Chorale - Greece

"Kalimera!" ("Good morning!" in Greek)

Many people know that the conversion rate between the American dollar and the Euro is much in favor of the Euro right now, but who knew the time rate would be that way, too? These past two days have been filled with so many great things; it's almost hard to keep track of it all.

Let's start with Saturday, March 22.

Costas, our tour guide: Entering our story now is Costas, our "tour guide" while in Greece.  Costas is a man that knows pretty much anything possible about Greece...or anything for that matter. He was the very first pioneer missionary to Albania, and many churches there were planted by him.

Acropolis: Saturday began with a tour of Athens with Costas. Our first stop was at the Stadium of Athens, a 70,000 seat stadium where the first modern Olympics took place. Our next stop was at the world-renowned hill of the Acropolis (literally meaning the highest point of the city). We started at the first-ever theater site, which is at the bottom of the hill. As we climbed to the top, we entered through the massive marble gate of the temple created for the goddess Athena. As we entered through, the Parthenon came in full view. It was an amazing site and was appreciated much more with the vast knowledge of Costas; he spoke of the incredibly exact measurements, optical illusions, and the extreme effort needed to build it. As we walked around the top of the Acropolis, the view of Athens was beautiful. The city of 4 ½ million people stretched for miles in every direction around the Acropolis.

Mars Hill: As we walked down, we approached Mars Hill (also known as Areopagus), where Paul spoke to the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers and Athenian people. Climbing the same steps as Paul to the top of the hill, our group paused as Philip Byers, our Chorale chaplain read Paul's speech in Acts 17:16-34. For many of the group it was almost an overwhelming experience as we heard Paul's words at the exact place he spoke them.

Concert I: After lunch and a few more stops in ancient downtown Athens, we made our way back to our hotel to prepare for the night's concert. This concert took place at the community center of a town just outside of Athens. It was hosted by the town's mayor and included a secular audience. The concert was very well received by the audience - we began and ended with the Greek national anthem, performed an encore, and each Chorale member even received a single rose. The Greek people were so warm and welcoming; we were very blessed by their reception of us.

We had a great day touring the city of Athens and performing our repertoire for the first time in its entirety. We have been so blessed and are very grateful for God's faithfulness throughout the trip thus far.

--Mark Statler and Erin Hinnen, Chorale co-bloggers

Prayer requests: *Health, strength, rest, high spirits

  *Praise for our wonderful audiences

  *Travel, especially tomorrow (Tuesday)

  *Preparation/excitement of the upcoming audiences