Thoughts from Liz - Day Two

Stressings and blessings. Really two sides of one coin. As we went around the table, the overwhelming majority of our stresses were also our blessings. The struggles that seem to threaten to knock us down are really just ways that God strengthens and cares for us in special ways to bring us to a closer dependence on Him and different ways to see His beauty in everything - difficult or not. 

Today was our first day in the stage 2 camp called Skala Sikamenia. This is the first stop for the refugees who are coming from the boat and shore. It's a 1.5 km walk/drive to the transitional camp from the beach and usually refugees will stay for only about 2 hours. When we arrived we inherited about 200 refugees from the night before because the other (next stage) camps were all full so the tents were filled up with cold and hungry refugees. So we sprung into action when we relieved the previous shift workers. Many of us stationed in different places around camp...food, ticket handout, clothing tent, bus riders, line holders, etc. 

Each of us had different experiences but one thing remained. We were dealing with people. Flesh and blood, just like us, we are just one tragedy away from being where these precious people find themselves now. It's heartbreaking and difficult to comprehend, but God is showing up in incredible ways. We all got the opportunity to chat with families, children, men...to show Christ's love in a very tangible way.

Kim, our trip leader, reminded us of the mission and parallels of Luke 10 (the Good Samaritan)and Matthew 25 (Sheep and Goats). We are called to clothe, feed, quench, and care for those in Christ's image who are in fact CHRIST himself. If we do, and more importantly, don't, the everlasting implications are severe. These passages remind us to be DOERS of the Word and not just hearers. It's incredibly evident here in this place, caring for these needs that we need to be doers. The Lord is bringing together the nations in this little island of Lesvos and God is calling each one to do their part. 

We carry Christ's name to those we come across here in Lesvos and we can't feel anything but blessed by this fact. 

We are thankful to represent Calvary (and Wellspring) here. Thank you for your prayers. We feel them. The burden is heavy, but with Christ, through your prayers they are made lighter. 

Thank you. Thank you. And thank you again. 

We love you. 

-- Calvary Greece Team 

Pictures of the Day! 

Skala Sikamenia. 

Our very makeshift, yet cozy kitchen!! 

The young man's tent in Skala outfitted by the UNHCR. 

From the lookout - foggy morning where you can't see Turkey + news of shipwrecks = slow day in camp. 

On the lookout for boats and dinghys.