Days 46 & 47 & 48

Day 46:
Today we got our Bible history on in the areas surrounding Thessaloniki:

Lydia's baptistery is the site believed to be where Lydia--the first known convert to Christianity in Europe--came to know the Lord (Acts 16).  Lydia has been sainted by many denominations and there is a lovely formal Byzantine baptistery built behind this site, but I would like to think that the original Lydia would have wanted none of this. From an artistic perspective the church was stunning but she bowed her heart to Jesus and would have wanted ALL things pointing to Him alone.   

 Beautiful floor mosaic of Paul's Journeys:

Look at this little boy schlepping around ancient archaeological sites like it's no big deal.

Up the road is the archaeological site and museum for the original city of Philippi.  This is the city that Paul and Silas were jailed and sang praises through the night, ultimately leading their jailer to the Lord. (Acts 16)

This is what Isaac thought of the Archaeological Museum *wink*

Here is what I thought of the Ruins of Phillipi...

Day 47: 

We got to Skype with my girly today. She seems to beam when she sees us which makes my heart happy. She had her sunglasses ready on her head (as is MY habit) and when Gramma said "your hair is getting so long!" she responded with "just like Mommy!"  Sweet Girl is finding comfort in her place as my daughter.

This afternoon we escaped to the shores of Thessaloniki for one final dip in the seas. I must say, Agean Sea you are my favorite thus far. Thank you for this send off in our final day in Greece.

Day 48:
Today was a long car day making our way across a good portion of Greece and most of Albania--oh my the views!  So very beautiful.

With no radio or CDs or workable streaming of any kind for 8 hours in the car, this is what these two yahoos do in the back seat to pass the time:

And because 8 hours in the car can turn anyone into a bunch of 10 year olds, when we drove through this city in the SE corner of Albania we slammed on the breaks to take a picture:

We are back 'home' now and ready to move full speed ahead at whatever is now before us. I am meeting with our lawyer tomorrow to review all scenarios and options for this new wrench the judge threw at us this week. I am holding on to the promises God gave me for this adoption...for my family. I do not doubt His plan for us one bit, but boy I do wish I understood WHY this is all happening. Thankful for all those that are praying for and with us.