What is an NGO?

 Intersos is a Non Governmental Organization (NGO) that assists victims of natural disasters and armed conflict.  

Intersos and MdM ( Medicine du Monde) 

I couldn't find what Intersos stands for but we visited them the first week we were here and again today.  The head administrator is a doctor and just returned from a month in Ukraine.  It was so interesting to listen to his experiences.  He said his visit was good and bad.  It was good because he saw the strength of the people and the love they had for their country.  The bad, because he saw mothers and wives say good-bye to their husbands and sons.  As Humanitarian Specialist for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints ( those titles just get longer and longer) we were able to get support for their food distribution to refugees in Athens.  

It was very interesting to sit between appointments and see the flow of different cultures and people go past us in the park. 

If you look past the two men walking, there is a father holding his daughter.  It was so nice to see him scoop up the beautiful young girl as she ran to greet him.  It was very heart warming.  It just reminded me how we all need that love of family and friends. 

This is the Victoria station.  We have a lot of NGO offices and refugees that live near here. 

These strollers are in front of Amurtel. ( Ananda Marga Universal Relief team, Ladies).They are an NGO that helps expecting mothers and new mothers with the care of their baby or toddler.  

There were people outside eating in cafes and drinking everywhere.  I'm thinking winter is over.  I think it lasted 2 weeks.  I can deal with that. 

Retail Shops

I enjoy walking downtown Athens because it is so interesting.  The shops are on the first floor of many apartment buildings.  People live in the busiest places and there is usually a store underneath them.  You don't have to go far in our neighborhood to find a tailor, dry cleaning, bakery, butcher, mini market and barber.  

Open Markets

On every street are stores that sell produce.  There was a distinct Indian presence in the neighborhoods that we walked today.  I don't know what a lot of the vegetables are.  

Ankka

Ankaa was the last place we visited.  These bags are made from the rafts left by the refugees when they arrive on the islands. They teach a tailoring and sewing class so that the refugees can get a job working at a factory or shop.  Latter Day Saint Charities has purchased industrial sewing machines. 

I am posting this so that you know we are not on vacation. 😎

Additionally to all the hard work we are doing, we are studying Greek.  That's no picnic.  

New Normal

This is our new normal.  "How can we determine what will be the normal things in our life and in our family?  In the scriptures we find a great model: in Mosiah 5:15 it says, "I would that ye should be steadfast and immovable, always abounding in good works." (From "Let Doing Good Be Our Normal by Elder Pino).  A very brilliant end to my day was on the metro as we rode home and I heard a young boy say, 

"Signomi, μαμά" and I thought, hey...I know what he is saying...Sorry, Mama!