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travels to America

 

It has been a while but big plans have been forming! We have been planning a big trip to America to attend at least 3 major conferences on Human trafficking. I'm very excited to have the opportunity to see new places but to meet so many different people, all united under one cause. Here is my travel plans:

 

Sept 4 Dep at 6.30 m arr 5.43pm in Rochester

Sept. 5-8 Rochester, NY, Edgewood FMC

Sept 9 Dep at 6.13 pm arr 7.05 pm Chicago

Sept. 11-14 Nashville, TN, Trevecca University Conference

Sept 15 New South Churches with Tamra Balzer

Sept 16 pick up and drive to WL

Sept. 21-22 Titusville, PN, Titusville FMC

 

With Ginger Coakley

Sept. 28-29 Glen Carbon, IL, The Bridge Church

Sept. 30 Greenville College Chapel, Greenville, IL

Oct. 1, 2 Stay with Ginger, connect in Gateway.

Oct. 3-7 Atlanta, GA - travel with Ginger

Oct. 8-10 – Winona Lake

Oct. 11-12 Spring Arbor Conference on Human Trafficking,

. . .

Oct. 17-20 Possible McPherson KS at several universities

 

Oct 25-26 Oakbrook, IL

Oct 27  Greek Church Chicago

Oct 28 Dep 2.00 pm arr 12.20 noon in Athens 1029

 

I now have the opportunity to create small short documentary clips (big thank you to Set Free Movement for that) and I have just began working on them! hopefully they will be available soon. until then please view this short clip that was made for the Set Free Movement.

 

http://vimeo.com/57204083

A new chapter begins in my life one that consists of me stepping outside my comfort zone. The picture you see above was taken at the headquarters of "New Life" an organisation in downtown Metaksourgio. This is a dodgie area of Athens and you would not want to walk alone there at night. New Life's work consists of reaching out to women who have either been misled or forced to work in brothels or on the street. Each story differs and each woman is sacred. I have found that there is no easy fix when approaching this issue and it takes commitment to see life's changed.

Remember when i told you of the school that Streetlights was working with, the one with the 13 to 17 year olds group that consisted of individuals from all different countries? One evening when I was with Nea Zoi on an outreach on the streets, I thought something looked familiar, I was walking on the same streets I would walk to go to that school. This thought haunted me, the same kids I would hang out during the day, could end up working some day on these same streets. Or how I could end up talking to a woman and she could end up being a sister or a mother of one of the kids I see in the school.

At that moment I felt the urge to dedicate my heart to that area. I've been talking to a lot of people who are either trying to begun something there or have been working in that area and I've began partnering with them. I feel as is its almost like relief work of an entire area. There are a lot of hate crimes happening each day, new brothels opening up, and young children being placed at risk.  And I just feel compeled to do something about it.

A BIG thank you to all who have supported me so far it is very encouraging to see how many people have faith in what it is I do. I could not have come this far withought your support.

School work? What...?!

I present to you a group photo of the 2nd Diapolitistiko School of Plateia Vathis.

Within the photo you can see four of our volunteers with lots and lots of young smiley faces (this was suppose to be a funny picture)!

I get a lot of questions with my use of the term 'School Work.'  Therefore, I'm going to take the time to explain its meaning.

Each week, I begin by posting a request (like this) on facebook:
"One of the projects that Streetlights frequently does is a broad social work in school of Bathis Square (a depressed area of Athen's center). It includes a two hour weekly program and there is a need for VOLUNTEERS ... hint, hint. The activity operates on Thursday from 2 to 4 in the afternoon and 22 kids ages 13-15 years old participate on average. If someone is interested and speaks Greek, please send a message to get in touch!!!"

I stay open to the fact that a lot of people want to participate in projects that have to do school, so I try to keep a look out for such people :)

After that I move along to create an outline of what the time scheduled will be (I try and make this as clear as possible), this way all the volunteers know what to expect and know what will be required of them. I try to avoid any confusion since we are dealing with a large group and we need the team to be on the same page, focused on what each team member will be doing.

The schedule usually looks like this:

THURSDAY SCHOOL PLAN.2:00pm – 2:10pm Arrival and chill with the kids. Balloon animals?2:10 – 2:30pm Ice breaker games. 22:30 – 2:50pm Watch the movies from last week. Laugh.
2:50 – 3:00pm Break. Chill with kids. More Balloon animals?3:00 – 3:05pm Get into 4 groups.3:05pm – 3:50pm ain activity: The “MUSIC VIDEO”.3:50pm – 4:00pm Icebreaker and finish off.

