Community is what comes to mind as I reflect on our first day in Greece. Our team leader Sam has created a community among us and for us. Our stay is at a hotel owned by a local family Greek family, Dimitris and Suzanna Tsalopoulos. They put out love and generosity by their presence, food, […]
Community Partner since 1995.
We celebrated and packed tonight. And we also reflected on the highlights of this experience. Here are our favorites. 1. The bachelor party. How many other teams have been lucky enough to make the guest list at a Greek bachelor party? Um, none. We danced, learned to toast (“Yia Mas!”) ate lamb cooked three different […]
Am I smarter than a fifth-grader? Joanna and Irini would say, “No way!” (I’m sure there is a Greek translation.)These 10- and 12-year-olds stayed with Kevin and me for their entire free period today, trying to teach us Greek words and phrases. After much head-slapping and groaning, they seem to have decided we were hopeless. […]
Working at the St. Spiro’s Center for Special Youth and Adults, a team of University of Minnesota students used their alternative spring break in Greece to help with physical and occupational therapy through academic and recreational activities, including candle-making, woodworking, leather crafts and sports. One student reviews a week of service and learning: The bus arrived […]
Thursday, August 12 Created by: Mary Rizzolo Quote for the day: I dwell in possibility (Marcy Berlin) After a fun and food filled last night it was difficult to get out of bed this morning. Fortunately there were many incentives – great food, great company and great expectations. Lindsay and Christen had a fun and […]
Greek Orthodox Epiphany January 6th 2010 The Greek Festival of Epiphany, or ‘The Blessing of the Waters’, is held every year on January 6 throughout all of Greece. This is the special occasion when many daring young Greek men brave the chilly waters to dive for a cross after it has been blessed by a […]
Submitted by Susan Jensen “A Person needs a little madness, or else they never dare to cut the rope and be free.” – Nikos Kazardzakis After an exhilarating (and a bit exhausting) first day, the team rallied after breakfast to plan for the next few days. Shari suggested we have some topics and vocabulary words […]