Getting here

Greece at last! But not without an adventure getting there. Trans atlantic flight...middle seat...person in front lying back all the way...being 5ft. 10in...need i say more. Oh, and a layover in Paris. But on the flight to Athens, the fellow sitting next to me, Dr. Wei Fu, told me everything I never wanted to know about tea, coffee, philosophy, medicine, ect. Well, i am at least more educated for the experience! All that aside, I got here and got over the jet lag, which wasn't too bad. Next day....Temple of Posiedon on the Aegean and the beach. I have swam in the Aegean sea. Heck, I've stepped on a sea urchin in the Aegean Sea, therefore I bled in the Aegean Sea, but this did not prevent me from still jumping off a boulder into the surf, then swimming back to shore. Quite amazing, really. The next day consisted of the Parthenon, Archaeological Museum, and picking urchin spines out of my toe. Today...getting lost in Athens with friends, but using my lousy Greek skills and my friend's postcard as a map, we managed to make it back to the hotel. Now planning weekends...what do you think....Crete, Istanbul, Islands, or Mt. Olympus?

I'm off at last!

At 7 tomorrow morning, I will be embarking to Greece...to a country I've always dreamed of going to. A new country, a new continent, a new adventure...how excited I am! Stay in touch everyone, more pictures and stories are sure to follow soon!

Poo eene ee banyo?

I have always thought that those travelling to or living in a foreign country ought to at least know a little of the language. This view has changed recently, as I have been trying fruitlessly to learn conversational Greek. The words are insanely long. For example, traveller's cheque is pronounced "takseedhyoteeka tsek". And I thought spanish was rough. But it gets better, the language has an entirely different alphabet that I am trying really hard to learn how to read...it's like being illiterate. At least I can ask, "Where's the bathroom"(poo eene ee banyo) , "How much does it cost"(poso kosteesee) and "Good Morning"(Kalimera) and "Coffee"(kafe!). Hmm, on second thought, maybe that'll do it.

Now I know I'm old...

I know...those of you who know my age (which is precious few) will laugh at me...but sometimes, I just feel so old. Allow me to explain. I've been serving as youth intern at my church for the past few weeks, and among my privileges was to go to camp...there I was placed in charge of eleven sixteen year olds who really thought they should call me Miss Carmen. I had to say no way, I could be your big sister....so then they took to calling me Mom. That was real freaky. When I was off guard, they'd call, "mom.....mom!" and that's not my usual title..so i didn't notice, then they'd scream, "miss carmen!" okay, enough you guys. Then I met Dave Edwards backstage...random. We talked for a few minutes, then he gave me his email and offered to come speak in Savannah sometime soon. Remember that he's about forty. Then back to church the next week...I went to the beach with the youth...as a chaperone. Oh no. The dating nazi in me came out again a couple of days later...but never mind that. Then I went to see my grandparents. Golly...here's what grandaddy had to say..."Carmen, I know you'll have an experience in Europe or wherever...Greece, that's the boot, right? (Is he thinking italy?) Anyhows, you come back soon, and I just can't wait for the day you settle down around here with a good man and have lots of great-grandbabies..."ect., Eww.
At least Mom is warming up to me a little bit. She's been encouraging lately, ever since I promised her that I still like men, though I'm not dating one, and that I rejoice in the singleness I am called to...whether it be temporary or for life. As i lamented to her of all my aches and pains, she advised thus: "you aren't old, Carm. People see you differently, because you aren't the same as you were four years ago....or even a year ago. I know it's strange at first, but that's part of you being grown up now...my, I cant believe I just said that..." Neither can I, mother!

I learn more when i teach

I've been blessed beyond belief this week as I have been a team leader for Impact, the camp the youth at our church attend each summer. God has taught me that there is hope for the church, and He has taught me to rejoice in all things. And I met Dave Edwards....but that's another story...and i'm really sleepy.