Day 11 - Athens - The Acropolis, Areopagus, & Agora

It is our last day before the long journey home that starts in the middle of the night, 3 AM tomorrow morning. We started our morning today with a trip to the ancient Acropolis. 2500 years old, and elevated above the city, it is the highlight of Athens. However, today wasn’t very pleasant. Gale force wins blew us off the rock with dust in our eyes and teeth. Ascending Mars Hill, or the Areopagus, the winds howled making it near impossible to talk to the group about Paul’s famous speech from there in Acts 17. Most disappointing was that five from our group didn’t feel well enough to go along and experience this historic site (though maybe they were the lucky ones). About a dozen of us visited the ruins of the ancient Roman Agora below the Acropolis, while the rest went back to the hotel. The afternoon was free for people to sightsee, wander, or rest. We had one final meeting before dinner, then early to bed then early to rise.

I’ve now visited these sites three times in the last two months, as well as 10 years ago. The novelty has worn off. Don’t get me wrong, they are incredible to visit, and I’m grateful, but it’s not the sites that I most grateful for - it’s the opportunity to experience them with the people. The bonds that are made, and the shared experience, is brought back to the congregation and strengthens the sense of community and belonging, of feeling connected. I’m grateful for the people, the relationships, and for the love that is shared and the faith that is deepened and strengthened.