Greece has already impacted my heart in multiple ways. I have learned a great deal over these last 6 days. Things about people, about God, and about myself. Some of the things I have had the privilege of doing, and learning this month is:
Feeding over 1000 refugee’s.
Helping our new friend with his social kitchen and home.
Reopening clothing distribution to refugee’s.
Hearing the unheard people’s stories.
It is an honor getting to know the refugee’s and local people’s stories. It is crazy to think this is only week 1 in Greece!
Earlier this week I had the privilege of feeding over 1000 refugee’s food, and found myself thinking ” I couldn’t imagine what it would be like to be on the other side of this table”. Really though it could be me.
Back in my home province many have lost homes, lives, and jobs due to a MASSIVE forest fire that has consumed the city of Fort McMurray. So somehow I think those people can understand what these Refugee’s are going through, and have been going through, some for years! Frozen in these camps, unable to return home, and unable to move forward, they are forced to live in tents, and eat food that is repulsive even to my missionary standard.
To further my point, I also have had the privilege to sit down with many homeless through a program that is running here in Athens. It is rather clever, a local man here was “tiered of just watching unfortunate circumstances consume people’s lives”. So 5 years ago this man of peace decided to put a brilliant thought into action. He went to local people, and small shop owners, collected food donations. He then went into a local park, collected the homeless, and all others standing around, made a meal together, ate together and COMMUNICATED. Just for a few hours. Then he decided “why stop there?”. He then opened up a house that allows homeless to come and do their laundry, as well as bathe for free! Not bad for a man who only earns 300 euro’s a month! His mission? To give the homeless dignity, to spread peace, to love all people equally, and to get people to communicate. To consider “the other human” as he says. Especially during meals. Supper should be a community gathering, not a “scrolling” party. It was also to allow the homeless to remain in good health. Many are homeless due to the economic situation here in Greece. This unsung hero has been doing this everyday, for 5 years! He visits different communities throughout the city, so as to ensure he is having a overall impact on this historic city.
One of the people I had the privilege of getting to know is the older looking gentleman in the picture(bottom of blog) of me and my co-worker in Christ, Charles. This is primarily the person I am referring to in my title. However this lesson comes through all the homeless I have met on this journey so far. Refugee’s, homeless, and lost alike. They have all taught me about the human condition, and a very valuable lesson. This man I was fortunate enough to sit down with and hear his story, I received an incredible amount of wisdom from him. After sitting and talking for a while it was very clear that this man had a normal life once! Full of passion, care, love and determination. Almost immediately he was sharing his life with us, as well as his passion for writing music, and short stories.
He explained in a ruffled elderly voice basically that “music doesn’t come from a sheet of paper, but from your mind”. We further learned that his favorite instrument was the piano! Which for me is something I can truly understand as I enjoy taking the sounds of my mind, and playing them on the piano. I am sure it pains some ears to hear me play, but it is a private way of venting, and worshiping God. So then I decided that since this man had been vulnerable in inviting us into his home (consisting of a mattress, and a briefcase below a overpass) I decided to be vulnerable and share a recording of my “sound” I recorded some time ago.
He immediately encouraged me with a surprising “ah classic piano, sounds beautiful” then later as we were walking to get coffee together he told me “you should express your talent, you have been given it for a reason”. Which coming from a man of his age and life experience really, truly meant a lot.
We then arrived at the coffee shop where him, and his friend continued to impart their wisdom on us, in order to make their ceiling our floor in a way. Walking home it was incredible to think how this homeless mans only chosen possession was his well organized briefcase, with all his music, and stories in it. The only thing he could carry through life, and misfortune was his talents, passions, and experiences. All of which he blessed us with imparting on us.
Then God took my thought a little further, to the refugee’s all they had left in life was this. Many had lost some or all of their family. They were homeless in an even worse way. Trapped in a small bay in Athens. Unable to do anything other than mourn their loss. The only thing that made it through all of that? Not their money, or homes, or even families in some cases! No it was who they are! This reminded me not to take advantage of all the amazing things I have. But more importantly, all these homeless taught me one thing. The most valuable thing I have is my Identity. Which is in Christ yes, but it consists of many things the biggest next to Christ was my talents, passions, and experiences.
You see until recently I have not taken that homeless mans advice and “expressed my talents”. Instead I have placed my prominence, pride, career, and financial status first. This is the greatest, and most unfortunate “first world problem”.
If their is one take away I want the readers to have it is this. That you would learn to put the expression of your identity first, to “express your talents, because they are there for a reason”. Those talents and passions have been placed there by your creator! Someone I have great respect for once challenged me when she said “what better way can you worship God, than to take your God given passions, talents, and life. Refine them, then give them, and all the glory back to God!?”.
I forgot this challenge and lesson,It took me going around the world to understand the importance of it. Certainly these homeless have reminded me that these are the things you carry through life, and are of the utmost importance. This is how I will choose to live my life. By expressing my identity, being more bold with my talents, even those I am still refining. Because they are the greatest way I can worship God. With all I have, which is all I have been given. Time, life, passions, and talents.
To conclude, I would like to challenge you to consider helping these people, and affecting their lives in a very real way. My deadline is soon approaching and I am still in need of over $3900 U.S. In order to be Fully funded! These funds are going towards assisting people like the ones that you have read about.
I would also like to challenge you to consider donating to the horrible disaster that is even closer to home for me. The fire in Fort McMurray has destroyed so many hard working peoples lives.
You can donate online at https://donate.redcross.ca/ea-action/action?gclid=CKLRio-R6cwCFSsq0wodm_MM7w&ea.client.id=1951&ea.campaign.id=50639
or type “Fort McMurray red cross” into google, the first result will link you into their donations page.
