Athens 2024

I must admit that not that many years ago, I would have found a title like "Athens 2024" to be quite confusing.  I never dreamed that Athens would be a place I would return to over and over - that it would be so familiar that I wouldn't have much need of a map.  And that not just places would be familiar - but also people.  

So here we are again in Athens - on our way to Panagouida, Lesvos, a little town on a little island where I have now spent nine weeks of my life.  I just have to say again that I did not see this coming.  God doesn't just give GOOD gifts - He gives SURPRISES.

So, SURPRISE, here we are again in Athens.  Here are some highlights from this visit.

This is the private "hotel" where all nine of us stayed.  It was close to the evangelical church and so convenient to the best parts of Athens.  It was also unbelievably cheap and included a fridge totally stocked with food.  

Of course, we didn't cook food at the hotel when Athens was beckoning.  Here is our group's first meal together.  A guy on the street said he'd take us to the best restaurant in town.  We were skeptical and a little annoyed that Darren said we'd follow him, but this place was called Ionos, and it may very well be the best food I have tasted in Athens!  I had this pasta which was called Penne Oionos, which I noted in case I'm ever in town again (and right now it seems likely).  

One "new" thing on this trip to Athens.  Look what I found at a yummy fast food restaurant called Potato King!

We visited Damaris House, a home for women who have been sex-trafficked (most are refugees). A group from our church is going to volunteer there in February 2025, Lord willing. 

And also Bridges, a ministry to refugees that our church has been involved in for some time. 

We also visited the evangelical church in Exarchia 

And though I've seen both the church and this interesting part of town, this time four of us got to attend on Sunday morning.  The rest of our group went to the evangelical church near downtown.  They have to be careful not to have to many outside visitors show up in Exarchia.  It doesn't sit well with the anarchists. 

What's missing here?  Due to an error in communication, we did not even make it to the Parthenon this trip.  Of course, we saw it from a distance!  You can't miss it!