Jason has just left for Athens and will fly back to the U.S. tomorrow. Kolya went with Caroline (who is on holiday with us) and our neighbor Angelo to the football (soccer) stadium to play. Kolya gave his Papa a big hug and kiss, but probably doesn't fully grasp the five weeks we will be apart. Jason and I were left alone to our tearful goodbye. I know many of you travel and are away from your families for long periods of time, but Jason and I rarely have occasion to be apart. He is my best friend... the one who I tell everything to. Happier times are that much happier when I am with him and hard times are that much more bearable. He is also the one who wants me to realize all of my dreams... like my experience in Greece this summer. I am so grateful for him. Can you tell that this is one of those... "Buy the ticket, Take the ride moments for me"? Don't worry... I'm not turning back. As I write, it also happens to be one of those quiet times of day... early evening when people are just coming back outside after the heat of the mid-day. The slow gong of the church bells has called to everyone. Even the village animals are beginning to arise and I hear a quiet chorus of goats, roosters, dogs, donkeys and birds. Soon, kids will be calling at the gate for "Nikolaki" to play and neighbors will stop by to wave or sit with us for a bit. It is hard not to become reflective here... where the pace of life is a bit slower and no day goes by without an invitation for καφές (Greek coffee) and a long sit on someone's veranda.

XOXO,

Karen June