We arrived knowing the stories but not really. We arrived knowing the names of the cities but not understanding their uniqueness. We arrived with anticipation and left with heads and hearts full. Our group arrived as strangers but left as lifelong friends.

It was close to eighteen months ago that our trip to Greece began to take fruition. We had signed up with EF Tours on another expedition but for reasons at that time decided against that particular trip. Harv began to research other possibilities and when he discovered this tour - I immediately jumped at it. We signed up right away and after all those months waiting - we went - we saw - we conquered!

It really was a dream come true. I’ve read and studied the Biblical account of Paul’s missionary journeys all my life and those stories and places became my reality these past two weeks. Thessaloniki - Philippi - Corinth - Athens - Ephesus and Patmos. We visited other historical Greek sites as well. That’s for another day.

Paul visited Thessaloniki around 49–51 AD during his second missionary journey, accompanied by Silas and Timothy. He preached in the local synagogue for three Sabbaths, converting many, but then a riot by religious opponents forced a secret nighttime escape to Berea. As I walked through the city centre - I imagined that riot that took place 2000 years ago because of Paul’s teaching and preaching. I touched the walls that surrounded the city. I allowed my mind to wander back to the biblical account that recalls a man named Jason who helped Paul get out of town because of the danger. Paul’s escape would have been treacherous to climb the hills out of Thessaloniki and head towards Berea. What struck me in such a profound way was just how hilly (mountainous) Greece is and that (of course) Paul would have walked between the cities. The road between Thessaloniki and Berea would have taken him several days to walk. It’s about 60 kms.

The ancient road in Greece where the Missionary Paul walked was the Via Egnatia. Built by the Romans in the 2nd century BC, this stone-paved highway stretched across the Balkan Peninsula and this is where Paul walked. I stood on parts of that road and I was overwhelmed with emotion. I imagined Paul’s blistered feet - his sweaty garments - his hopes and prayers for the people in the cities - his desire to stay - his desire to get to the next city - the discussions that happened as he and his companions walked and talked along the Via Egnatia. That road was built 2200 years ago and parts of it are still there.

I stood in Lydia’s River. It’s not deep. It ripples along quite nicely. It’s clear. It’s not too cold. It’s where the first Christian was baptized in 50 AD. Lydia. I imagined the day she met Paul and the gist of their discussion about all things “spiritual”. Philippi was a bustling city at that time - a leading city of the district of Macedonia and a Roman colony. I saw the ruins of that old city. The remains of the agora (marketplace) were incredible. Everything was sold in the agora. Everyone met at the agora. But Paul did not meet Lydia - for the first time there. A little way away - outside the city gates - was/is - a narrow - shallow - river.

It is recorded that on the Sabbath day - Paul and his companions went “outside the city gate - to the riverside” where they supposed it would be a place to pray. I agree with them. The river and the area around it is peaceful and reflective. It’s quiet. I loved it because it wasn’t packed with large crowds. Not too many people want to visit a trickle of a river where the first Christian convert - a woman - was baptized.

I wonder if Paul and Silas were surprised when they found a small group of women there. I wonder if the women had heard that Paul was in town. Regardless - a great conversation arose. Lydia - who was from Thyatira was there. It seems she was a wealthy woman - a seller of purple. She was a dealer in rare, luxury purple goods, which indicated she was an independent businesswoman of significant wealth and influence. After her discussions with Paul - Lydia - opened her heart to the gospel. She was baptized that very day and invited Paul and his friends to her home. She had the gift of hospitality as well.

I find it interesting that Lydia came from Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey) famous for its dye and textile guilds. We stopped in Turkey for one day on our trip and we visited a shop where they make their famous carpets. We saw the beautiful, coloured wools and silks used to make the rugs. We saw the woman work their fingers to tie the knots - quickly - with precision - over and over again. We saw the finished products. Stunning. Colourful. Works of art.

This is where Lydia was from - textiles and dyes - were in her blood. She was wealthy and she used her wealth and status to help Paul and Silas in their ministry endeavours.

Lydia exhibited three really great characteristics - openness - confidence and humility. These are qualities I desire for my own life. Being the first Gentile convert in Europe - she set an example to all who know her story. She opened her home as a “home church” to many in Philippi - she was confident in sharing what had been given to her - and all this done with great humility. Her name is only mentioned twice in Scripture. This benefited not only Paul and the early church but also the lives of future generations of believers. Her life was a model of determination, foresight and generosity that offers encouragement to me and so many others today.

More to come. I can’t possibly tell everything in one blog - and the time change and jet lag are catching up. I need some more sleep!