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Following the Footsteps of Paulos: 10 Things We Learned About the Apostle Paul

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In his first epistle to the Corinthians (11:1), Paul urged the believers to, “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.” There is something transformative about walking where the apostle Paul once walked—standing in the shadows of ancient cities, tracing the roads of his missionary journeys, and imagining the courage it took to carry the gospel into unfamiliar and often hostile places. All the members of our travel group arrived home safely yesterday after our 12-day tour of following the footsteps of Paul. From Thessaloniki to Philippi, from Berea to Athens—and even reflecting on the missed opportunity to visit Ephesus and Patmos—this journey has deepened our understanding of Paul’s life, ministry, and message. Here are ten things we learned about Paul while following in his footsteps: 1. Paul went where the people were. In every city, Paul positioned himself where conversations were already happening—synagogues, marketplaces, and gathering places. In Areopagu...
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The Theatre, the Temple, the Stadium, the Plaka, and the Apollonia Lyra: Highlights from Our Final Day in Athens

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Our final full day in Athens felt like the turning of a page—one last chapter filled with history, beauty, and meaning before the journey home. The weather was pleasant in the morning, and rain arrived in the afternoon. After enjoying our final Greek breakfast buffet at the hotel, we boarded our bus and made our way into the heart of the city. As we drove, Emily pointed out several significant landmarks, including the ancient Temple of Olympian Zeus and the historic Arch of Hadrian, once marking the boundary between the old Greek city and the Roman expansion under Emperor Hadrian. As we continued, we passed the Hellenic Parliament just in time to witness the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The precision, tradition, and symbolism of the ceremony offered a glimpse into the enduring pride of the Greek people. Our driver then dropped us off on the south side of the Acropolis of Athens, where we began our ascent. Along the way, the Theatre of Dionysus, widely r...
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Temple of Poseidon, Aegean Sea, and Murfreesboro Seniors: From Mykonos to Athens

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It was a gorgeous day to sail the Aegean Sea, even if it was aboard a Fast Ferry. The wake-up call came early as we quickly dressed, placed our luggage outside for the porters, grabbed our breakfast boxes, and boarded the bus to the terminal. Though our original plans had shifted earlier in the week, today marked our return from Mykonos to Athens for the final stretch of our journey. After three memorable nights in Mykonos, it was time to move on. The ferry ride back was smooth and comfortable—though more crowded than expected. Student groups filled many of the seats, their energy adding a lively rhythm to the voyage. Watching them laugh, talk, and take in the scenery reminded us that every generation discovers wonder in its own way. Once we arrived in Athens, we reunited with our favorite driver, Panos, and began a scenic drive of just over an hour to Cape Sounion—home of the majestic Temple of Poseidon. Perched high above the sea, the temple stands like a sentinel watching ov...
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The Parade, the Pizza, and Peter the Pelican: Our Final Day in Mykonos

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  “This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalm 118:24 Our final full day in Mykonos began the way most of our days here have—around a table breaking bread. The breakfast buffet was as abundant as ever: Greek breads, cheeses, eggs, bacon, sausages, cold cuts, olives, fruits, pastries, pies, nuts, preserves, juices, and Americano coffee. But for me, the highlight has become a slice of dark wheat bread, toasted, topped with butter and honey. Sometimes the most memorable tastes are the ones that whisper rather than shout. After breakfast, most of our group joined Emily for a walking tour through the village as we made our way to the parade site. Along the way, we stepped into another Greek Orthodox church that had opened its doors for the holiday. There’s something sacred about entering a quiet sanctuary before stepping into a bustling celebration, a reminder to center ourselves before the noise of the world. Today is Greek Independence Day, comm...
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Spas, Lighthouses, Feral Cats, and Another Change in Our Itinerary: Enjoying Our First Full Day in Mykonos, But Not Our Last

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(Our group photo at the historic lighthouse.) We did not choose a motto for this trip, but I think a motto chose us: Have fun and be flexible! If this journey has taught us anything, it is this: a fun and flexible disposition helps you navigate the detours of life. Today began at a more merciful pace. With breakfast scheduled for 8:00 a.m., many in our group welcomed the rare gift of sleeping in. After several early mornings, it felt like a small Sabbath for the soul. Coffee lingered a little longer, conversations stretched a little deeper, and no one seemed in a hurry. By 10:30, we gathered in the lobby to meet Emily for a three-hour bus tour of Mykonos. Not everyone joined the excursion, however. Some had already scheduled spa treatments at the Semeli Hotel—their time for rest, renewal, and relaxation. Others chose to stay behind and wander the village at their own pace, discovering hidden corners and quiet moments and the only Starbucks on the island. For those of us on the to...
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Windmills, Pistachios, Super Ferries, and Sunsets: From Athens to Mykonos

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(historic windmills at Mykonos...no longer operational) “Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles…”  -Isaiah 40:31 Some days begin before the sun rises—but end with your soul lifted higher than you expected. Today was one of those days. The wake-up call came early—4:45 a.m. at the Athens Avenue Hotel. By 5:30, luggage lined the lobby, and we navigated a brief but efficient breakfast window before our 5:50 departure. It was a quiet, half-awake kind of morning—until a small but delightful discovery woke us up: nuts on the breakfast buffet! Throughout our journey, nuts had been noticeably absent—until today. Walnuts, almonds, and pistachios made their long-awaited debut. Pistachios, in particular, are one of Greece’s most beloved crops, and somehow their appearance felt like a small gift—proof that even the simplest things can bring unexpected joy. As Isaiah reminds us, renewal often comes in surprising ways. After breakfas...
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Cenchreae, Communion, and the Canal: From Olympia to Corinth

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  (Corinth Archeological Site) “Is not the cup of thanksgiving for which we give thanks a participation in the blood of Christ? And is not the bread that we break a participation in the body of Christ?” 1 Corinthians 10:16 Some days on a journey feel like a bridge, linking places, people, and powerful truths. Today was one of those days as we traveled from Olympia to Corinth, tracing both geography and gospel history. We arose early, enjoyed breakfast, and were on the road by 8:00 a.m., our hearts, minds, and souls ready for what lay ahead. As the miles passed beneath our wheels, Pastor Pete Stearns offered a rich devotional, walking us through a historical timeline of Paul’s ministry. One insight, in particular, lingered with many of us: the transition from Saulos to Paulos did not occur at Paul’s conversion, but approximately fifteen years later. It was a reminder that transformation often unfolds in stages, with God continuing to shape us long after our first step of f...
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