Tiger Athletic Missions Experience Blog

Day 2 Blog
Kylie Embry (Jr./Kennedale, Texas)
Michael Sanders (Sr./Forney, Texas)
Saturday, January 4, 2020
 

Saturday's recap of the ETBU Cross Country and Track & Field's TAME trip to Athens comes from Junior Kylie Embry from Kennedale, Texas and Senior Michael Sanders from Forney, Texas. 

Kylie Embry 
 
"Today is our second day to be in Greece and for some of us it started out very early to run a marathon around the great city of Athens.  Others [TAME participants] joined in to run the last 5K, which is what I did. This was no ordinary 5K race. We were running through the city streets of Athens, where there were cars to the left and right of us, as we were running. It was so neat that in the midst of all of the chaos around us, our team was a unit, working together, encouraging one another and enjoying the experience all around. 
 
We weren't focused on being the first one to finish like we normally would at a meet, but we put ourselves second to help our fellow teammates finish. We finished at the site of the original Olympic stadium and when we climbed to the top of the stadium you could see the Parthenon in the distance. This was truly breathtaking and well worth climbing the steepest stairs I have ever seen and made from marble. 
 
On the bus back to our flat, I got to talk with a man from Greece. He was so kind and friendly. As we drove past the various buildings, he pointed out what they were. [Ones] that stood out to me were the home of the President of Greece and some of the Orthodox churches. When lunch came around we were able to eat and fellowship with many of the Street Light children, who we have been able to serve. Afterward lunch, I was asked to help sweep the floors and really got to plant seeds in getting to know the Street Light staff and kids even more. 
 
Later on in the day as it started to come to an end, we had a short orientation with the staff from Street Lights and they explained their mission and strategy of the ministry. One of the leaders asked our group a question and it really took me back for a second. The lady asked, "How can you go out and preach the Gospel and not use any words?"  This really affected me because it's how we should live each day. I have a habit of worrying about if I'm going to say the right thing, but we do not need to worry about that. Instead, we are just to show the Gospel through our actions and love to others...that's what it's all about. 
 
We then finished the day setting up a community festival in the middle of the local square. People from all over with many different nationalities joined in all of the activities we had set up. From face painting, balloons, dance competitions, tug-o-war, and hokie pokie; everyone had a smile on their face and there was laughter and love everywhere. It was like getting a glimpse of having a child like faith in Christ. My favorite part about the festival was that anyone and everyone was welcome, no matter your age, look, or nationality. When I was painting nails I did not quite understand what the women or little girls were trying to say, but when I finished they had the biggest smiles on their faces. It's crazy that something so little could completely change a person's day. Overall, today was a great day, and was one that I will cherish forever with the relationships and memories that were created" 
 
Michael Sanders
 
"We started the day bright and early ready to race and even though we were all exhausted and hesitant towards the race, breakfast was served as a sort of 'calm before the storm.'  We all literally broke bread together and helped our hosts clean afterwards. The Greeks have great hospitality, and we were immediately welcomed into their circles.
 
During our run we intermingled right into the Greek streets. Running on the street was intense and different to say the least, but the stadium made it all worth it. What we are blessed to be able to do at ETBU, with the great sport of track and field, is all made possible thanks to the Greeks, and it was surreal to experience one of the earliest sites of competition.
 
Later in the day we held another festival and this one was far more successful than the day before. Tons of kids were laughing and loving and playing. It was amazing to see God work through us without us directly spreading the Gospel. We ended the day with more great food and more laughs."