Clean Monday in Greece

Last Sunday in the Athens Branch

It really was quite sad to think that we would be leaving all these people we have loved and served with and maybe never see them again.  It is a small  branch  with strong testimonies and service.  I love these people.  

This is our street  looking both ways in the early morning hours.  We would get up each morning and walk 3 miles.  We had a route we usually followed but sometimes we would just go where ever.  

Clean Monday

Also called Pure Monday, Monday of Lent.  It refers to the leaving behind of sinful attitudes and non-fasting foods.   A special service is held on Sunday night before Clean Monday called Forgiveness Vespers where they bow down and ask for forgiveness of one another, go to Confessions and clean their house.  Clean Monday is a public holiday in Greece and Cyprus and is celebrated with consumption of shellfish.  The people fly kites as symbol of trying to reach the "divine" .  We celebrated Clean Monday with the missionaries and our Branch President's family.  It was a magical day.  At first the missionaries were discouraged because the kites would not stay up but eventually, the breeze lifted the kites up and we all took turns holding the kite string while the kite happily stayed up high in the air.  There is just something about flying a kite that makes you happy. 

We climbed a steep hill to get to a park where you could fly kites.  These missionaries are runners and enjoyed the challenge of running up the hill.  I had a hard time just catching my breath as I walked up the hill.  

Last Day for Market

I will really miss Market.  It is every Tuesday near our apartment.  They block off a very busy street but everyone finds a way through or around it.  The fruits and vegetables are sold in season and are so fresh and delicious.  There is nothing quite like the fun of going to market to pick out your food for the week. 

  

Our Last Mar's Hill Testimony Meeting

We have loved getting to Mars Hill early in the morning where Paul preached, to hear departing missionaries and the new missionaries share their testimonies in Greek.  I was able to say three words of Greek.  I did try. 

The Acropolis behind us...it was a cold, windy morning.

Our Last Zone Conference

Zone Conference was the day before we were flying home.  It was a great way to end our mission.  

Our last walk through the field of flowers as we made our way home.  We walked the 1 3/4  miles to and from church many times. 

We flew from Athens to JFK with a four hour layover.  From JFK to Salt Lake in middle seats for the entire flight.  It was a killer flight, not to be repeated for a while.  We were so surprised to see so many of the kiddies up at midnight to greet us.  We had a sleepover with some of them in Farmington and then made our way home. 

A week later, we saw this picture of our house on my phone. 

Lars ( Switzerland) and Josh ( Germany) had flown in to see mission friends and BYU.  It was one of the best surprises ever .  So it begins...happy reunions with those we have come to know and love and serve with.  We will always be grateful that we chose to serve a mission and that the Lord knew just where to put us.  I know that my belief in and love for the Savior did not change but I changed because of His love for me.  I felt it when I was so discouraged and wanted to just go home.  I am so happy that I was able to make it to the journeys end and hope that we can continue to serve.  Best deal ever.  I know God lives and that Jesus Christ is our Savior.  Of that I am sure.