My family and I have just returned to Kansas City from three weeks away.  Kathy, Lisa, and I attended our son’s/brother’s (Jonathan’s) college graduation in Cincinnati.  After that, we traveled overseas spending a week in Italy and another week in Greece.  This was an extravagant trip for us, one that Kathy and I have talked about taking for many years.  It marked several significant events for us and we are so glad to have done it.

The four of us left Washington, DC and flew into Venice by way of Frankfurt, Germany.  The two days and nights in Venice were really magical.  Then we took the train to Florence for two more days and nights.  Florence is the place where the Enlightenment (Modernism) really began in Europe.  Museums and other monuments celebrate the presence there of Dante, Michelangelo, and Leonardo da Vinci.  Then we took the train to Rome for two more days and nights.  The wonder of ancient Rome still shines through its ruins, especially in the Roman forum, while the Vatican displays a very different Rome.  Both are stunning in their power and beauty.

After a week in Rome, we flew to Athens.  This part of our trip was the result of some friends who own a condominium just outside Athens -- two blocks from the beach.  They graciously offered it for our use and their family treated us just like family.  From the balcony, we had a clear view of the beautiful blue Mediterranean Sea.  We walked through ancient as well as modern Athens.  We hiked up to the Acropolis where the ruins of several temples, including the Parthenon, still stand.  The view of Athens is spectacular.  There has been human civilization on the Acropolis since about 3000BCE -- about 5000 years ago! 

We walked through the ancient agora – the marketplace of old Athens – and even climbed up to the Aereopogus (Mars Hill).  This was the court for serious crimes in ancient Greece.  It was also a gathering place for philosophers and, according to the book of Acts, where Paul the Apostle made his case for the wisdom of following Jesus. 

One day, we took a ferry boat to the Greek island of Poros.  Almost every day we managed to visit the beach a swim in the Mediterranean.  That was fabulous!  We enjoyed great Greek food, including octopus. 

I left KC very tired.  The spring had been a very intense time including a stewardship campaign, a membership renewal campaign, preparation for organizing the new church year, a funeral for a dear friend, and five weddings – all within the span of two months.  I remember people wishing me a good time on our trip.  My response was, “How can it not be?”  A vacation to wonderful places such as Italy and Greece just about has to be great.  But it wasn’t just those beautiful venues.

I find myself having returned to Kansas City and to work with a real sense of renewal and energy.  The time away has refreshed my perspective on my life.  The time spent with my family has filled me with gratitude for these most important people in my life.  I have come back home with a healthier space between who I am as a person and what I do for a living.  I am happy to have been away and happy to be back.

I am grateful to share the journey with you.  You continue to bless me on the way.

--Jack Price