write in the perimeter what He says.  I wrote my marriage.  I was surprised that I did hear from the Lord.  Mainly to let the Him deal with my husband and follow my journey.

The other thing the Lord reminded me was what my passion was back 25 years ago before marriage.  I was graduating with a Finance degree and my plan was to get my Masters in International Finance and move abroad to work and build a life.  It was so good to be reminded of that because I found that same passion rising up again! Only I'm 50 now and not really able to meet the physical demands of a full time career.  I was also reminded that I had told my sons that if I lost their father (thinking it would be to death but I suppose divorce will have to do) I would want to go to an orphanage and help take care of the children  I still have that desire.

I came to Greece to use my talents in accounting which the Lord gave me.  I do enjoy helping, but I'm finding that being involved with people gives me more satisfaction then financial statements and such.  This is the first time I've thought this, let alone written it.  I'm thinking an orphanage is coming soon.  But where?  Hmmmm.  I'll put the word out to my missionary friends and see if anything pops up.  As much as I love Greece and the lovely family-oriented people, I don't see myself learning this language.  It sounds like Russian to me.  Language never has been my strong suit.  I'm thinking a place where english, spanish, italian, french, or portugese is spoken.  It will be interesting to see what the Lord has for me!  Walking with Him is most certainly full of excitement and challenges, but it's so incredible to see Him move!

On a different note, I paid my hospital bill of 4 days and it totalled 5,500E which includes 550E cash that went straight to the doctors.  Part of their crisis here is there aren't enough doctors to take care of the people. So, if you want good care, you have to pad their pockets.  Vasso, my landlord's aunt who just stopped by to loan me her vacuum was telling me that doctor's salaries have been chopped to 1,200E per month!  That's socialism for you, not to mention national health care.  Every one has health care, but they have to have a job.

Once I get back to the states, my health insurance company told me they will reimburse me 100%.  I just have to make sure they get all the data they need.  And I pray there won't be any trouble trying to get reimbursed for the 550E cash I had to pay.  I did get a receipt for it, but need to check with health insurance company what all they need to pay the claim.

Hmmmm...winding down and need to prepare for tomorrow.  Think I'll curl up in my jammies and do some reading.  My prayer recently for myself has been "Lord, show me every idol in my life that is keeping me from hearing You; it is critical that I know and hear your voice".  See John 10:27.  It's enough to stir me into action, so should Matthew 7:23.  Check them out and see if it changes your hunger and thirst for the Lord.  I pray it will.  I pray you will take that challenge and find out a little more about yourself and your relationship with the Lord.

Bless you all,
M