COMPLETED!
101 days, 79 hikes, 2450 km from Germany to Greece
Weekly Updates
I want to receive the weekly updates by email.
(If you experience difficulties to register please contact us at news@snail-trail.com)
Following Jesus...
I got to know Jesus by reading his biography, the first four books of the New Testament. I was 16. I often wondered how it would have been to actually walk with Jesus, hear his words and be part of his encounters with people. Certainly life changing. A bit of that I was able to experience on Snail-Trail 1 as I walked from my home in southern Germany to the west coast of Spain. It was an amazing experience. Even though I could not see Jesus, I sensed his presence, leading and enabling. I got to be a part of his encounters with people through conversations and prayers that I had with them.
Snail-Trail 2.0...
Following Jesus does not end by reaching a certain destination, completing a certain task or reaching a certain age. The call continues. The path leads on. My steps on Snail-Trail 2 will take me from my home near Munich, Germany, through Austria and the Balkan countries of Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Montenegro, Albania and Greece. I hope to arrive in Athens by the third week in October. I invite you to join me on this journey of walking with Jesus by way of the photos, thoughts and film clips on the blog.
Balkans...
This region of Europe has great needs. Seven of the ten poorest nations in Europe are in the Balkans. The past Balkan wars have left scars in the soul of the people and landmines in the ground in numerous areas. The recent mass movement of refugees through many of these nations, the financial crisis in the region and the aftermath of corona have taken their toll on the people and their welfare. Churches struggle with the exodus of the younger generation to the west in pursuit of a more secure future. Our prayer is that God’s kingdom will come and his will be done in the Balkans. Please join me in this prayer journey. You can find more information about each of the Balkan countries by way of this webpage put together by my colleague Kurt Plagenhoef in Albania. (Click on the different countries on the map “Target Countries”): www.balkanreach.org
Together...
Prayer: I would greatly appreciate your prayers as well… I will be needing it! This is not a marked pilgrim path like the St. James Way. There are not pilgrim hostels waiting at the end of each trek. Pray for God appointments, protection from wild animals and drivers, for strength for the journey, for hearts to be touched by God’s heart.
Project: If you would like to be a part of what the Assemblies of God is doing in the Balkans (church planting, children’s camps, student ministries, Bible School…), please click on this link to make an online donation: https://giving.ag.org/donate/600001-226052?class=88
You can make a one-time contribution or wait to see how far I go for a per kilometer pledge. Please click on the option “88 Snail Trail”. Many thanks!
Blog
28.
Oct
Last Thoughts
Video: Half Marathon in Rome on Sunday, October 20: “Running your race…”
IT WAS NOT ALWAY EASY; BUT IT WAS ALWAYS GOOD!
I knew this would not be an easy walk. There were no marked pilgrim trails, no pilgrim hostels and no other pilgrims walking the paths. The daytime temperatures from Zagreb to Tirana were between 85 and 95 degrees. I stepped over a poisonous snake, faced menacing dogs, walked through dark tunnels and areas with landmines, bears and wolfs, crossed dilapidated bridges and dodged oncoming trails. I was on my own, but never alone. God will never lead us, where his grace will not keep us.
Would I do it again? No, I would not walk this path again for sport, adventure, or pleasure. These were not my reasons to do so in the first place. I felt God asking me to walk through the Balkans, to come to know the pain of the past and the present struggles of the people living there. It was a call to walk and pray, to sing the pilgrim song of blessing from the mountain tops, in the villages and cities, to believe that God’s grace can bring reconciliation, healing and renewal. There were God moments, talks and prayers with people in need of the God connection. Many others were encouraged to take the next step in their walk with Jesus. So would I do it again? Yes, if Jesus was asking me to walk with him this way.
I have been asked already a number of times if there will be a Snail-Trail 3. Actually I would hope that there will be hundreds of Snail-Trails… from people who might have been inspired from my stories and experiences to venture beyond their comfort zone, to discover the world beyond their known borders and to experience the reality of a God who is more than just religion and ritual. I recently shared this thought in a WhatsApp to “Rocket Man” whom I met in Slovenia and then added: “I think we both tasted that this summer. What a wonderful assortment of flavors!” He responded with a thumbs up emoji.
Probably the most important lesson for me personally on this pilgrim path was learning to face my giants. As I mapped out the daily hikes in the winter months earlier this year in preparation for the foot trip this summer, I was constantly being reminded of the dangers that I could face along the way by well meaning friends and acquaintances. I started having panic attacks, something that I never experienced before. The question was: Can I trust God with this endeavor? It just so happened that I was at this time reading about the exodus of the Hebrews out of the slavery in Egypt and how God brought them to the promise land after a forty year walk through the wilderness. I came to the conclusion that if God can care of and lead two million people through a wilderness, he can take care of me and lead me through the Balkans. It is when we face our giants that we see how big our God is. Caleb, Joshua and David learned this lesson in the days of the Old Testament. I take it now with me in day to day life back in Germany.
