Day 12 Painting and Pizza Party

This morning (Friday) I woke up early, excited for today's Service project! We would be painting the apartments that Praksis provides for refugees and their families. I was just ready to do something really hands-on. When we finally made it to the houses after stopping for paint, I was glad to get to work. I was so excited to learn the other two groups were working at Peter’s house and our two groups would be painting at Samira’s apartment. I asked Maria (one of the Praksis workers) how to say "you are beautiful" in Greek. I probably murdered the pronunciation and I have no idea how much Greek she actually knows, but I wanted so badly to tell Samira how special she is. She looked up at me and just smiled. I hope she understood.

Her family's apartment was bigger than I expected with a living room, one bedroom, one bathroom, and good size kitchen. But it wasn't in the best shape- there was mold on some of the walls and other things that we couldn't fix. This made our job difficult because we aren't professionals, just volunteers who were eager to help. But we did what we could. I was in the bedroom. First we had to strip the walls of the old paint. Oh did I mention our limited tool selection? We had almost nothing to work with but our hand. Thankfully the man of the house found a scraper that we used to chip and peel the paint off. But that was only 1 tool to go around a room of about 8 workers. So I just used my finger nails. Then I realized I could use the other paint chips to push up underneath the paint on the walls to lift it up so I could peel it off. We got through this step pretty quickly by passing around the tool for the hard-to-reach places. Then we started to mix the paint. This was definitely a trial-and-error process until we found the best consistency. I started at the bottom and just worked my way around one and a half walls. People have commented several times at the lack of height on this trip- we are pretty much all short. And the wall were pretty high. So we improvised since we didn't have ladders and put people on top of other people's shoulders. It was actually fun since I got to be one of the ones painting from up on Kaitlin's shoulders! But the painting itself was actually very difficult. Some of the old paint wasn't completely off. So every now and then, old paint would come off onto the paintbrush while putting new paint on the walls. It was frustrating but not as bad as the situation in the kitchen where mold was all over one wall, ceiling paint was chipping and falling, new paint was peeling and falling off the walls. It was a disaster. The other two groups were at an apartment down the street. They finished a couple hours before us. One of our problems was too little and too tight a space as well as too many people. All the furniture was in the middle of the room, so we had to maneuver around each other and all the stuff in the room. I tried to stay positive but everyone's attitude slowly turned to frustrated and helpless. We felt like we had just made everything worse. I'm sure the family was just happy to have a fresh coat of paint but it looked awful in our eyes. Everyone was just defeated. Everyone was covered in paint and dust. We tried our best to get to a stopping point so we could clean up our mess. The other group had been waiting a long while for us to finish. By the time we were done, everyone was exhausted and upset with ourselves. The pizza party wasn't much of a party. The other group had gone ahead and eaten because they didn't want the pizza to get cold. So when we got there, our group just ate in silence, reflected on our work at the apartment.

I did my best not to complain or feel defeated. I know the family was thankful for our help. We just wished there was more we could do. The best part of the day though was seeing little Samira one last time as we were leaving. She was on the first floor balcony of another apartment. So I reached up and grabbed her little hand. I was sad knowing that this time was actually the last time I would get to see her because it was our last day working with Praksis. But surprisingly I didn't cry. I just smiled and said goodbye. While walking away, I kept turning around waving and blowing her kisses. All of the frustration with painting didn't even matter to me any more. I tried to remember what Maria had taught me to say. But all I could do was smile. I think, at least I hope, that was enough.

Although it was a long, hard day it was a good conclusion to Service Week. It is so important to reflect on everything we have learned and experienced this week from lectures, discussions, and field work. I haven't been keeping up with my journal like I wanted to, but my blog is helping me remember everything. We have our first journal essay due on Sunday. This will be a great way to gather all my thoughts and feelings.

