Thursday, June 19, 2014

Homeward Bound

We have landed in Chicago and are on the bus on our way back to Indy. We hope to arrive between 12 and 12:30 at the church. 
Thank you for your prayers as we have traveled today. 
Please keep those from our group not traveling with us today in your continued prayers.  

Heading Home

We are preparing to depart Hotel Nord Nuova for the airport. We are sad to leave but excited to be home. We have had an incredible adventure. 

Our flight is Alitalia AZ#628 from Rome. 

Thank you for your prayers. See you around midnight tonight we hope. 

Wednesday, June 18, 2014

More Rome - Colosseum, Roman Forum, St. Paul's, Piazza Navona, and more

Today's activities began with a visit to the Roman Forum. We saw so much...the Senate, the Temple of Julius Caesar, the Temple of the Vestal Virgins, Titus' Arch,and so much more. It is amazing to walk the streets of the forum and consider all of those who have done the same before you. 

Then it was on to the Colosseum. We had an incredible tour of the underground portions of this impressive structure that seated over 70,000 people in its day. We also got the opportunity to go to the highest level and take in the magnificent views of the city as well as the Colosseum. There are no words to describe this experience. 

Following lunch we headed to St. Paul's Outside the Walls. This beautiful basilica was constructed on the site where St. Paul was beheaded. Many of the Footsteps participants said this visit was one of the highlights of the trip for them. The basilica was relatively empty, and it was east to be overwhelmed by the beauty of this structure which houses the bones of Paul. Also, we had a brief service of blessing in the Chapel of St. Stephen - the first Christian martyr. It was moving for us all. 

Our time this evening ended with a fun time in Piazza Navona, had a marvelous dinner at Old Bear Taverna, and the world's finest gelato at Giolitti's (Google them at your own risk - it's that good)!

We depart tomorrow. We are sad to go, but ready to be home. This has been a fantastic journey with some of the most amazing people. We are thankful. 

Thanks for your prayers. 







Tuesday, June 17, 2014

Rome Day Two - Vatican City

Today was an another wonderful day in Rome. 

The day began meeting our tour guide, Fadora. She led us on a detailed tour of parts of Rome as we rode our motor coach. Upon arriving in Vatican City we entered the Vatican Museum. This incredible museum and home of Pope Francis contains nearly 7 kilometers of galleries. Our tour wound through the pine cone garden, several small galleries, the tapestry gallery, the map gallery, a papal apartment, and finally the Sistine Chapel. We had the opportunity to see art we had only read about in books and heard about in lectures. It is breathtaking to stand beneath Michelangelo's masterpiece on the ceiling of the chapel and before his massive Last Judgement. It is an honor to be able to to stand and try to take in the grandeur of this room. 

Upon our exit from the chapel we went in to St. Peter's Basilica. This is the largest basilica in the world and one of the most magnificent. There truly are no words to describe this space and the way one feels as the artwork and architecture are explored. 

After lunch the students had time to choose between several activities either in St. Peter's Square or near the hotel. Everyone had a great time. This was followed by small group dinners and a moving communion service led by Rev. Anna Fulmer and Rev. Will Scott. 

What an amazing group of young people!

Thank you for your prayers. 














Monday, June 16, 2014

Made It to Rome

We made it safely to Rome. 

We had a great afternoon walk to Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps. However, the fountain is under restoration. We could still see it through the protection fencing. 

Then we went to dinner at a local pizzeria just down the road from our magnificent hotel. If you have not looked at the hotel website, then go to http://www.romehotelnord.it/en. Welcome to Rome! 

Tomorrow we head to Vatican City, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter's Basilica. We then have the afternoon off to do some exploring. 

We have had an amazing trip so far. Thank you for your prayers. Check back tomorrow for more. 

Sunday, June 15, 2014

Father's Day Post (and a little Ephesus, too)

Hey dads (and moms, grandparents, siblings, et al), we had an amazing day in Turkey. Here are the highlights...
Namik Ilksoy (our incredible guide)
The Basilica of St. John (dates from the 1st century and is where tradition says John, the Evangelist, was buried)
Isa Bey Mosque (a Byzantine mosque named after Jesus)
The retired imam from the mosque
Lunch, lunch, lunch, lunch
The ancient city of Ephesus
The Library of Celsus
The terraced houses 
Trajan conquering the world (ask your student about this one...it's a mind bender)
The theatre that seats 25,000 and is acoustically perfect

But on with the important stuff. Here are Father's Day wishes from your kids (scroll to bottom for pictures)...