As I wrote in the blog posting from October 16th, on a trip like this you learn to see the glory of God in simple things. That helps you to recognize how God is at work in the complicated things and in the hard places in life. This was my prayer when I left Moosburg on July 8th that I would see the glory of God as I made my way from Germany to Greece. God did show me the beauty of his creation, from the mountains to the valleys, from the babbling water streams in the mountains to the ocean waters, in the fields and forests, sunsets and sunrises, in the songs of the birds, the whisper of the wind, the scent of flowers, rain and the sea. I could see the glory of God in the eyes and smiles of people I met along the way and radiating from the hearts of his people. In such moments cultures and languages were never a barrier.
Final Statistics:
* 2450 total kilometers walked
* 48034 total altitude meters
* 79 hikes
* Average hike: 31 kilometers and 608 altitude meters
* Longest distance: 43,95 km / Tirana to Elbasan, Albania
* Most altitude meters walked: 1523 HM / Sarajevo to Dobro Polja, Bosnia-Herzegovina
* Shortest hike: 8,84 km / Progër to Kapshticë, Albania
* Amount of weight I lost: 4 kilos / 9 pounds
* Most number of wild dogs that surrounded me at once: 8
* Number of wild bears that I saw: Zero.
* Number of snakes that I saw: Too many to count, but most of them were dead and dried up on the road.
* Number of angels watching over and helping me: God knows…
A Heart of Thanks!
I am so grateful to God for his amazing grace which is new every morning and sufficient for the challenges that one would face that day. I lived in this grace each step of the way.
It was always an encouragement to me to know that my wife and family, many friends, colleagues and churches and even people I met along the way, were standing behind me, rooting for me and praying for me. I really appreciated this! Thank you for your interest in Snail-Trail 2, for following along by way of the blog, for being a part of the journey! Many thanks!
IT WAS NOT ALWAY EASY; BUT IT WAS ALWAYS GOOD!
I knew this would not be an easy walk. There were no marked pilgrim trails, no pilgrim hostels and no other pilgrims walking the paths. The daytime temperatures from Zagreb to Tirana were between 85 and 95 degrees. I stepped over a poisonous snake, faced menacing dogs, walked through dark tunnels and areas with landmines, bears and wolfs, crossed dilapidated bridges and dodged oncoming trails. I was on my own, but never alone. God will never lead us, where his grace will not keep us.
Would I do it again? No, I would not walk this path again for sport, adventure, or pleasure. These were not my reasons to do so in the first place. I felt God asking me to walk through the Balkans, to come to know the pain of the past and the present struggles of the people living there. It was a call to walk and pray, to sing the pilgrim song of blessing from the mountain tops, in the villages and cities, to believe that God’s grace can bring reconciliation, healing and renewal. There were God moments, talks and prayers with people in need of the God connection. Many others were encouraged to take the next step in their walk with Jesus. So would I do it again? Yes, if Jesus was asking me to walk with him this way.
I have been asked already a number of times if there will be a Snail-Trail 3. Actually I would hope that there will be hundreds of Snail-Trails… from people who might have been inspired from my stories and experiences to venture beyond their comfort zone, to discover the world beyond their known borders and to experience the reality of a God who is more than just religion and ritual. I recently shared this thought in a WhatsApp to “Rocket Man” whom I met in Slovenia and then added: “I think we both tasted that this summer. What a wonderful assortment of flavors!” He responded with a thumbs up emoji.
Probably the most important lesson for me personally on this pilgrim path was learning to face my giants. As I mapped out the daily hikes in the winter months earlier this year in preparation for the foot trip this summer, I was constantly being reminded of the dangers that I could face along the way by well meaning friends and acquaintances. I started having panic attacks, something that I never experienced before. The question was: Can I trust God with this endeavor? It just so happened that I was at this time reading about the exodus of the Hebrews out of the slavery in Egypt and how God brought them to the promise land after a forty year walk through the wilderness. I came to the conclusion that if God can care of and lead two million people through a wilderness, he can take care of me and lead me through the Balkans. It is when we face our giants that we see how big our God is. Caleb, Joshua and David learned this lesson in the days of the Old Testament. I take it now with me in day to day life back in Germany.
As I wrote in the blog posting from October 16th, on a trip like this you learn to see the glory of God in simple things. That helps you to recognize how God is at work in the complicated things and in the hard places in life. This was my prayer when I left Moosburg on July 8th that I would see the glory of God as I made my way from Germany to Greece. God did show me the beauty of his creation, from the mountains to the valleys, from the babbling water streams in the mountains to the ocean waters, in the fields and forests, sunsets and sunrises, in the songs of the birds, the whisper of the wind, the scent of flowers, rain and the sea. I could see the glory of God in the eyes and smiles of people I met along the way and radiating from the hearts of his people. In such moments cultures and languages were never a barrier.
