Greece: Between Athens and Jerusalem: My moment in Greece.

Last night, at our farewell dinner, I was talking to my professor's sister and she asked me two questions: What was the thing I hated about Greece and what was the thing I loved that I will remember forever?

I had very little to say to answer the first question but I managed to find something. I told her that I hated not knowing the language because it set such a barrier between me and the Greek people and culture. I also told her that I hated not being able to see more of the country.

Then, when thinking about my answer to her second question, I couldn't stop talking. There are so many things about this trip that I love and I will remember forever.

I think the most fun I've had on the trip has been at the soccer game in the Olympic stadium. Going with a small group of classmates allowed me to get to know more people, experience a whole new piece of the Greek culture, and really have some good hearted fun! I remember every detail of that night.

I will always love the life and energy and culture in the markets here in Greece, whether it was the farmers market every Friday or the flea market every Sunday. The city and the people became more alive and I loved experiencing that new life too!

Some of the most moving experiences I've had on the trip have been on our visit to the cemetery and my visit to the Orthodox church in Rhodes. Both places were incredibly spiritual and overwhelming for me but I was deeply moved by both. They are experiences that I will look back on later in life and have the same feelings I had on those days.
I will never regret waking up at 5 am to go and watch the sunrise over the acropolis and explore Athens with that entirely new perspective. Even though the clouds masked most of the colors in the sunrise, it was still vividly beautiful.

I remember looking out over Athens, standing where the Apostle Paul stood, and being in awe.

I will always remember (and be a little baffled) walking down dozens and dozens of streets lined with orange trees, having never expected to find anything like that here in Greece.

I will never forget the excitement I had when we first arrived and began exploring Athens. I will never forget the new friends I've made, what they've taught me, and how I've been changed. I will never forget the new people I've met and the Greek culture I've managed to pick up and hold on to while I've been here.