Forty Words and then some . . .

We have been traveling for eighteen days. Tomorrow we begin our journey home. One way of thinking about this trip is we have been on a journey home since we began and along the way discovered things about ourselves that will forever change us, our faith, and the way we see the world. When we come home we will come home different people.

In our final group meeting last night I asked the students to describe traveling through Israel, Turkey, and Greece in one word. Here's what they said with mine and Dr. Miller's words added in as well.

Enriching. 3D. Quenching. Enlightening. Awakening. Rattling. Pivotal. Rewarding. Revelatory. Eye-opening. Revitalizing. Self-examination. Refreshing. Seeking. Affirming. Defining. Unity. Chosen. Growth. Family. Conversation. Thankful.

We have had such a good time together. This has been great group of students with which to travel so it was natural for our conversation to turn to all the good times we have had together. The students then said they needed a list of words or phrases to capture the light-hearted moments of the trip. Many of these are inside jokes so you'll just have to ask them what they mean.

wifi? Cats. 4:30 a.m.? Ruins. Carbs. Dessert. Walking. Falafal. Chacos. "15 minute walk." "Imagine, Please." "It's really beautiful actually." Room 133. 21st birthday. Couuuntrie? "Cough." Salmon. "This is the question mark I place before you." "Most probably." "Oooooohhhhhh." Jumping off the pier. "Beat the Russians. Quickly."

We are exploring Athens today in groups and then tomorrow we will turn toward Music City. Thanks for reading.

Dr. Darrell Gwaltney