Each team leader is given a paper with the schedule. Before we go to the school, we like everyone to debrief together and make sure everyone has an understanding of the plan. Usually when we arrive at the school, the students can be found "all talking at the same time" or blowing off steam by hitting each other - their actions are similar to unsupervised sibling relations. Therefore, in order to create peace and some sort of order we begin by asking the students to tell us what the team's values should be! We remind them our simple answers: to enjoy our time together, to respect one another, no hitting, or swearing, to listen...etc. Furthermore, each time we go to the school we take time to remind the whole group that these are the teams values and this is what we live by.

Why do we do video? Its a very current topic, it teaches each student a skill, it gives a quick reward, and its something they can't find anywhere else.

Prayer needs:
We would love to be able to continue next year running this program, by increasing the days we go to the school (from one to two).  Also, we hope to have an end of the year festival.

On another note I want to share two videos that Isaac Owen has made during his visit with us. These are just two small clips that show the school work, streetlights, and my house! please enjoy and do follow Isaac's small video adventures as he continues to travel!

Video #1: Streetlights / My Home

Video #2: School Work / Streetlights

just a fast update

i have two things to share with you today

on Friday the 29th we plan to have life web-streaming during our youth cafe that has a focus on fundraising. You can assess this on:
www.streetlights.gr
we will be going live at 7pm our local time till 10pm. This will be a small preview of our youth cafe is and the crazy events that take place. We are excited to have a lot of young bands and musicians sharing their art, so join in if you can :)


Meet the legends

is a small introduction video of the school work Streetlights has begun in Platia Bathis. We are very very very blessed to have partnered with this school and are very privileged to become friends with the students there. We hope to expand our programs there come September, until then enjoy the smiley faces.

school work beginning

just a small update on recent events:
today is the day!...
today a group of four volunteers from Streetlights began their first hours of school work.
We went to a school in an area called "Vathi Square" which is known to be a rough -even ghetto- area of down town Athens. We entered a school that is known for its students being foreigners. For most of the students, Greek is their second language. The room was filled with 20 students, all of them around the age of 13-14, boys and girls. And we were given 2 school hours to run our after-school activity ; which focused on filming. We spent some time getting to know the students and setting some ground rules and principles that we all agreed on, after that we spent some time in front of the camera so the students could feel comfortable. It wasn't long until the room was filled with laughter and smiles; it was a great experience to meet each and every one of these kids and just hang out with them for two hours on a Thursday afternoon. Our plan is to continue our weekly two hour visit up until the summer and to end our season with a bang; we will be having a party where we can show all the wonderful talents that were brought to the surface!

Here is an snapshot from today's class: our volunteers Philemon and Babis heading off a discussion on what the kids would like to create with this opportunity. :) 

long time no see

Hello reader,

It has been a while since I wrote a little update on my life. It's hard to sum up all the experiences and memories into one major post. It might be pointless to do so. As many of you are either reading this for the first time or have read previously other post but have forgotten.

Who am I? I am a 21 year old trying to figure out what to do in life and how to get things done. I work with many people and love meeting new people all in the hope of change. Changing my view/heart/understanding of life but also in the hope that I may affect those around me. I hope to make the world a brighter place. I work with an Organisation called Streetlights, located in down town Athens. This organisation's target is to help young people express themselves creatively/emotionally/physically/spiritually and they do so in many many different ways. From small groups, to training people to film and make videos, or even creative outdoor flash mobs or day trips. We now even have a small Youth Cafe that we run twice a week, with activities such as board game nights, karaoke, or live music and of course a free cup of chocolate is given to anyone that will receive it. This is one way of change occurring.

This type of organisation is not something that you will find easily. It's made out of strong individuals who  believe in change and believe that change begins first  in ourselves. This group gives me hope, for a better tomorrow. Because if the world had more groups like this one so many needs could be met. So I can proudly  say I am a streetlighter.

