Day 1: "Children run up and play with us everywhere we go." 

"A family of 18 from Syria invited us to hang out with them and learn their stories. One of them is 26 years old and teaches first grade." 

"This camp of over 2,300 refugees is run by only 10-15 Greek soldiers." 

"I am hurting for a new friend who is having a difficult time because, 'This place is just not my home.'" 

"It is clear that these conditions are not permanent or ideal for this many people. However, they are not hopeless. They treat other with respect and dignity."  

A new camp has been setup in Diavata, Greece just 20 minutes from Thessaloniki. Two of Connection Church's own, Shannon Smith and Charity Cast, have taken the long journey to serve refugees living in a temporary camp near the Macedonian border in Greece. The quotes above are a few of their experiences from their first day of service at the camp. We will continue to provide more stories as they come to us.