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.