Me & Kaitlin make a good team

Earlier this week during the our Power of Giving lecture, we made our Bucket List. One of the things I listed was "jump". At that time I didn't know what this applied to because I had already put myself down as a NO for bungee jumping. But I guessed it would maybe apply to other things like cliff jumping or even a metaphor for something else. Today on the ride to Athens, Robbie went around the bus with the final list for the Corinth Canal bungee jump. Twice he passed me and I gave him my same answer- NO! Every time the subject came up in conversation I would get a sick feeling in my stomach and I would start sweating. I watched a YouTube video on my phone- bad idea. Almost everyone else was signed up and excited and nervous to go. I thought to myself, "I can totally live with myself knowing I didn't do it. I don't even like roller coasters. Free falling scares me. I will be fun to just watch." Robbie came by me one last time. Kaitlin could see the internal struggle and uncertainty in my face. She yelled "Jenna wants to jump! Sign her up!" Robbie looked at me and told me this was my last chance to put my name down. I couldn't believe it, but I said okay. A few people around me clapped and cheered. I felt sick to my stomach. Tears were welling up in my eyes. "What have I gotten myself into?" On Friday May 28th, 2010 I will be throwing myself off a bridge 260 feet tall into a canal! Talk about stepping outside (or off) of my comfort zone. Ahhhh!

AHHHHHHHHH!

Day 11 Greek Economic Lecture & Discussion

Today (Thursday) we had to stay in Glyfada because of a demonstration in Athens. Sadly our Service Week activities were affected and we were not able to work with Praksis today. So instead we had a (mostly) free day. We went to the market and walked around shopping and laughing at all the crazy stuff we saw. They had tons of underwear, clothes, fake designer purses, costume jewelry, toilet seat covers, kitchen supplies, fresh vegetables & fruits, fish & meats, candy, toys, and pet animals like fish, turtles and bunnies, and much more! Then we walked across the street to flocafé for ice-cream and free internet to research and make plans for Off-Week which starts on Saturday. We decided to go to a little island called Andros for a few days with a couple other girls and Beth Ann. It will be nice to get away from the city and spend time in a little village and on the beach. We are super excited!

Around 4:00 we had two speakers- Alec Mally and Stephanos Costopoulos- come to talk about the current financial and economic situation in Greece. It was such an interesting lecture! I took notes and made connections with information and lectures we have already discussed. After taking my first and only required Econ class in college (ECON 2200- History of US Economics) this past semester, I understood the terminology pretty well and could follow along. I feel like I now know more about Greece and the issues the country is facing.

After the lecture and discussion, a group of us went out to eat at La Pasteria (again). This time I got a plate of fettuccine alfredo and split a caesar salad. It was so yummy!

Day 10 Playtime at Praksis

Today (Wednesday) we had a party at Praksis for the children of the refugees. Before we left Georgia, we were asked to bring a few toys or activities with us to share with the kids. My favorite thing I brought was party packs of play-dough minis and the children seemed to enjoy it as well! I love kids so much and was so excited to spend the day just playing and interacting with them despite language and cultural barriers. But when we first got there, I was really emotional. I didn't immediately jump into playing like I expected I would. I wanted to make a special connection with one child so badly that I think I was either afraid that I wouldn't or that I would and then have a hard time leaving him/her. So I think I was hesitant and instead I sat back and just observed for the first hour or so. It brought me so much joy to see the smiles on the kids faces and watch as they colored or played with balloons.

Finally, the cutest Sudanese boy named Peter walked through the door. I thought to myself "this is my kid"! But I soon realized that sweet little 3 year old Peter was very attached to his daddy. I reached out to hold his hand in order to lead him into party, but he pulled away and clung to his father. I understood and stepped back. It took at least an hour for Peter to let his father go farther than 1 foot away from him. He loved to play with toy cars and was content with just pushing them back and forth. At one point, he found a pack of Hot-Wheels and I was the first person he asked to open them for him. He was so happy to hold all 5 cars at once but didn't show too much excitement on his face. I tried to help him move out of the walk way so he wouldn't get stepped on but he didn't understand, thinking I was trying to take the toys away. He almost hit me with his car. It just made him even more cute in my eyes.

