Because of the fusion in my neck, they ordered an X Ray. I asked how long till that happened. 1 hour. Great. So I laid down on the hospital bed and next thing I know the X Ray tech is waking me up 1 hour later for my X Ray. I was so exhausted that I couldn't think straight. After the doc ruled out I didn't have drugs in my blood, he finally treated me better. I asked him for a shot of Tylenol. It's worked before, so much better than orally. I told the doc I was a missionary, then looked him in the eye and asked him if he knew what that was. He said yes, that he was a Christian. And that was the end of that.
I checked out with a 300 Euro bill to pay and caught a cab back to my flat. I slept for 5 hours. It was worth it. My next fun project was to pack up 3 months worth of clothing starting with my winter coat since I was there Feb. 1st and now it was May and beautiful out. I had no strength to do it. My dear sweet friend Theoni came over and she packed both my large bags up. I was so grateful! Little things like that mean so much. I can't wait until she gets here the end of August. She has two weeks off and at 32, I want her to see the U.S. I'll have to line her up with some of my younger friends.
I was able to get a better connection on Lufthansa, but had to leave for the airport at 4:30 in the morning. Those who know me know I consider that an ungodly hour. But, I had insomnia so why not! I tried to get my landlord to take me but he couldn't. Theoni again to the rescue offered, then she had to work all day at the ministry as a receptionist. Bless her Lord. I didn't even go to sleep. No point. I was all packed and when she arrived off we went. We got the Lufthansa and were checking my bags in. I was so grateful she didn't just drop me off because Greek is a very difficult language and she is fluent in english too. Check in is different in Greece. In fact, many, many things are different. When we went back to get my ticket I realised I didn't have my new iPhone. I freaked. I had my mac air so could communicate where there was wifi. I thought I left it in the flat so she would go back and get it, then overnight it to me. Ok, all figured out so I hugged her, kissed each cheek Greek style and said good bye for now. I got to the gate and sat down. Next thing I know they call me up to the desk. I went and they hold out my phone and ask if I'm missing it. I couldn't believe it!! I put my thumb in to turn it on and they gave it to me.
Later I found out what happened on Theoni's end. She went to her car and saw my phone on the seat. Thank God the girl is 32 and works out. She sprinted into the airport and went straight to a policemen. He directed her to Lufthansa. She wanted to give back the 40 euros I'd given her but they wouldn't accept. I told her to keep it. Lufthansa got the phone to the gate and that's the end of that story.
My time in Greece was AMAZING! I learned so much living among another culture, which is what I wanted to do. I learned about the Greek Orthodox church and how it is different from the Catholic church. I would have preferred Italy, but the Lord put Greece in my path. (Rome is my favourite city in the world, especially St. Peter's cathedral). I love the Greeks too. Alexander the Great conquered the known world by 29; that's incredible history. I'd been to Athens before so had seen the Coliseum and the Acropolis. It just didn't mean as much as the Roman antiquities do to me. One thing I found interesting is in Greece and most of Europe, people don't go clubbing to party. They go out late like 10 for dinner, drink coffee (i couldn't stomach it, too much acid) and they visit.
In my neighbourhood, in the centre was St. Thomas' church and a big square where there were many different tables covered by umbrellas where the surrounding restaurants would bring out food and drinks. There was a play ground for kids and grass for football (soccer). I think they've got the right term of football because no hands are used. I don't know why we picked up football as we call it in America. Anyway, after 10 you see families with children, elderly folks and young folks all having a great time. I think it's better than going to bars personally, but what do I know, haven't been in one in 27 years. There's real conversation and connection with one another.
At this point I don't know if I'll continue using my skills and talents God gave me to serve Him more on the mission field. I didn't have any culture shock. Actually, they told me the insomnia was reverse culture shock and that made sense because I had built a family, vendors and friends in my neighbourhood. They're such kind people. It was funny how I'd walk in a store and they'd greet me with Yasso, which means how ya doing. I'd look at them and sometimes respond the same but when I saw hello in English, all the sudden I was royalty or something. They all wanted to practice their english on me. When I was in the hospital, one nurse spoke to me in english, but told me she didn't speak english and I said YES YOU DO, you're doing it right now!
It kind of bothered me that I wasn't helping any one personally, but I realised that to account for donations and organise each team, there is no ministry. Companies can't operate without a finance or accounting department. So my role was/is important. I had the best boss and his wife over me. Stephan and Mary are from Georgia. They have four kids. I saw how much Stephan sacrificed for that ministry and I knew that Mary was sacrificing just as much raising 4 very intelligent inquisitive children at home. The Lord showed me early on they were a team. I spent one day before I left with Mary and told her what I had been shown. She teared up and told me that when she was selecting a major in college, the Lord told her it didn't matter what she chose because He was calling her to be a wife and mother! Bravo Mary, Bravo!! (the Greeks use Bravo a lot; the also say "ney, ney, ney" often and it means yes, yes, yes. That one had me confused for the first week. I was thinking you're saying ney, but your nodding your head?
Well, that's all I have to say about my incredible Greek missionary trip. I really would like to go to Italy, but perhaps on a shorter term and spend more time exploring. I have no idea what God has in plan for me, but my favourite verse that I count on is Romans 8:28 "God works all things together for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purposes". It's going to be good.
Blessings, Plumbless
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