18. Oct 2023

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.