Later while coloring, I met Samira! She is a beautiful 8 year old from Afghanistan with pretty long brown hair, big brown eyes, teeth slightly too big for her mouth (reminded me of myself when I was younger), gold earrings, a blue and silver cross necklace, and a timid but sweet spirit. She didn't speak any English or really much of anything. She was very quiet but her face, especially her eyes, lit up whenever something made her happy. I shared my bubbles with her and showed her how to blow bigger or smaller ones as well as how to hold the wand up to get more bubbles to go farther and stay up longer. She loved the bubbles, maybe as much as I did. We tried to talk a little. I asked how old she was, how to spell her name, and what her favorite color was. She held up 8 fingers & I wrote the number 8 on the coloring paper to confirm. She pointed to the orange marker for her's and I showed her the pink one to tell her which color was my favorite. I really enjoyed watching her play and draw and blow bubbles.

When we were leaving Praksis to load the bus, I held back from the group to walk with Samira. Unsure of whether I would see her again, I told her that I had fun (which she might or might not have understood), smiled a big smile, and asked for a hug with outstretched arms. With the toys she was allowed to take home in her hands, she threw her little arms around me for a goodbye hug. It made my day! At the crosswalk, I stood next to Peter and his dad, who told me that the cute little boy with gorgeous eyelashes really liked our tour bus that was waiting for me across the street. His father joked that Peter would totally go with me if he could. I laughed and somewhat seriously considered taking him home with me because he was so adorable. I joked that I would take him with me right then. Before I could even ask for a hug, Peter threw his arms open and around me, willing to go. I was almost crying and laughing at the same time as I picked him up and twirled him around, secretly wishing I could take this little cutie with me for real. I can't even imagine some of the horrible things that these two innocent and beautiful children may have seen or experienced in their journeys from Afghanistan and Sudan to Greece. My heart was absolutely broken for their families and the hardships they must face as refugees. I pray for their safety and that they will find hope and love even in the middle of difficult situations. I hope that even in the simple smile or hug, I made an impact- a special connection- and that they will understand that they are valued and cherished.

I was so worried about getting too attached or not getting the opportunity to build a friendship at all. I loved spending time with all of the children- playing, laughing, coloring, and communicating without words! I wish we could stay longer and build stronger relationships with the kids. I want to know and understand more about the country and situation that they came from, the experiences and challenges they face here in Greece, and how they go about daily life. Today really has been one of the most amazing days in Greece!

xoxo,

Jenna

Day 9 "Want Some Drugs?"

Today (Tuesday) was our first opportunity to "get our hands dirty" (mostly just dusty). Praksis has a huge need for medications in order to care for the people they help. Everything is donated from other people or hospitals. When we opened the storage room for all prescriptions, there were piles of trash bags full of meds. We had to go through every box or bottle and check the expiration dates. Then we separated everything into alphabetical order by name and even further into piles by date (year). There is very limited shelf space so everything from 2010 needed to be sorted through and re-stocked. The remaining piles were just put back in the room in what could be called an "organized mess" which is better than just a mess. We had a radio with some English music so it was even kind of fun. Although we weren't able to see the actual people that would be affected and helped, the work we did helped Praksis out for the next few months. It is hard not to see the ultimate impact, but I have to remind myself that someone, some day will immigrate to Greece, need medicine, and will have access to it because the students here at Global LEAD were able to tackle a mountain of drugs and to put them away on shelves that the doctors at Praksis would be able to pick from easily in order to give them the medical care they need. I just really wish there was more that we can do to assist Praksis in their efforts.

We had our group dinner tonight at this really cute restaurant (not sure what it was called). And I don't know how to describe what kind of food they serve. We had bread and a couple rounds of appetizers that I don't know the names of either. But I had chicken with parmesan crust and potatoes on the side for my meal. It was very good! And I had a great slice cheesecake for dessert! We sat outside- it was so chilly but the restaurant had nice little blankets that we all draped over our laps or arms.