Final Statistics:
* 2450 total kilometers walked
* 48034 total altitude meters
* 79 hikes
* Average hike: 31 kilometers and 608 altitude meters
* Longest distance: 43,95 km / Tirana to Elbasan, Albania
* Most altitude meters walked: 1523 HM / Sarajevo to Dobro Polja, Bosnia-Herzegovina
* Shortest hike: 8,84 km / Progër to Kapshticë, Albania
* Amount of weight I lost: 4 kilos / 9 pounds
* Most number of wild dogs that surrounded me at once: 8
* Number of wild bears that I saw: Zero.
* Number of snakes that I saw: Too many to count, but most of them were dead and dried up on the road.
* Number of angels watching over and helping me: God knows…
A Heart of Thanks!
I am so grateful to God for his amazing grace which is new every morning and sufficient for the challenges that one would face that day. I lived in this grace each step of the way.
It was always an encouragement to me to know that my wife and family, many friends, colleagues and churches and even people I met along the way, were standing behind me, rooting for me and praying for me. I really appreciated this! Thank you for your interest in Snail-Trail 2, for following along by way of the blog, for being a part of the journey! Many thanks!
20.
Oct
Rome - Moosburg
It was a long day today. I got up early at the hostel in Rome to get packed, have breakfast, find my way around the barriers in the city that were set up for the half marathon, and to get to the church service at the International Christian Fellowship in time. (The video clip from the church service was posted in yesterday’s blog.) The day would not end until I arrived back home in Germany the following morning…
Photo 1: Half Marathon in Rome
Photo 2: Pastor Jennifer Pasquale with Navel Officer Tristan and Pastoral Assistant Bos.
Photo 3: In the two morning services I was able to share about my experiences on the Snail-Trail.
I had lunch with Steven and Kristi Lupo, Assembly of God intercultural workers from Michigan. In the afternoon I was able to stay at the hostel, work on my blog and wait for my train to Germany that would leave at 8.10 in the evening. It was a long trip back and almost impossible to find a comfortable sleeping position in the night. There was just no place to put my legs. I could tell that others in my train compartment were having the same problem. Finally at about two in the morning, I decided to use my blow up pillow and lay down on the floor near a rack for luggage that gave me more floor space. About an hour later I noticed that three other people decided to join me stretched out on the floor! I am not sure how well I slept, but time seemed to go quicker.
Photos 4+5: It is good to be back home! My family was waiting for me at the Moosburg train station.
Photo 1: Half Marathon in Rome
Photo 2: Pastor Jennifer Pasquale with Navel Officer Tristan and Pastoral Assistant Bos.
Photo 3: In the two morning services I was able to share about my experiences on the Snail-Trail.
I had lunch with Steven and Kristi Lupo, Assembly of God intercultural workers from Michigan. In the afternoon I was able to stay at the hostel, work on my blog and wait for my train to Germany that would leave at 8.10 in the evening. It was a long trip back and almost impossible to find a comfortable sleeping position in the night. There was just no place to put my legs. I could tell that others in my train compartment were having the same problem. Finally at about two in the morning, I decided to use my blow up pillow and lay down on the floor near a rack for luggage that gave me more floor space. About an hour later I noticed that three other people decided to join me stretched out on the floor! I am not sure how well I slept, but time seemed to go quicker.
Photos 4+5: It is good to be back home! My family was waiting for me at the Moosburg train station.
19.
Oct
Day in Rome
Video: Church service the next day on Sunday morning at the International Christian Fellowship in Rome
It rained this morning (Saturday). So I worked on my blog until early afternoon. I ate lunch at the bar at the hostel here I stayed, was the only one there. The girl working there was bored. I asked her what she likes to do when she is not being bored at work. She said she likes to read the classics and listed a number of them that she has read. Some of the titles I recognized, but not all of them. I then said that I have read oldest classic ever, that it is the most read and most purchased one. She wanted to know which one that was. I said that in Latin it is called “La Biblia”. “Oh”, she said somewhat disgruntled, “I have read it. I am Catholic!” The conversation went like this:
“Did you really read it?”
“Well, I read critics about the Bible.”
“As a teenager I read Homer’s Odyssey.” She nodded and had read it as well. “Can you imagine the difference between actually reading the book and just reading reports about it?” She understood.
“Today is Saturday.” I continued. “Did you know that the weekend was God’s idea? Nowhere in the antic did any people ever have a day off once a week. But God knew we needed that and instructed his people to have a day of rest once a week. Also the work animals were to have a day of rest. It was also God’s idea to have vacation. Three times during the year the Israelites were to take a week off from work to celebrate God’s goodness, at Passover, Pentecost and the Feast of Tabernacles. Then there were other special holidays as well…”
She like that thought. I told her that there were more good ideas from God in his book on how we should live, but we need to read it.
