One thing people may not realize about being a missionary doctor is that, even while serving overseas, doctors have to stay on top of their continuing education credits in order to renew their medical license every year. One way doctors across the world can get these credits is by attending specialized conferences. That is exactly what took us to Greece in March. Many of us at Tenwek traveled north for a conference put on by the Christian Medical and Dental Association (CMDA). There, Pete attended ten days of continuing ed courses while Ella & Sam participated in a really fantastic kids program and I spent time with the non-medical spouses.
One weekend during the conference we hopped on a tour bus arranged by the conference and headed into Athens. It was an amazing day to visit because the country was celebrating Independence Day.
We visited Mars Hill, the very place where Paul spoke to the people of Athens in Acts 17:22-31.
What an incredible view we had of the city!
Sam just wanted to throw rocks off the side of the hill. Of course.
Mars Hill is right next to the Acropolis where the Parthenon sits. Ella’s class had finished studying Ancient Greece right before this trip, so seeing everything from her books was pretty amazing.
This was as close as we got to the Parthenon, since the space was closed for the holiday, but we did get to spend a good amount of time in the Acropolis Museum for free. We weren’t really bothered by not getting closer.
We saw lots of fun street performers and vendors as we walked to the city center.
I find it absolutely amazing that structures like this stand in the middle of a modern city.
I realized right after arriving in Greece that there is a lot of graffiti. And little cars, too.
We wrapped up our adventure with an early dinner in the city center.
A very traditional Greek salad. So so tasty.
And noodles for this kid, because…well…noodles. He loves them.
We all shared a big ol’ platter of kabobs.
To finish our excursion, and to celebrate Greece’s Independence Day, Pete joined me in sipping a cup of Greek coffee. This must be sipped or it just doesn’t taste good. The grounds all settle at the bottom of the cup and then it’s amazing.
Cheers to Greece!
We toured a few other very memorable locations, but I have far too many photos for one post. More to come!
