Act Your Age

Today was a day that took us all back to our childhood.

We started the morning off with a modern, Greek culture lesson by Professor Caldwell. Then, Robbie and Beth Ann lead us in our first leadership discussion, “The Power of Giving.” They each shared a few personal experiences, described to us the “Live It Before You Give It” concept, and then challenged us to embrace the power of giving and make the world a better place. Each of us received 1 euro in a small, white envelope. We can add to it if we choose, but sometime in the next 6 weeks, we have to use this money to make a change in the world in some way. I was so overwhelmed when I first realized the task in front of me. ONE EURO to change the entire WORLD!

Then, after a quick lunch from our favorite sandwich shop in Glyfada (Old Baker’s), we got on the bus and drove back to Praxis in Athens. We had a party with 10-12 of the refugee children Praxis deals with using the toys we had brought from home. I met a little Afghani girl, Samir, who was 8 years old but has yet to attend any type of formal school. We didn’t speak the same language, but by picking up a coloring book and giving a simple smile, I knew she understood me. We all played and laughed with all of the different kids, but Samir was the one I spent the most time with. As I handed her a “Party City” bag of toys to take home, I then understood that 1 euro may not be a lot; but sometimes, it doesn’t a large monetary amount to make a difference. Occasionally, all it takes is a colored marker and a grin.

My picture is of the 1 euro that came in my envelope. The 3 words I chose for “Life in 3 Words were: Changing the World. I’ll hopefully be able to let you all know how I used it to contribute my part the next time I blog! Thank you all for reading!

Loree Anne Thompson