Today is my anniversary. I've been here a week. That's good, right? That has to be marginally noteworthy to have made it a whole 7 days! Although, I did almost starve to death. Still challenged by ordering food and buying groceries. But it's getting better...
Update on my first 2 outreaches.... I was on the sidewalk prayer team during Monday night's outing. There were 7 brothels on one small block, each indicated by a white light. I stood with a guy outside the brothels and waited for two teammates to go in and talk to the Madams and the Girls. The most unsettling thing for me was how many men were going in and out of the brothels. There was just a constant stream! It seems there is more shame associated with shady behaviors in the States....aka you park in back of the x rated video store. Not so in Greece. It was a busy street and there were loads of men going in and out. It makes me sad and I understand there isn't a ministry in Greece that addresses the "customers".....but that's certainly its own kind of depravity and slavery.
During our Wednesday AM outreach I had frontline exposure. I went in to the brothels with a Greek volunteer. Many of the Madams were happy to see my team member as they have developed a relationship with her over the years. The Madams were appr. 60 years old and very friendly. One even offered us oranges. If the Girls were available, we talked to them too. They were also glad to see my teammate and were touched by the scripture calendars we were delivering. As the Girls smiled and chatted with my coworker I was reminded of Prov 14, "Even in laughter the heart may be in pain". These encounters will take some getting used to for me... as the Girls aren't wearing clothes when you talk to them in the brothels! Ummm, so awkward....
I'm leaving now for our late night outreach to the African girls who speak English and work on the streets in lieu of brothels. Stay tuned...
On a really different note, let me introduce my roommate, Krystal. She's from Michigan but has been in Greece for 6 yrs. I'm thankful the Lord prepared a place in advance for me here w her!
3 comments:
Thanks again, Holly. Your post is poignant and humorous. I hope you don't starve to death in Greece! But I feel that you have spiritual support to keep you warm.
I always marvel at how the most heartachingly beautiful things happen in the same moment as heartbreaking hardship. It seems like you are truely experiencing all things at once.
Good luck and stay strong. I'm thinking of you and following you from here.
Go, Holly, go!! Thinking and praying about you. I'll add "clear food guidance" in the mix. I'm so glad you have this blog so I can follow you. And that you have been prepared such a fantastic place to live (except for the TP situation). Much luck!
Holly,
Glad to hear things are going "well"
Your church is praying for you for wisdom, protection and the Spirit's power to show these ladies a better "WAY" of life.
Blessings
Pastor Jerry
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