In the evening at the hostel I met Daniel from Brazil and a young Chinese girl whose name means “Snowflake”. Daniel is a bio-medical scientist who was in Rome to present the research of his team on how to manipulate the DNA of a virus so that it can no longer cause illness. I went over and shook his hand and said that I wanted to remember the day I met a future Nobel Prize winner when he was in a hostel in Rome looking for some lasagna to eat for dinner… which was, by the way, the case. He said that he was trusting Jesus to help him with the research and knew a medical breakthough would help many people physically, but his concern was how to also help people spiritually. I encouraged him that if God would give him this success, he would have many opportunities to share about his faith and walk with Jesus. I prayed for Daniel and then asked Snowflake if anyone had ever prayed for her. She said no and added: “I will give it a try…”
Photo 1: In the afternoon I took a walk through the heart of Rome. I really wanted to visit the prison where Peter and Paul were supposed to have been incarcerated.
Photo 2: This is the prison cell, just a dark hole in the ground. I waited until no one else was there. I wanted to softly sing my pilgrim song. Three young men from Switzerland then came down the steps to take a look. I felt in my heart to keep singing. They went back up and shortly after I followed. Once outside the one young man asked me in German, what kind of song that was that I was singing. I said it was a type of singing that was common in the early days of Christianity where the spirit of a person would express a melody from the heart through the vocal chords as a praise and worship to God. One can read about the first time this occurred in Acts 2 of the New Testament. Certainly Peter and Paul would have sung in this way while in prison. His response: “Very interesting!”
Photo 3: I was walking real quick when I came to this area called the forum. I overheard a woman say to her daughter: “Look how fast that old man is moving!” I turned around and said with a smile, “I must be that old man!” The three of us laughed. They were from Washington DC, were active in their church. I prayed for them and together for the upcoming election in the USA, that God would give grace for healing and reconciliation.
Photo 4: Rome was making preparations for a half marathon that would be taking place tomorrow and for a political demonstration that was about to take place this afternoon.
Photo 5: The Worker’s Party was letting their voices be heard. I am just glad that everything remained peaceful.
It rained this morning (Saturday). So I worked on my blog until early afternoon. I ate lunch at the bar at the hostel here I stayed, was the only one there. The girl working there was bored. I asked her what she likes to do when she is not being bored at work. She said she likes to read the classics and listed a number of them that she has read. Some of the titles I recognized, but not all of them. I then said that I have read oldest classic ever, that it is the most read and most purchased one. She wanted to know which one that was. I said that in Latin it is called “La Biblia”. “Oh”, she said somewhat disgruntled, “I have read it. I am Catholic!” The conversation went like this:
“Did you really read it?”
“Well, I read critics about the Bible.”
“As a teenager I read Homer’s Odyssey.” She nodded and had read it as well. “Can you imagine the difference between actually reading the book and just reading reports about it?” She understood.
“Today is Saturday.” I continued. “Did you know that the weekend was God’s idea? Nowhere in the antic did any people ever have a day off once a week. But God knew we needed that and instructed his people to have a day of rest once a week. Also the work animals were to have a day of rest. It was also God’s idea to have vacation. Three times during the year the Israelites were to take a week off from work to celebrate God’s goodness, at Passover, Pentecost and the Feast of Tabernacles. Then there were other special holidays as well…”
She like that thought. I told her that there were more good ideas from God in his book on how we should live, but we need to read it.
In the evening at the hostel I met Daniel from Brazil and a young Chinese girl whose name means “Snowflake”. Daniel is a bio-medical scientist who was in Rome to present the research of his team on how to manipulate the DNA of a virus so that it can no longer cause illness. I went over and shook his hand and said that I wanted to remember the day I met a future Nobel Prize winner when he was in a hostel in Rome looking for some lasagna to eat for dinner… which was, by the way, the case. He said that he was trusting Jesus to help him with the research and knew a medical breakthough would help many people physically, but his concern was how to also help people spiritually. I encouraged him that if God would give him this success, he would have many opportunities to share about his faith and walk with Jesus. I prayed for Daniel and then asked Snowflake if anyone had ever prayed for her. She said no and added: “I will give it a try…”
Photo 1: In the afternoon I took a walk through the heart of Rome. I really wanted to visit the prison where Peter and Paul were supposed to have been incarcerated.
Photo 2: This is the prison cell, just a dark hole in the ground. I waited until no one else was there. I wanted to softly sing my pilgrim song. Three young men from Switzerland then came down the steps to take a look. I felt in my heart to keep singing. They went back up and shortly after I followed. Once outside the one young man asked me in German, what kind of song that was that I was singing. I said it was a type of singing that was common in the early days of Christianity where the spirit of a person would express a melody from the heart through the vocal chords as a praise and worship to God. One can read about the first time this occurred in Acts 2 of the New Testament. Certainly Peter and Paul would have sung in this way while in prison. His response: “Very interesting!”