Something new has entered my world recently, the idea and possibility of creating a documentary. Not just any kind of documentary but one that focuses on a social issue that is much larger; not only does it affect Greece but the whole world. Many people live off of this issue and build mansions and castles. It has to do with social injustice, that many are trying to address and do something about. I am speaking about modern day slavery. The business that makes more money than any man should ever need. Trafficking of women, young girls, and even children. In the beginning I wasn't sure how to approach this issue but over a period of time I came to see how by filming and creating such a documentary could in fact bring about change. Greece is affected by this issue and it is sad to see how ignorant the majority of the population is about this issue. I must admit I'm excited to see this opportunity unfold. And to see what other opportunities present themselves.

Living life isn't enough. The question that keeps going off in my head is "what is of worth", looking back on my life I want to see things that are of value to myself but others. A big house with a nice yard and a white fence isn't my understanding of life, but a life filled with self-fulfilment and purpose is. The ways we reach our goal is not as important as the goal itself, but are equal in value. The people that love and affect us help shape who we are, and that is something that we all take to the grave.


I would like to share with you a video that I made recently, it's about the work that the Set Free Movement has been doing. This video was made to cover a specific need but it sums up a lot of truth and purpose into a 3 minute clip. If you have any questions please do contact me at mariettakalilong@gmail.com anytime. http://vimeo.com/57204083

one by one the days go by

For those reading this blog for the first time, please know I have a reason for writing.  Yes, posting blogs and interacting online is common, but know I am not a crazy blogger nor do I have a natural habit to journal.  However, the reason I choose to maintain this blog is for my family and friends, along with hopefully knew friends.  My goal is to help others understand and know what keeps me as busy as a bee these days.

Not to mention, allow others to see life through my eyes.

Four months have passed since my wedding day, and three since I officially moved to Athens where I've embarked on a new journey and adventure.  I must confess, I love the big city.  I love being able to drive around on my moped, because it's become so much easier to familiarize with the downtown area of Athens.  I may keep getting lost, finding myself in confusing and dangerous situations while driving downtown, but I love it.  My moped has spoiled me because I am completely over walking and taking the bus everywhere!

As for the reason for this very post - I realize it has been a while since I've shared my news.  Actually, my last time, I believe, was right after my return from England. As seen in my previous post, I got the privilege to enjoyed a week of training and discovering new things about myself and life.  Now, with my return home, I've settled into a weekly schedule.  Truthfully, it's a very wonderful thing to have.

Here's a look into my current main projects at Streetlights:

ANTI-BULLYING
Recently, the streetlights team has been forming and applying a new anti-bullying awareness package.  What does this mean?  Gathering data, figuring out how to approach this sensitive subject in Greek schools and coming up with the appropriate advance and message.  When the scheduling and all the information comes together, I hope to present our findings to the local schools and speak in classrooms about the importance of anti-bullying.  I am extremely exciting about this opportunity taking roots and the Streetlights team is coming along nicely, in concern to this project.  I have dreamt of anti-bullying being addressed in Greece, but have never thought or expected anything would come to pass.  However, it's amazing to see what is slowly set in motion.

YOUTH CAFE!
I'm very proud to announce that the youth cafe is set up and ready for action!  We have painted and set up the place and it looks absolutely beautiful, and definitely ready hold it's first activity nights.  The schedule for the Youth Cafe! is still being formed but my role is to oversee the whole project.  I am helping train other youth workers how to mentor but also how to run the group activities.  I cannot tell you how much I love my role for this project!  Especially, because I can see how my past experience and time as an Intern, at a church in England called Renewal, has affected me greatly and definitely has prepared me to lead in this very area.

MAMADOLOGIO (a.k.a. YOUNG MOMS GROUP)
I play an active role in supporting this group of young moms grow.  This past weekend, we finished a two-day seminar.  Our main speakers were two ladies from Australia.  Very wonderful ladies who took time to come and encourage the young moms.  They taught and trained a whole set of Greek mothers.  The time was very fruitful and therefore, I am excited to see this fruit continue to grow in the following months.

KYPSELI
The last but not least main project!  Kypseli is an area in Athens, very ghetto-like.  The Streetlights group has not officially began organized any active way to influence this area.  However, we have been in the stage of processing and planning our form of action.  The work-at-mind for Kyspeli is very simple.  We plan to go to the Kypseli square once a week (during the early evening) and come along with the many children who gather to play and spend time with them.

