Hot Wives and Heat Waves

It hardly seems possible that is has been one week tomorrow since we returned from overseas. We spent the first half involved in some atypical mission work in Hungary. I'm purposely vague about it here, but let's just say it's the most stressful and intense 10 jet lagged days I experience every year, and it doesn't involve any type of evangelism.

After having been involved with all sorts of missions: week long evangelistic, leading summer missions trips for youth groups at a camp all summer, and work-camp type ministries--I firmly believe that the two types of missions that seem to be most effective are those that provide support and relief to groups, churches, and individuals who are invested in long-term ministry in a particular location OR those that provide direct relief/work to those in need. I just haven't found the various types of evangelistic week-long mission trips that I went on as a youth and college student to be anything but intrusive to most people and not in keeping with my leanings toward community and relationship rather than save 'em and leave 'em philosophies I've sometimes witnessed.

Anyway, following our mission time, we try to take advantage of already being in Europe and do some traveling, and by that time we both need it! This year we spent a glorious 9 days in Greece. There are some unique life circumstances of ours that make this feasible financially. It blows our mind that three years ago, neither my husband nor I had a passport, and now we've done missions abroad three times and been able to travel over a large portion of Europe, as well.

While we were in Greece, they had century record highs. I thought it was hot at the Acropolis (110 degrees!), and then a few days later when we hiked Acrocorinth (114 degrees!). But what I enjoyed most about our trip were the moments where we were around nothing more historical than a tiny rural village where people have lived for millenia going about their daily lives.

I adored the secluded beaches, the one tavern towns, the old Greek men flicking their worry beads, the arid mountains surrounded by fertile olive groves. It was much needed, and highly rejuvenating. As is my custom, I have great difficulty putting into written word how I feel everytime I return from travelling. It is life changing and yet seems so mundane when you put it into words. So, I'll let some pictures speak for themselves. You can see them here.