The City of Thessaloniki

One afternoon when we had some free time we ventured to the city of Thessaloniki. Sharon, Thomas, and I took the well known bus to the train station where we were met by our new Greek friends. I was so excited to see the city but even more excited to have the Greeks join us. It is not every day you are accompanied by the locals in a foreign country.
It was so amazing to see the passion and joy the guys had about showing us around their city; and the fact that they were open to whatever we wanted to do no matter how many times we wanted to do it.
From the moment we stepped off the bus my heart was overwhelmed with the presence of the city. I for one am not use to the city life; but this was different it was a Greek city. The atmosphere was low key and the sidewalks were flowing with people. As you enter the center of the city you are welcomed with the beauty of the water and many ancient wonders.
I can truly say that with each step I took the city became more alive to me. It was not just people roaming around and words unspoken but it was full of laughter and happiness. The smell of the food rolled from the cafes making your mouth water with each one we past. The slashing of the water on the cement wall along with the roar of chants filling the streets was consuming. My whole being was taken by the city.
I was thinking we would just go into the city have some food and hangout for a bit and then head back to the camp but who am I to plan my path each day. God had so much more in store for me. As we walked along to water boats were coming in, so of course we asked the guys if we could take a ride. As the boat left the city rocking back and forth through the water my heart came to rest. I sat there looking back into the lights that define each street in the city, the lights that bring beauty and character to each store. God at that moment gave me a glimpse of who He is and the wonders He creates. Each person, each store, each street, and each inch of the city was created to bless and honor Him.
The next moment was even more life changing for me. As I entered back into the city after the boat ride it was no longer just empty streets but it was new territory waiting to be explored. I was ready to walk down each one to see what there was to offer. I was ready to enter each café to experience the taste of the mouth watering food. I was ready to sit in the square to understand the ways of the people. I was ready to talk with the kids to hear what they had to say. My heart fell in love with the city and the people.
I had more fun than I could ever have imagined and God restored my soul as the guys allowed us to drag them from one place to the next. So I just want to take a moment to thank both Harrys and Dimitri for giving us their time. They are both amazing men and I will miss them both.