There you have it!  These are the main projects keeping busy Monday through Friday from 9am to 5pm.  Of course, there are many other things that should also be taking up my time.  However, I am very blessed to work with a team such as Streetlights.  Especially, because our work is building a better tomorrow and future for all of us.

There is a thunderstorm of fire coming

Four days have past since I returned from my trip to England and I can already sense the ways I was affected by it. 

I stayed in a small town outside Birmington, at a place called "House of bread at the Mill" - it was a beautiful location in which apromaxetly 20 participants were there for an one-week course. Our outline was living with God, living with others and living with yourself. This whole week was facilitated by the Fusion International team. I must admit God choices the most incredible ways to shape us. Each time I think I've understood the hand manual a new addition is added. I entered this one-week course believing I would find solitude and refreshment but instead God challenged me to the core of my beliefs, in order to refine me in ways I thought not possible.

If not stronger I came out victorious. 

As I left England I felt an ache in my heart, I love that land and the work people do there and at times I think life there would be so much easier and delightful. 

However, as I rode the air-plane home my heart began to fill with excitement, even as I returned home my eyes began to fix on the true prize. I know I'm not called to ease but of a life of pure dependency on grace. All the goodness I have come to know and love in lands far away from my own home, I desire to see them take shape within my own people. Yet again I returned to a city where streets are blocked, protests are taking place and beggars overwhelm the people. This is sad because even though people would usually respond to such needs, the people of this city have become numb. It is very difficult to address issues such as the homelessness, child abuse (neglect, prostitution, and taken advantage of) drugs, red light districts, sex trafficking, bullying etc.when, people's homes are in danger of being taken by the bank. Upon thinking of Greece you naturally think of banckrupsy, but no one thinks of the new issues created such as ghettos, gags, drugs, sex trafficking etc. This is a dramatic change for Greece, anyone who has lived or stayed in Greece will become aware of one ultimate truth: family is the strongest bond. To Greeks family is everything, but through this economical crisses we see that  this strong bond begins to break/change the core of our nations beliefs. I can't even imagine how 2013 will develop but I know it's time to do things a little differently. It's time we begin to live differently.

Rudolph Bahro said, "When the forms of a culture are dying, the new culture is created by a few people who are not afraid to be insecure."

I (we) am called to a life greater than myself. What does it mean to be the light? When I walk into a house that I just bought what are my first actions? I firstly access my house, what is good and what is not. If my kitchen's pluming is not working, I am not going to keep living as if it is fine. I need to replace it. If I don't my house will flood and new problems will be created. So when I walk in the streets of my own town, I need to find what is not working. I need to understand what dangers are around me, how I can help. I no longer desire a vain life to which I spend my days finding nice things to do for myself. I desire to live in a refined world/City in which through struggles it becomes pure.    

blog entree #2

Here's an update and a small introduction about the leadership team of Streetlights:

Philemon and Eva 

Philemon has left for Australia. In the next two weeks, he will be visiting churches, radio shows and news papers giving presentations, in order to fundraise for Streetlights.  His expected return to Athens is on the 28th of October.

Eva (Philemon's wife) is staying in Thessaloniki, Greece during her husband's absence.  As mentioned before, she is the coordinator for Streetlight's 'Young Moms' program.  Currently, she is staying in communication with the office and continues to lead the young moms group by broadcasting weekly videos.  She is expected to return on the 28th as well.



Therefore, until the 28th of October, Meta, Babis and I are left to run the office.

Meta and her three children

Meta (mother of three and sister to Philemon) oversees the media productions, and runs the streetlights radio show on a weekly basis that is broadcasted on Godradio.gr.

This is Babis!

Babis oversees the youth cafe and streetstore. He has a strong entepreneurial spirit that leads him to connect and support young adults and people around him.

And here's a picture of me.

And I run the Internships program and the Outreach to Local and International Churches.








I am please to anounce Streetlights will be functioning as a Youth Cafe this year. However, it will not be an ordinary youth cafe, because the cafe will run three afternoons a week with themed activities. We hope to accomplish an open door for youth interaction. Specifically, to create an atmosphere of acceptance, creativity, and empowerment for the young people. One of the events that will take place in the Youth Cafe is called "Κρύα Σοκολάτα" (Kria Sokolata) which means Cold Chocolate. A time for music and a drink of cold chocolate. During this event, young people will share time together enjoying the company of musicians who preform live their own songs or cover songs.  All the while, drinking a cold chocolate drink! This will be a consistent event in the following weeks and months, with live web streaming.