Photo 3: I was walking real quick when I came to this area called the forum. I overheard a woman say to her daughter: “Look how fast that old man is moving!” I turned around and said with a smile, “I must be that old man!” The three of us laughed. They were from Washington DC, were active in their church. I prayed for them and together for the upcoming election in the USA, that God would give grace for healing and reconciliation.
Photo 4: Rome was making preparations for a half marathon that would be taking place tomorrow and for a political demonstration that was about to take place this afternoon.
Photo 5: The Worker’s Party was letting their voices be heard. I am just glad that everything remained peaceful.
18.
Oct
Athens - Rome
Originally I wanted to take the train back through the Balkan countries that I had walked through. This proved to be a very uncertain endeavor. So I decided to take the train back to Athens and from there fly to Rome and then take a train from Rome to Germany. It fascinates me, how every change in the route that I make, will also change the circumstances and places in which I might come into contact with people. As I waited for the train in Corinth, for instance, to take me to Athens, I saw two Africans waiting as well. I said hello in English, found out they were from Cameroon, and then pulled out the few French words that I know. They are refugees who would like to come to Germany. They are also Christian brothers. I prayed for them that God would direct their paths, be with them and help them through the challenges in life that they will face. I also said a few words in German when they told me they wanted to go to Germany...
Then when I sat down on the train, a young Greek man, Janis, on the seat across from me, said he heard me speaking German and wanted to know if I was from Germany. I told him my story and he told me his. As a fifteen year old he was a very talented soccer player and sent to Germany to be trained and prepare to play professional soccer. I think he was connected with Karlsruhe SC. He did well. Just before his debut as a professional, though, he had a serious injury that ended all aspirations for professional soccer. Janis struggled with his fate, questioned God and finally came to peace. He said that perhaps he would not have handled the lifestyle of a professional soccer player well, that he might have become proud and drifted away from God. Janis attitude of heart touched mine and my story challenged and encouraged him. He had many questions about my experiences on the Snail-Trail and said he would like to do something like that some day. I prayed for Janis and said “Amen” just as the train was arriving at my stop.
Then when I sat down on the train, a young Greek man, Janis, on the seat across from me, said he heard me speaking German and wanted to know if I was from Germany. I told him my story and he told me his. As a fifteen year old he was a very talented soccer player and sent to Germany to be trained and prepare to play professional soccer. I think he was connected with Karlsruhe SC. He did well. Just before his debut as a professional, though, he had a serious injury that ended all aspirations for professional soccer. Janis struggled with his fate, questioned God and finally came to peace. He said that perhaps he would not have handled the lifestyle of a professional soccer player well, that he might have become proud and drifted away from God. Janis attitude of heart touched mine and my story challenged and encouraged him. He had many questions about my experiences on the Snail-Trail and said he would like to do something like that some day. I prayed for Janis and said “Amen” just as the train was arriving at my stop.
17.
Oct
Ancient Corinth
Video: Snail-Trail 2 on the finish line…
Photo 1: God will take us through hard and challenging times, not to break us, but to form us, to make us stronger. As I approached Ancient Corinth yesterday and saw the mountain upon which the fortress Acrocorinth sits, I said to myself: “There is no way I am going to hike up there tomorrow!” After completing the 2450 kilometers from Germany to Corinth, my feet were looking for a well deserved break, not to mention my back, shoulders, hips and knees. However the bus service to the fortress had recently been discontinued to help out the local taxi drivers, and I did not want to take a taxi. So this morning I put on my hiking boots. It actually surprised me how quick and effortless I ascended the 545 altitude meters without the weight of my backpack. It was then that I realized that the long journey had only made me stronger… and the view from on top of the mountain was fantastic!
Photo 2: When I arrived at the entrance to the fortress, there was a young family from Israel that had been watching me. I said: “This is how the Romans and the Turks came up to invade the fortress so many years ago!” I told them how sorry I was for what was happening in their country and wished them the blessing that God promised Abraham, the blessing of shalom that comes to us through the Messiah. It was a short, but meaningful encounter.
I continued walking up through the fortress. At the very top I met Andrei and Natalie from the Ukraine. I told them that my family and I in Germany had taken in a family from the Ukraine and that the husband has since started a Ukrainian church at our church in Moosburg. Andrei had just completed a work assignment in Israel and was struggling with the decision about returning to the Ukraine or staying in Western Europe. We talked and prayed. They were so grateful for the encouragement that they wanted to have my picture taken with them.
Photo 3: I am standing where Paul stood when he was brought before the tribunal in Corinth. You can read about this in Acts 18:12-17.
Photo 4: The pillars from the temple of Apollo that are still standing.
