Reflection on Greece

Ana Rawson

Isolating one experience or one moment from our trip to Greece is like attempting to
isolate a note in a symphony. I have been fortunate to be able to travel extensively in my
life, but this trip was very special.

There were times when the only word I can use for description is spiritual. It still takes
my breath away. I was able to stand on the same ground where the first Olympics were
held. The ancient temples still had enough remaining to fill our imagination with the
incredible grandeur of how they once looked.

Every day felt like the best, and most exciting. But, I had two experiences which will
never fade. One was the Temple of Poseidon. Perhaps, it was the spectacular location or
the reflection of the water. But, I felt such a sense of eternity there. It was a sense of
being just a speck in the cosmos. The incredible size and majesty of that structure
touched a chord in me I had never felt. The sense of peace has not left me, and I find it
easy to let go of the small issues in my life. There seemed such a presence of something
other there. There are no words for this kind of memory.

The other was the church we visited in Athens. For me, the Greek faded into Latin and I
was in a place I had forgotten. A world made up of white dresses, and processions, of
total belief and devotion. Again, I could not even hold my camera to take pictures the
blend of smells, music, vestments and spirituality transported me somewhere else .So,
much so familiar and yet different. It has been many years since I practiced the faith of
my childhood. But, somehow as I walked away I knew it was not the spiritual piece, but
the politics and corruption I turned away from. How incredible to travel so far to regain
faith in the unknown!

My free time since we returned has been filled with learning about the Orthodox Church.
It has been too long since I have completely immersed myself in research on a topic that
drives me. Originally, I wanted to plan my teaching unit on this topic. But, the teacher in
me won out as I realized this was for me, and the relevance would not be there for my
students. It is truly an academic gluttony. Perhaps, in a different place with students
whose needs are different it would work.

The history around the schism of the Roman Catholic Church and the Orthodox Church is
fascinating. I still cant get enough of it. Where have I gone that I have not allowed
myself the sheer ecstasy of immersing myself in this type of quest? Well, it has no
purpose I guess, But, I am all set in my old age to do a great deal more academic
exploring. I have rediscovered this part of me, and useless as it may be Im keeping it!

This I have said and will repeat. I am so grateful to everyone who added to the joy I lived
on this adventure. Every moment I was comfortable in my own skin. People were
generous with each other in touching and memorable ways. It was a little community
who looked out for each other and literally helped each other climb to high places. It has
also been too long since I felt this way, and it is a new goal to rediscover this as well.
Thank you Bill for all your hard work to make this happen!