Happy Father's Day, pops! I hope Mom and the boys were able to treat you to an awesome day (I'm sure it was tougher than usual, seeing as how I wasn't there), because you definitely deserve it. I love you and I miss you!
Maddie Higgins 

Happy Father's Day!! I hope your having a good day! Sorry I am not able to be with you on Father's Day but I will be home soon! You are such an awesome dad! I love you and miss you! 
Emily Gould 

Happy Father's Day, dad! I hope everything is going well on your bike ride across the country, I can't wait to see you cross the finish line in Maryland and I can't wait to hear all about it. I hope you're having a good day! Love you and miss you, see you soon!
<3 Alexi Zaniker

Happy Father's Day, oh Pappers of mine! I hope you are having fantabulous day without your favorite daughter. I love you to the moon (and back) and wish I could be there, but I can't wait to see you in t-minus a couple days. 
Love, 
Anna banana

Happy Father's Day dad! I hope you had some time to yourself today and that you gained full control of the tv remote. You deserve it! I hope you like the card I picked out. Be home soon. 
Love, 
Michelle 

Happy Padgies day!!! Love you so much el daddio! I hope you've had a wonderful day so far and I can't wait to celebrate with you when I get home! Miss you! 
Love,
Annie Merritt

Happy Father's Day pops, thanks for everything. Appreciate it. I love you 
Nate Slack 

Happy Father's Day Papa Funke! I love you, and I'm taking lots of feet pictures for you. Enjoy your day with your girls! 
Love, 
Anna Funke 

Happy Father's Day, Dad! This trip is greater than I could have imagined and thank you for making it possible. 
Love, 
Grant Chaddock

Happy Father's Day,  Father! You're pretty awesome and couldn't imagine life without you. Thanks for everything you do for Bethany, Ryan, and I. Love you!
Love, 
Maddie Downs

Happy Father's Day, Jack! Hope you are having a great day and tell mom I have already taken 400 photos. I would love to play 18 holes at the stick when I get back!
Love, 
Jake Timberlake

Dad, I hope you're having just as much fun if I am! I hope you have a Happy Father's Day, I miss you all and will see you guys soon.
Love, 
John

Happy Father's Day! I am so grateful for you and all your great medical advice even in a foreign country! Hope you are having a fantastic day and miss you!
Love, 
Anna Fulmer 

Happy Father's Day!!  I am so lucky and grateful to have a dad who makes me breakfast every morning. I hope you have a fantastic day and I look forward to giving you a big hug when I get home!
Love, 
Elizabeth

Daddy-
Happy Fathers' Day! I hope you're enjoying your special day.  I'll see you soon- we have to spend more time together before I go to school!  Can't wait to come home and celebrate with you soon!
Love you and miss you,
Hannah (big little) :)

Daddy!
Hey i know that I haven't been there for the past 3 Father's Days but I just want to there'll you that is love you and that you mean the world to me. Haha the world, anyway I hope that you have a good day today and if you go on a boat you suck! 
Love you,
Your one and only daughter 
Myranda

Dad-
Happy Father's Day you silly you!  Life is great here in Samos!  I got some stuff for you which I hope you'll like!  You are and will always be the man and God of War lolz!  I love you very much and I'll be home soon! :)
Jacob

Dad-
Happy Father's Day! I love you and I think you are very cool most of the time. I hope you're enjoying Indiana or wherever you are. Greece is rad. 
Love,
Claudia

Pops, 
Happy Fathers Day! Hope you are able to play some golf today, that's fine with me as long as you don't use my clubs. I'm sort of jealous if you do play, but I'm here in Greece so I guess that's a bit better. Thanks for being awesome and letting me go on this awesome journey. 
Much love, 
Thomas

Happy Father's Day! I hope you have a good day. I miss you and wish you were here because I think you'd enjoy a lot of the things were seeing.
Love, 
Noah

Hey Daddio, happy Father's Day! I hope you had a lovely week in Florida and a great day today!  
Love ya bunches, 
Kenzie 

Happh Father's Day Bogey! Wish I could be there with you today to celebrate. Wish I could be there with you to celebrate, but we can when I get back. Can't wait to fill you in on everything I've done. 
Love you dad!
Grace Saint











Saturday, June 14, 2014

Island of Mystery - Patmos, Greece

Today, we added our names to the long list of pilgrims who have made their way to the holy island of Patmos. Patmos is called the Jerusalem of the Aegean because of the number of pilgrims that make the trek to this beautiful spot every year. In the late first century AD John was exiled to the island of Patmos because of his teachings. It was on the island of Patmos that John heard the voice of the resurrected and ascended Christ and received his series of revelations. But I am ahead of myself...before you talk about Patmos you must get to Patmos which is no simple feat. 