Although, the room for the cafe is still under construction I am happy to inform that our most recent and first hosting was a success. The evening was very blessed, the feeling of excitement was in the air as the room was filled with about 25-36 Streetlighters. Everyone enjoyed their cold chocolate and dreamed of how the youth cafe will continue to grow.

Here is a link of the recording of the night, it is in Greek but you can see how the night went:
http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/25938500

This week's project

On Thursday we will be holding a small arts and crafts workshop. A time for young people to participate and help us decorate the youth cafe with their creations.

On the 19th of October, I will be traveling to Thessaloniki to participate at a confrence taking place on the 20th called "I have a voice." This confrence is organised by the "24 hour watch for Greece" that fuctions as intercessional prayer for Greece, and for the first time they are organising a youth confrence. I will be traveling to participate as a member of the confrence. The workshops philosophy is how to unite art with prayer and worship. How God speaks to us in images and how we can transfer those images unto paper. :) I am very excited about this!  

On the 21st I will be traveling to London England for a week long of training, under Fusion International organization. This is also very exciting as I will be given the oportunity to reflect upon my life, God and what God has called me in life to do. Please pray that God blesses that time. 

On the 28th I will return to Athens, Greece where I will begin my classes at Mediterranean College as a second year studying in HND Counceling and Psychology. I'm also very happy for my change in schedual and it looks like I will be attending class twice a week, monday and wendsday from 5-9pm. I am very eager to see what God will teach me this year. :)

Please continue to pray for the work here in Greece. 

We had some crazy riots the other day and the whole downtown area was in lock down. There is a lot of pressure for answers and solutions. But I feel as if Streetlights is still fighting for its place here in the city, it is important we walk in victory and in God promices. The constant struggle for funds distracts the teams true prurpoce. 

I continue to look for monthly supporters, if God puts it in your heart to support me you can do so here: 

https://give.fmcusa.org/kali-long

first week report

"Home sweet home" has been my tough lately. 

I've settled into my new apartment in Athens, with my wonderful roommate and husband, and life is starting to get into a routine. Upon my arrival, things were a bit hectic and borderline crazy, but after touching base I have a plan. 

I have begun working with Streetlights daily, thankfully I live only 20 minutes away (walking distance) which has proven to be a very pleasant walk. On my way to the Streetlights headquarters, I walk by the presidents house and the national garden. I cross the street and find myself at "Kolonaki Square" which also has proven to be one of the finest (and expensive) areas. This has all come as a surprise and a blessing.

In the months leading up to my relocation to Athens, I never believed I would receive such a perfect apartment and location to live in. My apartment building, can be seen in the picture to the right. Alcaeus and I live on the first floor (the window above the grafiti is our window). Its a small cozy apartment that appears to be very high-tech! This used to be my in-laws office, so it is very well kept. When I walk into my bathroom I don't even have to switch on the light, it does it automatically for me. 

I still can't believe how much God has blessed my new beginning - both in my marriage and in Athens. Leaving my home in Thessaloniki was hard, and not knowing how everything was going to turn out was even harder. However, faith kept me through all the doubts. An even bigger blessing is to see how God provides and loves. 

I promise to post pictures of the inside of the apartment once everything looks tidy :) 

My daily routine at Streetlights has been pretty basic.  At the headquarters, we have been re-arranging the office and redefining the space area we have.  Currently, Streetlights is planning to include a youth cafe as part of its facilities this year.  A change in need of lots of attention.

Philemon, the leader of Streetlights, is planning a trip to Australia in October.  Most of his time and energy is being place on forming new contacts and planning presentations for his short time there.  Therefore, please pray God looks after him during his trip and that He provides the resources that are needed.  In the mean time, the other members of Streetlights are directed to organize the headquarters.

To the left, is a picture of us at work! For the sake of getting a photo for you to see - we are all pretending to work :) In this room, the majority of work is taken care of and finished.  Most of the videos, montage, posters, etc. are done on these computers.

My job for this upcoming week is to get the Headquarters up and running; therefore, during Philemon absence in Australia, Streetlights will continue to function and produce normally. 

i hope this will inspire you :)

A new life together begins

Here's a photo from our wedding!  We released
doves as an act of unity. 

