Hurricane Daniel

 Storm Daniel developed in Greece and was named by the Hellenic National Meteorological Service. [It] caused record-breaking rainfall in Greece on 5-6 September, with a reported 750 mm falling in 24 hours at a station in the village of Zagora. This is the equivalent of about 18 months of rainfall. In Thessaly, central Greece, many stations received 400 to 600 mm of rainfall in 24 hours. Thessaly is Greece’s agricultural heartland, and so the economic impacts are expected to be serious. 

Last week we went to Larissa and stayed for a few days to see how the conditions were and how the Church could help.  We were fortunate to be taken around by a doctor and Civil Servant for his Municipality.  He knew everyone since he grew up in Larissa and has lived there most of his life.  

Clinic in Larissa with doctor

Park that follows the River Pineios  overflowed

Garbage overflow because the roads are closed

Flooded Highway  

Transportation for Those Needed to Cross the Highway 

There were people who needed to get to work but the highway was closed except for the Army that would transport the people across the flooded area.  

Refugee Camp gates to Enter

We drove out to the harder hit areas where there is a lot of agriculture and livestock that were all lost to the flooding.  One of the biggest jobs was the cremation of the dead animals: cows, sheep, chickens, and pigs.  We could smell the decay from the camp.  The camp was empty because they sent the refugees to other camps so they could clean and fill the camp with villagers that had nowhere to go.  

Housing at the Camp

The units are like moving pods.  They have water heating solar panels.  There was a gym, places to get your hair cut, and visiting areas.  There were no trees and it was far from any city. 

Parking Lot of Camp Looking Out Over Flooded Fields 

The next day we went out to a warehouse to see how they were handling the flood situation in Karditsa, a village that had been hard hit.  We sat on chairs in the front of the warehouse while a front loader would go back and forth behind us while loading and unloading bottled water and supplies.  They were in the process of evaluating what their needs were and the sweet young woman in charge said that she was putting in long hours to understand what to organize.  Her phone rang constantly.  She was so grateful that we had just showed up to see how things were going.  She called and made reservations at a cafe in the village and had a government official take us for a meal. 

Greek Cooking

When we arrived at the café, happy to have found a parking space a block or two away, there were few people.  When we finished our meal, our discussion and just relaxing which can take a long time, the place was full.  Our host ordered a salad that consisted of beets, boiled zucchini, and greens with lemon.  We had fresh sardines on tomatoes, fried zucchini with a garlic dip, grilled potatoes, bread, and a mixed variety of grilled meat with fries.  There are always fries.  It was very delicious and we barely made a dent.  I felt quite sad that he was not going to take leftovers home but he assured us that the cats would be fed.

We ate several delicious meals while in Larissa.  One was pizza with fries on it.  We enjoyed seeing all the bikes and scooters being used.  The sidewalks were wide for pedestrians but you never knew when a scooter was coming up behind you.  Our hotel looked down on one of the sidewalks and on an ancient amphitheater.   

 

Divani Palace hotel and  Ancient Theatre of Larissa

Now is the time we can bless others and 'lift up the hands which hang down'"  ..President Russell M. Nelson.      I am grateful for the people of Greece.  I have found them a happy, animated and giving people.  It has been such a blessing for me to see compassion in action as the Greek people assist one another.  

Partner Appreciation Evening

 We were asked to organize what is called a Partner Appreciation event for all of the NGO's that we work with in Greece.  We were grateful that Italy had done a similar event and we could use their experiences to help us in providing a gathering where the Non Government Organizations could visit and exchange ideas, etc.  Collaborate.  It was  about collaborating and taking time to express gratitude for all the things they are doing to help the refugees and displaced.  

We were not aware that everyone leaves Athens except the tourists in July and August.  We had record breaking heat combined with humidity during July.  I have never never never been so hot.   I have experienced hot in California and Vegas but never mixed with humidity.  I am grateful to have that behind us.  I know why they all leave and go to the islands where it is cooler.  So the timing of the evening was a bit of a challenge since many were out of the office.  It was suggested that we hand deliver the invites so we spent a few afternoons walking in the downtown to give these really nice invites that Kim had printed and no one was around to receive and admire.  Fortunately, there is email and we were grateful for the response.  

We were able to have bags made from Ankaa.  They teach classes in sewing and make really cool bags and back packs from the raft materials that the refugees travel in and leave on the beach and other materials.  We gave them as thank you gifts filled with a 2022 Caring for Others pamphlet showing where the Church has projects around the world, some chutney made by Saffron Kitchens that hire refugees to work with them in catering food, and honey that we bought from a bee keeper that sells honey at the Litke ( outdoor market).  He showed us pictures of his hives.  We were very happy to buy lots of honey from him.  

Patchwork Pocket Bags

Tomato and Onion Chutney

Saffron Kitchen with salmon pinwheels, homemade tortilla chips with dip, egg salad rolls, meatballs with chutney and brownies.  They were delicious. 

Our Mission Leaders came from Bulgaria to represent the church and tell about the tithing and fast offerings that are given by the members of the church to help others around the world.  He connected our young missionaries with the service they do as part of their mission.  We have been known as LDS Charities and truthfully, many of the organizations did not know what LDS stood for and it was an opportunity to talk about our church.  

Our wonderful NGOs

2022 Annual Report of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Jesus Christ is the perfect example of caring for those in need.  As His followers, we seek to love God and our neighbors throughout the world....We gratefully acknowledge the selfless service and donation of time, funds, and other resources by Church members and friends as we collectively care for others. As we continue to love and strengthen one another through service, we invite all to join us in this important work. 

 Russell M. Nelson, Dallin Oakes, and Henry Eyring 

We were glad that everything turned out and we always love being with our partners.  They are such good people from all over the world working to help others.  We truly enjoyed having an evening with them all under one roof...our roof.  😊