I didn't take any pictures today. We aren't allowed to have our cameras or phones out at Praksis. And I forgot to take pictures at dinner. Sorry that this blog entry is kind of boring yall!

Thanks for (still) reading!

xoxo,

Jenna

Day 8 First Day of Service Week

Today (Monday) was the first day of Service Week! We got to tour the Praksis office and learn how their system works. They explained to us what they do when a new immigrant or person in need comes in for the first time. We learned how and what information they enter into their computer database. They explain the legal steps in the process of gaining asylum in Greece. This can get difficult because people come from many different countries and speak various languages. Hopefully they bring an interpreter with them or someone at Praksis can explain everything to them. We also learned that they receive a Praksis identification number and are then filed into the system. I was able to return someone's file to its location. I couldn't believe how many files there were. It was easy just to find my number and slip the folder in its place, but I couldn't help but think about how each number represents a person, a life. Praksis helps hundreds, maybe even thousands, of people here. Although we didn't have much hands-on work and most of us just felt in the way all day, I was inspired by the work they do and the peoples' lives they have an impact on. Some girls were lucky and got to see the actual doctor's office/"operating room". Just being in the office and understanding how Praksis is organized was very interesting.

After observing at Praksis, we broke into our community groups and went to a park where we had a great discussion about "Walking in Abdul's Shoes". I really enjoy hearing what each person in my group has to say. I am really thankful for the opportunity to be a CGL! I'm learning so much about leadership and about myself. Our discussion was really engaging and thought provoking. Looking forward to our next CG activity. Afterwards, we had lunch at "Pita Pan" (lol) in Victoria Square, a place where many immigrants hang out. It was interesting to watch them interact and respond to our presence there. Then one of our girls was standing under a tree and got pooped on by a pigeon! Gross! It was bound to happen eventually- there are so many of those darn birds everywhere!

This was the only picture I took today (because we aren't allowed to take pictures at Praksis):

Me and the roomies ate at this place called "La Pasteria". We split this huge Caesar salad and a Margarita pizza- it was delicious!

Thanks for reading!

xoxo,

Jenna

Day 7 Scavenger Hunt, Pasta, & Dessert Crepes

[Sorry I'm a few days behind on my blog yall! The internet has been down and we've been really busy. I'm going to try to write less and just put up a few pictures to make it easier for me and quicker- since internet is expensive. Thanks for reading everybody!]

Today (Sunday) we went on a scavenger hunt in Athens through the Plaka. It was really involved and detailed. We had tons of fun and learned a lot. But it was definitely a challenge. Our community group (Team Aphrodite) came in 3rd (out of 4- haha) but we were just excited to play the game.

After the scavenger hunt, we came back to the hotel. I wanted to lay out by the pool just to read and relax. It was a beautiful day. I realized it was Sunday and thought about how weird it was that I wasn't in church, listening to Andy or the Athens Church band. I miss worship and having sermons but also know that you don't have to be in a church building for either. I'm reading Francis Chan's "crazy love" and boy am I being convicted! Its good teaching/preaching and is very much a call or challenge to evaluate my life. I feel that I will need to re-read the book again just to catch it all and attempt to apply it. And even though the music from the pool speakers wasn't worship songs (some music from Grease and some MJ along w/ some Greek music), I was able to praise him along with all the other sounds around me- the running water from the pool waterfall, the birds chirping, cars passing, flip flops on the sidewalk... I must admit it isn't a good band but having "church" by the pool was pretty awesome. I do really miss fellowship with other believers though. I am so thankful for the sweet words and prayers of encouragement from yall!

the winning team from today's scavenger hunt in the Plaka

Me and my roomies made pasta for dinner instead of eating out. We had fun cooking in our little kitchenette! And we had fun eating it for sure!

we decided to cook dinner tonight

bowtie

we can't read Greek but we made it work

my pasta plate

pasta by the pool

we totally devoured our pasta

After dinner, we wanted dessert so we headed to what I call our Greek "Waffle House" (actually called "New Deli") because they have waffles and crepes and hamburgers and much more... We plan to go back for a waffle (which they mostly eat as a dessert), but we got crepes. Mine was soooo delicious! Next time I'll know to split one with someone because the crepes are gigantic!

my massive Strawberry and White Chocolate Crepe

(warm empty crepe with whipped cream, strawberries, and white chocolate)

huge

(sugar shock!)