One of the most anticipated days of my life has come and gone.  On August 17, 2012, Alcaeus and I married.  We said our I do’s and sealed our words with a kiss.  My father, Michael Long, and Alcaeus’ uncle, Stephanos Botonis, preformed our ceremony.  The evening was nothing shy from unique – a word my father used to describe us in the opening speech.

Our wedding was unique.  Most weddings in Greece are traditionally held within the confinements of church walls, but we held ours within the confinements of God’s nature.  We walked on grass, saw the deep blue sky and released two doves to symbolize our commitment to each other.  As my mother often put (before and after the wedding), the whole evening felt like a beautiful fairytale.  And above all, we enjoyed ourselves.

The Monday after, thanks for our family, we departed the mainland of Greece and got on a boat.  We spent our honeymoon on a five-day cruise. 

Since Saturday 25^th, we have been in Thessaloniki spending some time with my family.  On September 3, we will pack my belongings and head to Athens.  The picture to the left is the building we will be living in, more specifically the first floor.  As mentioned in my previous post – Alcaeus’ parents gave the apartment to us for this first year of our marriage.

Once we’re settled in our new apartment, I’ll begin working with Streetlights.  The focal ministry I will be assisting and working in for this coming year.

Currently, Streetlights is focusing on separating into two categories:

1) Business Frontier in charge of creating videos for churches and organizations, a way to  provide funds for the organizations as a whole; and the

2) Youth and Community Work, consists of disciplining new and old participants of 

Streetlights, this will help the team become more efficient and creative. 

My task will be to divide the team into these new categories and to ensure each member finds his/her specific place within Streetlights.  With these changes we hope to bring better productivity and organization. 

Upon my arrival to Athens, I will also work with the young mother’s small group, in developing a night of prayer as well as forming a daycare program for their children.  

We will be living off our wedding gifts in the beginning. Our support is still low. $800 has come in the $2000 needed for start up funds.  $500+ is the level of monthly support.  $1250 is needed. Please pray and consider being a partner.  If you would like to give, you can click here.  

August just began and the excitement is growing.  On August 17, I am getting married.  With so much preparation and so many details, stress is very high, but things are coming together. It is going to be so beautiful.  A perfect wedding on a mountain over Thessaloniki promises to fulfill my dream come true hope.

In September, I will begin my FM Mission one year assignment with the youth mission called “Streetlights” in Athens.  We have been given a place to stay as a gift from Alcaeus’ parents. Now, we are counting on God to provide the funds for living and ministry.

Here is our budget for the year:

Start-up funds:                                 $2000 one time

Living expenses                                $450 monthly

Utilities                                 $190 monthly

Health Ins                            $130 monthly

Ministry Expenses           $190 monthly

Taxes                                    $125 monthly

Tithe                                      $75 monthly

Monthly need                   $1160

Currently for start-up, there is almost $800 in my account and for monthly, promises are at $510.

Please consider making a donation or becoming a monthly supporter. Click below.

https://give.fmcusa.org/kali-long

Thank you very much for investing in this ministry opportunity for God’s work in Athens.

back home

i'm in thessaloniki after all this time.
and it's wonderful to be home, tonight i will be attending a prayer and worship meeting scheduled to take place at our new church building. I'm looking forward to seeing my friends and siblings in Christ.

I have been looking for a new home in Athens, its been difficult to find the right area for the next year of my life. I've spent the last days walking around downtown Athens at night and I've been surprised by the amount of people in the streets. There is an area called exarchia where it seems that the youth of Greece is located at. Alceaus and I were looking at an apartment at 8 at night when we walked out of the house and found two people doing drugs right in front of us. We were in shock thinking this could be our future home and the things we would face there. It difficult to imagine life on my own two feet and having to deal with things like that. The square of the area was filled with about 300-500 people smocking pot and drinking in the local pubs and cafes. It was crazy how much life was right in front of us.

We ended up talking about the area with some friends and they explained how police doesn't enter it but patrols around it. So people basically do whatever they want, I asked if i could ever report people doing drugs in front of my house and I was told "It wound't be possible, no one would come/respond"

We haven't found a home yet, but to be honest. I feel as if I stayed in that area it would be ideal because of what I feel God has called me to do in life. My purpose is to bring light in everything I do, live, give. It's hard to figure everything out yet, but I know there is much work to be done.

please keep praying for the next months, it's challenging and there are a lot of changes for our family and lives.

