It was work, I promise!

Last week, we traveled to a small island outside of Athens, Greece for our Annual General Meeting (AGM). AGM this year was special for several reasons. First of all, it was a gathering of all of our colleagues in all of Central and Eastern Europe (CEE - that would be people in countries from Greece to the eastern edge of Russia) and we haven't had that sort of gathering in many, many years. Second, it was the last AGM for the region formerly known as CEE. Our organizational structure is changing to include Western Europe and other European peoples. The purpose of the restructuring is to focus on people groups instead of geographical regions. You can read more about it here, if you are so inclined. Third, this was our last AGM as we will return to the states in early 2010 (with a little souvenir), so it was good to see people and say goodbye one last time. We had a really great time learning about how God is working across Central and Eastern Europe and seeing how our organization is planning for God to work in the future, despite economical hardships.

That being said, the conference also happened to be in Greece. At a resort. So we had to take advantage of the facilities and cool, breezy, 90 degree weather (last year, it was 110 in Greece).

Matt and some of our friends relaxing in the pool after a day of meetings. Yes, we are all very pale. We live in Central Europe. Our winter is 14 months long.

The view from the beach.

Matt getting some exercise playing waterpolo.

Matt's little buddy (and Bryce's future girlfriend), Bethany.

One of our large meetings. Lotsa folks.



Posing by the ocean (actually the sea. Aegean, I stand corrected).