entry 1

Kalamera!
Our feet have touched down in Athens . First impressions… well let us see…. We drive on the wrong side of the road! We quickly discovered that boardies and thongs are a no no this time of year. HA HA! But we have adjusted and changed into our winter woolies!
We have tasted some Greek fine cuisine… kebaps, awesome delicious ice-cream, yoghurts, strawberry juice, tsikhi, white butter and were grateful to have an awesome home cooked meal by the Cottrell family!
Our first day at the Tea House was full of suprises. We were a bit nervous and excited, but the team here made us feel right at home. Some of us worked in the kids room, some prepared food in the kitchen, and others spent time getting to know some of the refugees and hear their stories.
Kate met a lady from a place starting with B (oh yes forgot to mention just how precise were aren’t!). She was happy to share her story with Kate. She used to be an opera singer and is living in Greece to try and earn money to have eye surgery. She was very excited to discover that they were sisters in Christ and vowed to pray for Kate everyday. What an amazing faith and commitment despite the circumstances in her life!
Melissa spent her time in the childrens room, meeting kids that come from all over. She attempted some greek words but didn’t get too far! LOL. During this time she enjoyed playing with the kids and watching “bibleman!” One of the only words we all had in common. It was amazing to play with the kids and observe their interactions between one another. Some spoke different languages but still found a common ground in their play and managed to communicate with each other in a very special way.
By the end of our first day we were all exhausted and jet-lagged. That good ol hard working Aussie spirit had us working as soon as we set foot on Greek turf! Its great to see the way God has brought together such an awesome team of permanent missionaries here in Greece to work with refugees. They all have huge hearts for this ministry in serving refugees as many of them make Greece their first stop along the refugee highway!
We have created some rules of survival in Athens :
1) Always run across the road
2) NEVER flush the toilet paper
3) Always look both ways on the footpath
4) Eat what you can, when you can, whenever you can
5) Park wherever you want
6) No such thing as a one way street
7) 4am group toilet 0'clock
8) Wear your bike helmet on your elbow
9) Booty-licious bums amply covered for culturally sensitive activities
10) six light switches and 8000 steps to the toilet.
Well we better head off home….
Chat soon
Love Melissa and Kate