Greece

Greece, May 2010. A trip truly designed by God. It was a safe and peaceful time as we learned about the culture’s history and about the early Church. We walked the roads told in Acts 16-20. It was incredible! Greeks are very hospitable. We stayed at the AMG International Center run by two brothers and their families. Our bus driver and tour guide were like a part of our team after all the hours spent in the bus and at the sites. Our adventures went from islands to the northern part of the mainland. We covered a lot of historical places!

There is so much history in Greece–we went from Mycenaean ruins to more Roman-era ruins…I felt overwhelmed even though I already knew a lot about Greece! I could not always hear or understand what was being said although I tried my hardest to lip read and stand in front near the speakers. But where my ears failed me, my eyes showed me. There was such beauty in the ruins, most often I got distracted by it. I could not believe how massive the broken columns were when you stood against them! Delphi was my absolute favorite place! The whole day was beautiful!

During my time in Greece, I felt like God was preparing me for something although I could not put my finger on it. Less than a month when I came home, the tumor on my 5th nerve doubled in size and I started chemo treatments in July 2010. That same week of chemo, I lost my friend in Iraq and another friend had a small stroke; I was having some roommate conflicts and my family was going through a difficult time as well. After work, I would drive to my favorite spot up at the foothills, look out at Denver and just cry. I felt like my world was crumbling, like the ruins.

Psalm 61:2 says, “From the end of the earth I will cry to You, When my heart is overwhelmed; Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.” Although during this time in my life I forgot about Greece (yes, even though it had only been a mere 2 months!), God reminded me of the ancient ruins and their beauty as He restored my ruins piece by peace.