Photo 5: Ancient Corinth with the fortress mountain Acrocorinth in the background
Photo 1: God will take us through hard and challenging times, not to break us, but to form us, to make us stronger. As I approached Ancient Corinth yesterday and saw the mountain upon which the fortress Acrocorinth sits, I said to myself: “There is no way I am going to hike up there tomorrow!” After completing the 2450 kilometers from Germany to Corinth, my feet were looking for a well deserved break, not to mention my back, shoulders, hips and knees. However the bus service to the fortress had recently been discontinued to help out the local taxi drivers, and I did not want to take a taxi. So this morning I put on my hiking boots. It actually surprised me how quick and effortless I ascended the 545 altitude meters without the weight of my backpack. It was then that I realized that the long journey had only made me stronger… and the view from on top of the mountain was fantastic!
Photo 2: When I arrived at the entrance to the fortress, there was a young family from Israel that had been watching me. I said: “This is how the Romans and the Turks came up to invade the fortress so many years ago!” I told them how sorry I was for what was happening in their country and wished them the blessing that God promised Abraham, the blessing of shalom that comes to us through the Messiah. It was a short, but meaningful encounter.
I continued walking up through the fortress. At the very top I met Andrei and Natalie from the Ukraine. I told them that my family and I in Germany had taken in a family from the Ukraine and that the husband has since started a Ukrainian church at our church in Moosburg. Andrei had just completed a work assignment in Israel and was struggling with the decision about returning to the Ukraine or staying in Western Europe. We talked and prayed. They were so grateful for the encouragement that they wanted to have my picture taken with them.
Photo 3: I am standing where Paul stood when he was brought before the tribunal in Corinth. You can read about this in Acts 18:12-17.
Photo 4: The pillars from the temple of Apollo that are still standing.
Photo 5: Ancient Corinth with the fortress mountain Acrocorinth in the background
16.
Oct
Kinetta - Alt Korinth
Day 101 has come. This will be my last official hike of Snail-Trail 2. I will be following the steps that the Apostel Paul took as he walked to Corinth. I will be singing my pilgrim song perhaps as he had done as well so many centuries ago.
Photo 1: As I was packing my tent away, I noticed that the sun was rising and I was greeted by this amazing display of the glory of God. That was my prayer when I left Moosburg 101 days ago that I would see the glory of God as I made my way from Germany to Greece. God did show me the beauty of his creation, from the mountains to the valleys, from the babbling water streams in the mountains to the ocean waters, in the fields and forests, sunsets and sunrises, in the songs of the birds, the whisper of the wind, the smells of flowers, rain and the sea. I could see the glory of God in the eyes and smiles of people I met along the way, radiating from the hearts of his people. In such moments cultures and languages were never a barrier.
Photo 2: On a trip like this you learn to see the glory of God in simple things. That helps you to recognize that God is at work in the complicated things and in the hard places in life.
Photo 3: The Strait of Corinth which connects the Gulf of Corinth in the Ionian Sea with the Saronic Gulf in the Aegean Sea.
Photo 4: The road to Corinth. To the right you see the mountain upon which the ancient fortress of Acrocorinth was built. At the foot of the mountain is Ancient Corinth where Paul had established the Corinthian church. Modern Corinth today is located on coast of the Ionian Sea.
Photo 5: The pillars of the Temple of Apollo at night in Ancient Corinth.
Photo 1: As I was packing my tent away, I noticed that the sun was rising and I was greeted by this amazing display of the glory of God. That was my prayer when I left Moosburg 101 days ago that I would see the glory of God as I made my way from Germany to Greece. God did show me the beauty of his creation, from the mountains to the valleys, from the babbling water streams in the mountains to the ocean waters, in the fields and forests, sunsets and sunrises, in the songs of the birds, the whisper of the wind, the smells of flowers, rain and the sea. I could see the glory of God in the eyes and smiles of people I met along the way, radiating from the hearts of his people. In such moments cultures and languages were never a barrier.
Photo 2: On a trip like this you learn to see the glory of God in simple things. That helps you to recognize that God is at work in the complicated things and in the hard places in life.
Photo 3: The Strait of Corinth which connects the Gulf of Corinth in the Ionian Sea with the Saronic Gulf in the Aegean Sea.
Photo 4: The road to Corinth. To the right you see the mountain upon which the ancient fortress of Acrocorinth was built. At the foot of the mountain is Ancient Corinth where Paul had established the Corinthian church. Modern Corinth today is located on coast of the Ionian Sea.
Photo 5: The pillars of the Temple of Apollo at night in Ancient Corinth.
15.
Oct
Loutropirgos - Kinetta
Photo 1: I was packing up my tent early this morning when the first visitors to the cemetery arrived. Usually I eat my breakfast before I start the day's hike, but today I decided to leave as quickly as possible. After walking a few kilometers I found a nice isolated spot on a hill to have my müsli and fruit breakfast. While I was eating, I was entertained by watching paratroppers practice their 1200 meter jumps.
