History Dogs

Today we got to meet up and talk about the ministry we have the chance to work with this week. The Nuells, who run PORTA, reach out to Albanians by providing education to them and giving them a safe place to discuss Albanian culture and language. The program also enables Albanians to create better lives for themselves by learning English and computer skills. This is especially significant because the Albanians and Greeks do not generally get along, and the Albanians have a very difficult time getting jobs. 

One of the coolest things about PORTA's programs is that they have an art gallery in the building for Albanians to have a chance to share art. In recent history as a result of communism, Albanians haven't been able to create art of their own choosing. Instead, their art was supposed to portray communism in a good light and it was highly moderated. So I think it's a great thing that this group of people now has a place to share their expressions of self through art in a safe place. 

This afternoon we got to see some of the sights before taking a nap and having dinner with the Newell's! I learned a lot about the diverse history of the Parthenon (it was originally a temple for the goddess Athena, but was at other times used as a Christian church and a mosque.). I've included some pictures below.