Kelsey and her Nutella & Banana Crepe

me and my crepe

xoxo,
Jenna

Day 6 rain, relaxing, flocafé, wedding, & reception

Today we were able to sleep in a little to catch up on our rest. We planned to spend the whole day at the beach but when we woke up for breakfast, it was raining. So me and my roomies Rachel and Kelsey decided to be lazy all day instead. It was really relaxing but also made us more tired than if we had been busy all day. We ate lunch at the hotel with some of the groceries we bought. Then around 4:00 we went out to walk around Glyfada. We found some stores that we plan to go back another time for a whole shopping day. The have a few American stores and some cute Greek shops too. For dinner we had Old Baker's again. I got the same sandwich but next time I'm going to try something different. Then we went to get free internet (again) at flocafe. This time I got one scoop of cookies&cream ice cream! It was so good!

While walking back to our hotel, we always pass the church (which is kind of like our reference point in town if we get lost). There were a lot of people dressed up standing outside the church waiting. We realized it was a wedding and were so excited to get a little peak into this cultural experience. As cars passed by, they honked their horns like crazy. Instead of the bride walking through the church for everyone to see her for the 1st time, they were all waiting outside- the groom, wedding party, and family on the church steps- and then the bride arrived in a nice car decorated with flowers. Her dress was so elaborate and pretty (probably very a European style). We felt like stalkers just watching all this from the street, but even Greeks were doing it too. I felt like a paparazzi hiding behind a tree to get pictures. No one noticed us and we were even able to get really close to one of the doors after everyone had followed the bride and groom into the church. We could hear the service beginning (in Greek of course). We peaked in to see a beautiful traditional church. I tried to get some good pictures but I didn't want to be rude. The three of us were so excited that we had just witnessed this. We were in awe and so giddy about seeing a wedding. "I love weddings!" we all said in dreamy voices! Haha we're such girls! We talked about weddings the entire walk back.

Afterwards we just chilled at the hotel. We sat at the pool for a little while and just read our books. It was pretty cold. I had on a light cardigan and a blanket on my legs. It gets chilly when the sun goes down. Then we noticed a group of people starting to arrive and gather out around the pool. They looked like they were dressed for a wedding and we wondered if it was the same wedding we had just witnessed. Finally the bride and groom showed up and it was a totally different wedding. This bride's dress was also very gorgeous! She seemed so happy and her husband was sweet to help her carry her train while they took pictures around the pool and waterfall. She would throw up her hands and smile- I could tell she was ready to dance! We felt so awkward sitting by the pool while this was all happening but we were told it was okay. Then the bride and groom entered the reception room for the first dance. It was hilarious (although we didn't really see any of it) and was to some cheesy 70s disco song. We listened for a little while more and heard some other great songs in English like Eric Clapton and Nat King Cole's "L- is for the way you look at me". It was a great day for a wedding. By the time we left the hotel around 4:00 the weather had cleared up and the sun was shining! I guess it's just as popular to have your wedding on a Saturday in May in Greece as it is in US! Finally we went to our rooms and ended up just talking, reading magazines, and laughing until we were tired. It was tons of fun! I really like my roommates- they are sweet girls!

Here are some pictures from today:

love flocafe!

Rachel, Kelsey, & Me

the church

the bride!

all the people following the bride and groom into the church

the decorated car

a random apartment entrance we pass everyday on our way back from town

I really love this tree/flowers that grows EVERYWHERE! It is so beautiful the way it grows up houses on the islands and on gates and doorways like this one.

So pretty! And pink (of course)!

xoxo,

Jenna