Travels to Macedonia and Greece with Reflection

[bobinfaith]

Dear brothers and sisters;

We traveled from April 21 to Skopje, Macedonia and Thessaloniki, Greece. I asked my wife what did she enjoyed most and she responded, "everything!"

We had never been to this side of the world. My only real knowledge was my study of these two countries, mostly from the Bible and Biblical texts of the New Testament. During the 90s I only heard "not so good news" about the conditions in Croatia, Serbia, Kosovo, Bulgaria, Abania.

So I could only imagine the centuries of their history what the people were like today, but while there these countries really opened my eyes. We stayed with long time friends who reside in Skopje Macedonia and were our hosts. He plays guitar for his Church's praise team and she completed a course in women's leadership.

During our first week in Skopje we learned Mother Teresa was born there. After the first week we traveled on a bus trip to the surrounding countries and I was amazed how beautiful the surrounding countries were.

More on next post...

 

[bobinfaith]

The trees were very green because of the weather and the areas we visited were breathtaking.

 

[LearningToLetGo]

Glad you enjoyed your trip, Bob. Nice pics!

 

[bobinfaith]

The next week we traveled by car, about 4 hours from Macedonia to Thessaloniki, Greece. This is a big, fast paced city with many people walking, walking and walking. We went with the flow and walked down by the water.

At the end of our visit to Macedonia and Greece it gave me a better perspective about the people. They were friendly and we felt welcomed.

 

[BibleLover]

The next week we traveled by car, about 4 hours from Macedonia to Thessaloniki, Greece. This is a big, fast paced city with many people walking, walking and walking. We went with the flow and walked down by the water.

At the end of our visit to Macedonia and Greece it gave me a better perspective about the people. They were friendly and we felt welcomed.

Bob, in 1973-74, I was stationed at a small site in Drama, Greece where I assisted the Greek army with NATO communications. Drama is located just about 10 miles from the ruins of Philippi, which I enjoyed visiting often. Our parent American unit was located above Thessaloniki on top of Mount Chortiatis, so at least every 2 weeks I made the trip there, traveling on the Greek highway adjacent to the old Roman road Via Ignatia, the same road Paul and Silas used to travel to Thessaloniki, and I passed through the same towns, Amphipolis (now just a ruin) and Apolonia (still a living town), mentioned in the Book of Acts. During these trips, I always took time to visit Thessaloniki itself and marvel at many of the ancient churches and historical sites. That was the best year of my entire military career.

 

[bobinfaith]

It took us 9 years to plan this trip. Prior to 2022 and with COVID we weren't able to travel with my full time ministry schedule of 55+ hours a week and Hazel's job. We started traveling more in 2022 through today and of course, budgeting carefully.

One of the things that I never thought of was while traveling to get there and traveling back. I began praying and inviting God to join us roundtrip.

During the trip things can happen that isn't always in our favor. But focusing on God who already knows everything kept us calm. As it turned out everything was in place so we could enjoy our trip.

In every instance I kept focus on Him and he guided, guarded my heart and tongue especially with people. He was faithful and allowed me to relax and enjoy His countries.

On this trip we flew on United from SFO (San Francisco) to Frankfurt. Then from Frankfurt on Lufthansa to Skopje. While there our friends saved us money by renting her neighbor's apartment for 20 days compared to staying in an airbnb or hotel.

On our travel back started at 9am in the morning. Skopje Airport is not a large airport nor was it that busy. We flew on Austrian Airlines to Vienna, Frankfurt and then United to San Francisco. At first Hazel's seat on her boarding pass was 43C and mine was 53A which was the very back row. The flight attendant kept his personal belongings next to the kitchen, so I took my seat.

He looked at his electronic and told me my seat was next to my wife at 43A. We both couldn't figure that out and I didn't want to push it so I quickly moved up to join my wife. She was 43C and I was 43A with noone sitting at 43B so we had an extra seat in between.

The airports were very attentive to Hazel's need for wheelchair assistance. When we touched down at SFO we ubered home. We only live 10 minutes from the airport.

Traveling can take it's toll so we're happy to be home and can rest. We prayed and gave all thanks to the Lord for traveling with us and will remember that next opportunity when we get to travel.

God bless you and thank you for your prayers.

Bob

 

[bobinfaith]

Glad you enjoyed your trip, Bob. Nice pics!

Bob, in 1973-74, I was stationed at a small site in Drama, Greece where I assisted the Greek army with NATO communications. Drama is located just about 10 miles from the ruins of Philippi, which I enjoyed visiting often. Our parent American unit was located above Thessaloniki on top of Mount Chortiatis, so at least every 2 weeks I made the trip there, traveling on the Greek highway adjacent to the old Roman road Via Ignatia, the same road Paul and Silas used to travel to Thessaloniki, and I passed through the same towns, Amphipolis (now just a ruin) and Apolonia (still a living town), mentioned in the Book of Acts. During these trips, I always took time to visit Thessaloniki itself and marvel at many of the ancient churches and historical sites. That was the best year of my entire military career.

Hello brothers;

Thank you, LearningToLetGo. I appreciate it!

Hello, BibleLover; thank you for sharing. There was so much to see there and we hope to visit Athens next time we're able to travel there.

God bless!

Bob

 

[Cosia]

Hi Bob
Welcome home!
Thanks for all the sharing.

Everwhere looks so nice. That monastery looks massive.
I didn't know where Mither Teresa was born, she loved all the poor and sick children.

Looks like you had good weather.

Thanks Bob

 

[bobinfaith]

Hi Bob
Welcome home! Thanks for all the sharing. Everywhere looks so nice. That monastery looks massive. I didn't know where Mither Teresa was born, she loved all the poor and sick children. Looks like you had good weather.
Thanks Bob

Hello Cosia;

Thank you. The weather was actually nice and not too hot, fair. One evening in Macedonia it was cloudy when it thundered it seemed so close.

God bless you, sister.

Bob