First, the early wake up call and breakfast. Then to the Pythagoria to meet our ferry. On board with our Greek captain complete with giant mustache and amazing Greek fishing hat (sorry, no picture). And the journey began. Three hours on the Aegean. Even though the water is beautiful and sparkling blue, and the islands are picturesque, the journey is long...really long. However, the trip is more than worth it. 



We met our guide, Nicholas, at the port in Patmos. We loaded our bus and headed to the Grotto of St. John. After a brief introduction to and devotional on Revelation led by Rev. Will Scott, Nicholas began to orient us to our experience. We would enter the Grotto of John where he received the revelations recorded in the letter by the same name. We would see where tradition says John laid when he was tired, where he placed his hand to assist him as her rose, the flat surface where the revelations were recorded by his disciple Prochorus, and the place where the rock split into three sections at the sound of the voice of Christ. There is truly something wonderful about this place. It is difficult not to be swept away in the presence of God and the divine mystery that was revealed there. 


After our tour of the grotto we ascended to the top of the hill to visit the Monastery of St. John. This complex was built in the 10th century AD. It is still an active monastery. It is a beautiful site full of many surprises and a magnificent museum containing icons, a parchment of Mark dating from the 4th century AD, and other important artifacts. Included in this collection is an icon that was painted by El Greco. 


It was then time for lunch and Greek dancing! That's right! I have the pictures to prove it. It was so much fun. We even got to celebrate Anna funke's birthday while we were there. 


After our busy day it we had to catch our ferry for our three hour ride back to Samos where several occupied their time by playing cards. Once back in Samos we had a fun dinner in our small groups and enjoyed delicious gelato before returning to our hotel to turn in for the night. 


Tomorrow is another early morning and busy day as we visit Turkey where we will see the Basilica of St. John, the Isa Bey Mosque, and the ancient city of Ephesus. It is supposed to be hot. Please keep us in your prayers. 

Good night - Kali Nichta. 

Friday, June 13, 2014

Coming to You from Samos

Today began with a leisurely morning doing optional activities. Some students went to the Temple of Zeus built by Hadrian. Some students walked to the top of a hill across from the acropolis to the Tomb of Philopappos a benefactor of Greece during Roman times. All of the students walked the Plaka (some even had their toes cleaned by tiny fish - you will have to ask them about that). 

It was a beautiful and wonderful morning. 

On the way out of Athens we made a quick stop at the original Olympic Stadium which was built for the first modern Olympic Games held at the end of the 19th century in Athens. 

We then flew to the Island of Samos. Samos is the home of philosopher and mathematician Pythagoras. It's main harbor bears his name. This island is one of the most beautiful of the over 3000 Greek Islands. Our hotel is a quaint and lovely place directly off of the beach. Turkey is .9 of a mile from our hotel across the Aegean Sea. The students wasted no time in jumping into the crystal blue waters of the Aegean. 

Our evening wrapped up with a massive buffet dinner at Doryssa Bay Resport. As Tyler Wolfcale might say, "If you couldn't find something to eat there you are doing it wrong." It was a great way to cap off a great day. 

Tomorrow we take a ferry to Patmos, the mysterious island of St. John. 

Thank you for your prayers. 

With full bellies and thankful hearts we bid you goodnight from Samos. 














Thursday, June 12, 2014

A Full Day in Athens

Today was a busy day that started with an early morning. 

First we hiked up the acropolis. This is one of the most important sites in all of history. Along the way we experienced the Theater of Dionysius, the ancient hospital, and the Odeon of Herodes Atticus. As you turn the corner you are greeted by the Temple of Nike (wingless victory) and the grand entrance into the acropolis. Once inside there is no doubt that you are faced with one of the most magnificent structures to ever be built - the Parthenon (the Temple of Athena). It is a shock to stand at the foot of this giant structure and marvel at its architectural advances. Also located on the top of the acropolis is the Erechtheon - the temple dedicated to Poseidon. This structure has a porch supported by the famous Caryatids. The students had some time to hang out together at the top of the acropolis and take plenty of pictures. 