13 days


in 13 days I will be flying back to Greece.
on my arrival a series of events are planned to take place.


fly out on the 5th of july
see apartments in Athens for rent
register for next year of college
give in my essay's on the 12th of july
meet with florist
see wedding venue
arrange food menu for wedding
work at the cafe


august 17th =wedding day
august 27th move to athens
september = life beggins!


i've been travelling around america this month.
and i have felt it a true privilege to be able to share 
with churches and people. 
I was able to share the vision God has placed in my life
but to those around me.
I feel like my work here isn't finished but 
I enjoyed to see the doors God has opened.






  

From Thessaloniki to Athens

I feel as if the eyes of the whole world have been set upon Greece. At times the domestic affairs of my country confuse. They trigger feelings of aggression that lead to actions of violence which shame my society. It’s difficult to find the “root of all evil” and explain why this series of unfortunate events take place. Many Greeks shout out loud about the injustices brought upon them and the ways that they feel; robbed by compatriots.

 But as a young Greek at times I feel confused about the reason my country has fallen in such a deep well, unable to escape.  Being a hopeful twenty-year-old, the reality check according to my country’s current state could be more than enough in order to either totally victimise me in the present circumstances or send me looking for an alternative life...somewhere far-far away. The unemployment rates are frighteningly on the rise and even if I got a job, there is no guarantee I will be getting my salary regularly or entirely. Today’s situation has left today’s generation crippled and hopeless. 

It’s hard to determine the next step; I’ve been in church politics most of my life and I understand how church functions. The needs of the congregations, the coercions of our belief, and the overall effect we have on society. As time goes by the needs, the coercions, and the effects change. If I was to travel only two hours from my home, I would find myself where those things are interpreted very differently. Each culture holds different ethics, beliefs, and priorities. I can’t even begin to imagine what the needs, coercions and affects, Jesus faced were. I find myself trying to build a bridge to cross a very large river. This culture is nothing like yours. Greece has made its own history and is still writing it. When Paul visited Greece the welcoming was very different to that which he received in Rome.

Why am I mentioning these things? 

Because I believe if we do what we have always done we will only get what we have already got... It’s time for true change.

In 2009 I moved to Birmingham, England for an internship. My responsibilities were simple as this was a gap year of volunteer work. I worked as a youth worker at the local school and my responsibilities were also to the local church as a youth leader. I mainly worked with year nine girls (13 year-olds). This was an important learning experience for me, until that time I had been living at home, going to my parent’s church and homeschooled. Talk about living in a bubble. During my internship I faced spiritual, emotional, and physical challenges. (I personally recommend gap years) During my time there my team and I would attend the prayer centre in the heart of Birmingham. Where we did different group building exercises, we heard lectures from different speakers from all over England, and prayed together weekly. These people showed me true unity. Something that surpassed all words, they even wanted to share the unity they had in hope of true growth. Their hearts were all called to do work all over England, and they took time each Wednesday to gather to teach us in the morning and to pray for the city in the evening.

That is when God truly spoke to me. My heart kept going out to Greece, during the lectures I wished my friends from Greece could hear the things they shared with me. The pure love they had for God and for each other.  I remember one speaker in particular who shared with us one day, he told us about his home town and how there was a study conducted in the U.K. about the worse cities. His hometown came out on the top five if not the second. He told us how they got a reality check from that study, and how the churches gathered together to speak about this issue. They weren’t being effective. Being the church means to be the light. To actually BE the light. For the next month or two they all gathered together, pastors even started locking up their church buildings. The speaker shared with us how God brought them together, unified them in Spirit. I don’t remember all the details of his story, but I remember how he claimed his city, and asked us questions like: who is your target? How many people live in your city? How many churches are there? What is your responsibility? What can you do? He called his city his Jerusalem. Showed me how to love my city and the people God brings into my life.

I left my England a changed person.   

The vision is simple: the fulfilment of the body in active prayer and active participation in community work joined together as one force. No more one hour prayer meetings but prayer that last through the night, prayer in the midst of riots, prayer around the Greek parliament. People joining together in spirit during the Greek crisis to pray for God’s hand over the country. Empowering young adults to become intercessors for the Greek community

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