Photo 2: Old castle wall by the seashore
Photo 3: "Easy Rider"
Photo 4: Most of the day I walked along this road along the coastline. I came to the small town Kinetta where I would spend the night, this time at a campground directly on the shore. I went to a gas station with a small grocery store to get food provisions for the evening and next morning. The owner was a young Greek man who had lived many years in Ireland. He had just started his gas-grocery business six months ago. He wanted to know my story, where I was from, where I was going, what I was doing and why. So I told him and shared with him about the faithfulness of God. He is like so many Orthodox Christians who say they love Jesus, but do not really know much about what it means to follow him. I encouraged him to read the biography of Jesus and he promised he would do this. He seemed to want to take the next step in his spiritual journey. I prayed for him... and he did not charge me for my bottle of mineral water, fresh fruit and vegetables.
Photo 5: Greek blue and white
Photo 2: Old castle wall by the seashore
Photo 3: "Easy Rider"
Photo 4: Most of the day I walked along this road along the coastline. I came to the small town Kinetta where I would spend the night, this time at a campground directly on the shore. I went to a gas station with a small grocery store to get food provisions for the evening and next morning. The owner was a young Greek man who had lived many years in Ireland. He had just started his gas-grocery business six months ago. He wanted to know my story, where I was from, where I was going, what I was doing and why. So I told him and shared with him about the faithfulness of God. He is like so many Orthodox Christians who say they love Jesus, but do not really know much about what it means to follow him. I encouraged him to read the biography of Jesus and he promised he would do this. He seemed to want to take the next step in his spiritual journey. I prayed for him... and he did not charge me for my bottle of mineral water, fresh fruit and vegetables.
Photo 5: Greek blue and white
14.
Oct
Athen - Loutropirgos
Jeff and I left the hostel today together and walked the first fifteen minutes before our ways parted. I was going south to Corinth and he to the north to Meteora. May the Good Shepherd continue his work of grace in Jeff's life.
Photo 1: It will take me three days to walk to Corinth. Probably the Apostel Paul walked as well from Athens to Greece. I am sure the path back then was more enjoyable and nature oriented than it is today. I had to walk a very busy street leading from Athens and to the Saronic Gulf. The next two days I would have to make my way around huge industrial areas and oil refineries.
Photos 2+3: Nevertheless there were beautiful and interesting moments along the coast.
Photo 4: This boat did not make it to port...
Photo 5: The small harbor of Nea Peramos. I walked further than originally planned, because I could not find a sleeping place. When I came to the beach town of Nea Peramos, I thought I would continue along the shore until I found a spot where I could put up my tent. Unfortunately though the path led to a military training zone. A young Greek soldier with a machine gung kindly let me know that I needed to turn back. It was getting dark. I decided to go to a nearby church... which ended up being a cemetery once again. I found an empty space in the back corner where I would not disturb or scare anyone who might happen to come at night or early in the morning. I often say that sleeping and awaking in the morning is a picture of the resurrection. So I guess it was a fitting place for me to sleep that night...
Photo 1: It will take me three days to walk to Corinth. Probably the Apostel Paul walked as well from Athens to Greece. I am sure the path back then was more enjoyable and nature oriented than it is today. I had to walk a very busy street leading from Athens and to the Saronic Gulf. The next two days I would have to make my way around huge industrial areas and oil refineries.
Photos 2+3: Nevertheless there were beautiful and interesting moments along the coast.
Photo 4: This boat did not make it to port...
Photo 5: The small harbor of Nea Peramos. I walked further than originally planned, because I could not find a sleeping place. When I came to the beach town of Nea Peramos, I thought I would continue along the shore until I found a spot where I could put up my tent. Unfortunately though the path led to a military training zone. A young Greek soldier with a machine gung kindly let me know that I needed to turn back. It was getting dark. I decided to go to a nearby church... which ended up being a cemetery once again. I found an empty space in the back corner where I would not disturb or scare anyone who might happen to come at night or early in the morning. I often say that sleeping and awaking in the morning is a picture of the resurrection. So I guess it was a fitting place for me to sleep that night...
13.
Oct
Pause/Godi
Athens Day 4:
I love Sundays on the Snail-Trail! They are my days of rest. Today Jeff went with me to the Sunday morning service at the International Christian Fellowship (ICF) of Athens. The first song that was sung was certainly one that spoke to Jeff (video). The second one was ment for me. It spoke of God's glory being found in the hard places in our walk of faith. It was a good lead as well to my message about facing our giants. It is when we face our giants that we discover how big our God is.
Photo 1: Matt and Merissa Barker are Assembly of God intercultral workers and pastors of ICF in Athens. There are some legal issues connected with their church building that need to be resolved so that the congregation can move forward in their ministry outreach to Athens. Pray for God's grace to be at work and his will to be done in this situation.
Photos 2-4: A few impressions from yesterday from the Pantheon...
Photo 5: Last night on my way back to the hostel I walked by this political rally. I wonder if the young communist woman that I spoke with at the university on Thursday was there.