We headed down to the base of this marvelous mountain and climbed Mars' Hill, also known as the Areopagus. This is where Paul delivered his famous speech to the "men of Athens." He appealed to their religious sensibilities and to their own culture as he told them about God's immanence in the person of Jesus, the Christ. At the foot of Mars' Hill, Rev. Anna Fulmer read the passage from the Acts of the Apostles and led us in a great discussion. Then it was on to the agora. We visited the stoa which has been reconstructed and is now a wonderful museum. We walked the grounds where great philosophers, generals, and leaders of the the ancient world once walked. We saw the Temple of Hephaestus, the God of Fire (one of the best preserved temples in all of Greece). 

After a great lunch we had some time to explore the Plaka and get ready for our visit to the Acropolis Museum. This is a wonder to behold. It contains the story of Ancient Greece and the treasures of the acropolis. Many of the students remarked that they learned more from Eleni in the last two days than they had in their history classes.

This museum vist was followed by one of the best dining experiences of our lives. The scene was breathtaking, the company was perfect, and the food divine. 

Thank you for your prayers. We have a slow morning tomorrow as we prepare to head to the island of Samos. More later. 

Here are a few pictures from today. 











Wednesday, June 11, 2014

Footsteps of Faith - Corinth and Athens

After quite a long journey to get here we have arrived in Greece. We were met at the airport by our amazing guide Eleni and our driver Demetri. They took us immediately to Corinth. This is the city where Paul worked for 18 months as a tent maker and the community to whom he wrote 1 & 2 Corinthians. This is an ancient city that was destroyed several times by earthquakes and invaders alike. Julius Caesar had the city rebuilt after his armies destroyed it in the middle of the jest century BCE. That was the city Paul visited, lived in, and defended himself at the Bema. 

The Temple of Apollo still stands and is magnificent. One of the shops in the large stoa still remains and legend says this one the Shope from which Paul worked. The streets are still amazing and the bema is still visible. Anna and Will also read 2 Corinthians 4 while the group sat in the shade of the cypress trees. 

We then drove to Athens and had an amazing dinner as a group. Off to bed for a fantastic and long day in Athens tomorrow. 

Enjoy these pictures from today. 




Tuesday, June 10, 2014

Safe in Rome

After an uneventful flight and some rest on the plane, we are in Rome for the night. Pray for a good night's rest and energy for a full day tomorrow. Seminars International, the airline, and the hotel have been incredible in getting us reset for our travels. 

Tomorrow we will be doing Corinth and then will do our full day in Athens on Thursday. We are excited for a great adventure. Thanks for your prayers. 

Peace,
Brian

Monday, June 9, 2014

Stuck in Chicago; Unexpected Time in Rome

Our flight out of Chicago is delayed. Spending some quality time in the airport. We will arrive in Rome late and have a night in a hotel before heading to Athens. The adventure has truly begun!

And what do you do when stuck in the airport? This...


Our flight is AZ 629 if you want to check in on our arrival time. 

More posts to come. 

Day One - And Away We Go!

On our way to Chicago for a very long day of travel. 

Please keep us in your prayers as we journey. 

If you would like a copy of our itinerary, please go to www.secondchurch.org/youth and click on the Footsteps of Faith online packet. 


Looking forward to an amazing adventure. 

Thursday, June 5, 2014

Footsteps 2014: Preparing for Departure

In a few short days Footsteps of Faith 2014 (22 recent high school graduates and 6 adult leaders) will be heading out to walk in the footsteps of the apostles and the early church.

Please keep us in your prayers as we travel. We will hit the ground first in Athens and will end our trip in Rome. For a detailed itinerary click here.

We will be posting on this blog regularly. Please check back often to follow our adventures in faith.

Thank you for following us on our way.

May this be our prayer as we travel together...
“The love and affection of the angels be to you,
The love and affection of the saints be to you,
The love and affection of heaven be to you,
To guard and to cherish you.
May God shield you on every step,
May God aid you on every path,
And may God hold you safe on every slope,
On every hill and on every plain;
On earth and on sea until you are home again.”
(Irish Blessings For Those Taking A Journey)

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