Lessons and the Day Off

After a few days of hard work between a couple more shifts at Moria and a 24-hour at Skala we have a day off. We are planning to go and explore the nearby city, enjoy some local delicacies, maybe snorkel, etc. It'll be nice to just relax a little and spend some time enjoying this awesome island.

 This trip has been harder and different in so many ways from the last time I was here. Here are a few of those ways...

• The. Heat. Wow has it been warm! Warm might be an understatement. It's been right around the 100s each day and one day I even had salt stains on the back of one of my tank tops. It's been a whole new level of hot and our team is having a GREAT attitude considering. It's a huge perspective-giver when we realize we get to come back to air conditioned rooms while the refugees for the most part must just sweat it out in their many layers of clothes. 
• Relationally "Draining". It's been a lot, relationally, which has been interesting. Sean and I were talking at breakfast yesterday and he said, "this has been the simplest yet hardest thing to go into Moria each day." It's so true. It's easy since there's not always an agenda of things that need to get done, but just sitting and hearing the stories and experiencing life with these people who are so misunderstood, so pigeon-holed, all but forgotten if not for the media and sheer numbers, is taxing on your soul. How do you carry the weight of these peoples' worlds on your shoulders to help them know you care and are willing to help carry the burden!? Well, in a couple words, you can't. We must be vigilant in prayer each day in order to make it through. 
• Busy. Our days are long. We are pulling 3:30-11s at Moria where we play with kids, talk with adults, hang tarps, serve food and tea, give out info, check in with people, etc. At Skala, we pull 24s. 7 am to 7 pm. We pretty much man the camp. Sometimes there are tasks to complete but for the most part it's just sitting and being ready for whatever and whoever may show up. You are pretty much alone and isolated up there in the mountain, but for the trips down to the little port town. Yesterday we were able to help with some beach cleanup with another camp down by the beach. A boat load of trash came in and we helped unload it. That was a nice time-passer. We don't sleep well on those cots, but they are something and again, it helps to put everything in perspective as to what the refugees go through on a very regular basis. 
• God is Absolutely at Work. God is so good. I saw Him last time for sure but this time He is showing just a few more glimpses of His intricate plans.He brought the nations to one place and has allowed us to work with them, especially nations we wouldn't previously be able to reach. WHAT A PRIVILEGE. The way that God works is so mysterious, but all of what we are experiencing either points us to how refugees may be feeling to give us deeper sympathy or shows us a little glimpse of what God is doing. I can't even believe that this is all happening and how many times you can see that sliver of silver lining in such hopeless situations. It's all because of our powerful God who knows and sees and cares about all things.

Keep on praying for us as we enjoy a little time off now. We are eager to recharge and explore a little. We love you all, miss you all, but are so thankful to you all for your continued support and love. 

- Liz on behalf of the June Greece Team 

(Sorry if there are a million errors, I'm typing this on my phone's tiny screen)

Also I'm so sorry I am unable to upload pictures well on the devices I am using. I will do a big picture post once I figure it out!!