4 days til take off...

4 days from now I will be getting on a plane to Greece and Italy with 41 other Taylor students and 1 prof and his wife.  Words cannot begin to explain how excited I am for this trip.  As prep for our journey through the footsteps of Paul we have been asked to read and journal about Acts, Romans, 1, 2 Corinthians, Philippians, and 1, 2 Thessalonians.  As well as some reading from a textbook and the Britannica articles about Italy and Greece.  I've really loved having to read and journal about the New Testament books.  It may be something that I incorporate into my future devos.  So for those of you who would like to keep track of what I am doing while I am there here is the itinerary for those who want to live vicariously through me.
 

1/8 & 1/9: Days 1 & 2 – Depart USA / Arrive Thessaloniki, Greece (D)

1/10:             Day 3 – Thessaloniki

Cultural orientation and introduction to the life of the Apostle Paul.  Basic Greek language lesson.  Tour of Thessaloniki including the White Tower, Arch of Galerius, Rotunda, Basilica of St. Demetrios, Roman Forum. (B/L/D)

1/11:             Day 4 – Philippi

Following breakfast we depart for Philippi.  We first visit the port of Philippi, the biblical city of Neapolis (today called Kavala) and tour the port, aqueduct, and mosaic of Paul before venturing on to Philippi.  At Philippi we visit the site of Lydia’s baptism followed by a tour of the archaeological site: Bema, Forum, Basilicas, Theater, City Walls, and traditional location of Paul’s imprisonment.  While on site we have our lunch.  After touring, we return to Thessaloniki for field preparation, dinner and overnight.  (B/L/D)

1/12:             Day 5 – Thessaloniki/Independent Study/Small Groups

Students will be studying Philippians and 1^st Thessalonians individually and in groups as they prepare for their onsite and small group presentations. (B/L)

1/13:             Day 6 – Berea/Vergina

After breakfast we travel to Vergina, site of the Royal Tombs and Palace of Philip II of Macedon, father of Alexander the Great.  We explore the museum and the Macedonian Tombs with their priceless artifacts, wall paintings, and edifices.  We continue our travel to Berea to see the Rostrum of Paul and the Jewish Quarter with its Synagogue.  Our emphasis is upon Paul and his Synagogue Sermon (Acts 13).  The afternoon allows us time for a hike on the Mt. Olympus range.  Dinner and overnight in the mountain village of Litohoro.  (B/L/D)  

1/14:             Day 7 – Meteora

Departing Litohoro we travel to Thessaly and central Greece.  We visit the monasteries of Meteora perched high atop towering rock formations.  We are introduced to Eastern Orthodoxy with an orientation to basic doctrine, beliefs, and practices. During the afternoon we continue to Delphi for dinner & overnight.  (B/L/D)

1/15:             Day 8 – Delphi

Morning field preparation then tour of archaeological site.  Delphi was the most important religious center of classical Greece.  There we see the sanctuary of Apollo, Delphic Pythia, Agora, Sacred Way, Theater, and Stadium.  We also tour this significant museum with its bronze Charioteer.  After lunch and free time we arrive late afternoon in Athens for dinner and overnight.  (B/L/D)

1/16:             Day 9 – Athens

Our tour of Athens includes a visit to the Theater of Dionysios, Acropolis, Parthenon, Erectheion, Temple of Athena Nike, Propylaia, and Acropolis Museum.  We also visit the Areopagus (Mar’s Hill) and examine the sermon of Paul to the Athenians.  We visit the Agora and museum.  The afternoon brings us into the Plaka for a walking orientation of this historic district.  Dinner and overnight in Athens.  (B/L/D)

1/17:             Day 10  – Optional Greek Island Cruise

Optional three island cruise to the picturesque islands of Hydra, Poros, and Aigina.  The cruise includes lunch and lasts the entire day.  Estimated cost per student: $100-$120.  Weather permitting.  (B)

1/18:             Day 11 – Athens 

We continue our tour of Athens with a visit to the Pan Athenian Stadium, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the Temple of Zeus, Hadrian’s Arch, and the National Archaeological Museum of Athens.  Dinner & overnight.  (B/L/D)           

1/19:             Day 12 – Corinth

Crossing the Isthmian Canal we visit ancient Corinth where we see the Temple of Apollo, agora, bema, Peirene Fountain, and Stoa.  While in the agora we celebrate the Lord’s Supper (I Corinthians 11) and spend time in worship.  We also examine Paul’s cultural context in the urban centers of the Roman world.  (B/L)

1/20:             Day 13 – Athens Free Day

After a free day in Athens, we gather together for our final Greek meal at a local tavern.  We offer our concluding remarks on Greece and begin our preparations for travel to Rome /Paul’s Letter to the Romans. Overnight Athens.  (B/D)

1/21:             Day 14 – Rome: Renaissance and Modern

Morning flight to Rome, Italy. We begin with an orientation to Italy and an examination of Paul’s letter to the Romans, Paul’s crowning theological work.  A short subway ride takes us to the Piazza del Popolo where we trace Italy’s role in the renaissance and examine works by the Renaissance master Caravaggio.    Heading down the historic Corso we visit the Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, Column of Marcus Aurelius, Victor Emanuel Monument, and Imperial Fora.  Overnight at our hotel within the historic Old City of Rome.  (B/L/D)

1/22:             Day 15 –Rome: Classical

Tour of the ancient civilixation of Rome, focusing on the great civilization and its impact on the life and ministry of Paul.  We tour the Palatine Hill, home to the ancient emperors, before descending into the ancient Roman Forum, the very center of the empire.  In the forum we see the Arches of Constantine, Titus, and Septimius Severus, Temple of the Vestal Virgins, rostra, Temple of Caesar, Senate House, and much more. We continue to the world famous Coliseum where we examine Christian martyrdom.  We then head to the Pantheon, a masterpiece of Roman architecture that stands intact to this day.  (B/L/D)

1/23:             Day 16 – Vatican City, Vatican Museum, St. Peter’s Basilica

We visit the Vatican City, the nation-state home of the Catholic Church.  In St. Peter’s square we gaze up at the sculptures of Bernini before venturing into the Vatican Museum, home of numerous masterpieces by Raphael, Da Vinci, and Caravaggio.  We then enter the Sistine Chapel, world famous for Michelangelo’s ceiling paintings and the Last Judgment.  We end the day in St. Peter’s Basilica and Square and view Michelangelo's "Pieta."  (B/L)  

1/24:             Day 17 – Rome: Early Church Sites

We make our way to the Catacombs and explore these underground burial sites.   Continuing our studies in the life of Paul, we visit the church of St. Paul Outside the Walls, built over the site of Paul's tomb.  We conclude our tour with a summation lecture on Paul and a celebratory dinner.  (B/L/D)

1/25:             Day 18 – Departure Rome/USA

I will not be taking my laptop with me.  People who have been on the same trip in previous years have said that bringing a laptop just takes away from the cultural experience of a new country.  Please keep my team in your prayers and we travel and learn about Paul's Second Missionary Journey. Pray that we would bond as a team and that we would learn more about ourselves and what it means to have a relationship with Jesus Christ.