I love Sundays on the Snail-Trail! They are my days of rest. Today Jeff went with me to the Sunday morning service at the International Christian Fellowship (ICF) of Athens. The first song that was sung was certainly one that spoke to Jeff (video). The second one was ment for me. It spoke of God's glory being found in the hard places in our walk of faith. It was a good lead as well to my message about facing our giants. It is when we face our giants that we discover how big our God is.
Photo 1: Matt and Merissa Barker are Assembly of God intercultral workers and pastors of ICF in Athens. There are some legal issues connected with their church building that need to be resolved so that the congregation can move forward in their ministry outreach to Athens. Pray for God's grace to be at work and his will to be done in this situation.
Photos 2-4: A few impressions from yesterday from the Pantheon...
Photo 5: Last night on my way back to the hostel I walked by this political rally. I wonder if the young communist woman that I spoke with at the university on Thursday was there.
12.
Oct
Athen
Athens Day 3:
Video: Music rehearsal in the ancient theater Odeon of Herodes Atticus at the foot of the Acropolis
Photo 1: I took a walk again up Lycabettus Hill to get this picture with the morning sun shining on the Pantheon. Unfortunately it was quite overcast, and the sun only partially broke through for a short moment. Since the weather was not the best for taking photos, I decided to go back to my room at the hostel to work on my blog. Maybe it would clear up in the aftetnoon. Going back to my room was a God appointment...
Photo 2: The last few days there was a young man whom I only saw as a shadow when he came in late at night. And in the mornings I only saw his feet sticking out from the sheets when I would leave for breakfast and then for the day. When I came back today to the room, Jeff from Canada was up. We started talking. He would go so late to bed, because he was restless, and then sleep so late, because he was tired. Jeff was going through some challenges in life and came to Greece to try to find some peace of mind. I listened to his story and then told him that when we give God our pieces, he gives us his peace. We talked for quite a bit. In the end Jeff took that first step of faith and said yes to Jesus. He was that person I prayed for last week while I was walking in the rain on my way to Chalkida, and he was the one to whom I was to give the Jesus bracelet that Dirk had given me.
Photo 3: The sun did come out in the afternoon. Today was my day to see the Akropolis. On my way there, a man spoke to me while I was taking a picture. His name is André from Argentina, but he has been living quite awhile in Germany and is currently doing a short term assignment in Landshut, just 17 kilometers from where I live. He also is a follower of Jesus. I am sure we will conect again once I am back home. We talked and prayed... and I showed him Mars Hill.
Photo 4: André had to catch up with the group he was with. I went to the line to get the ticket for the Akropolis. There I met Ederson from Haiti who now lives in the USA. We were given the last time slot for the day to enter the archaeological area. Since we had 90 minutes to wait, I also showed him Mars Hill. He is also a followerer of Jesus and was dealing with some challenges in his life. We talked and prayed.
Photo 5: Enderson and I then walked up Filopoppou Hill from where this picture of the Pantheon was taken.
Video: Music rehearsal in the ancient theater Odeon of Herodes Atticus at the foot of the Acropolis
Photo 1: I took a walk again up Lycabettus Hill to get this picture with the morning sun shining on the Pantheon. Unfortunately it was quite overcast, and the sun only partially broke through for a short moment. Since the weather was not the best for taking photos, I decided to go back to my room at the hostel to work on my blog. Maybe it would clear up in the aftetnoon. Going back to my room was a God appointment...
Photo 2: The last few days there was a young man whom I only saw as a shadow when he came in late at night. And in the mornings I only saw his feet sticking out from the sheets when I would leave for breakfast and then for the day. When I came back today to the room, Jeff from Canada was up. We started talking. He would go so late to bed, because he was restless, and then sleep so late, because he was tired. Jeff was going through some challenges in life and came to Greece to try to find some peace of mind. I listened to his story and then told him that when we give God our pieces, he gives us his peace. We talked for quite a bit. In the end Jeff took that first step of faith and said yes to Jesus. He was that person I prayed for last week while I was walking in the rain on my way to Chalkida, and he was the one to whom I was to give the Jesus bracelet that Dirk had given me.
Photo 3: The sun did come out in the afternoon. Today was my day to see the Akropolis. On my way there, a man spoke to me while I was taking a picture. His name is André from Argentina, but he has been living quite awhile in Germany and is currently doing a short term assignment in Landshut, just 17 kilometers from where I live. He also is a follower of Jesus. I am sure we will conect again once I am back home. We talked and prayed... and I showed him Mars Hill.
Photo 4: André had to catch up with the group he was with. I went to the line to get the ticket for the Akropolis. There I met Ederson from Haiti who now lives in the USA. We were given the last time slot for the day to enter the archaeological area. Since we had 90 minutes to wait, I also showed him Mars Hill. He is also a followerer of Jesus and was dealing with some challenges in his life. We talked and prayed.
Photo 5: Enderson and I then walked up Filopoppou Hill from where this picture of the Pantheon was taken.