A Quick & Productive Trip To Cyprus

A land anciently taught by the Apostle Paul, Cyprus is covered in history. Full of ancient Greek ruins, it is also believed to be the final distination and burial place of Lazarus.

Ancient ruins are easy to find in and around the villiages of Cyprus. This section of ruins reveals an almost perfectly preserved, 1600 year old floor in the House of Theseus.

This is an actual photo of the 1-inch square marble, mosaic-tile floor. Though the walls no longer stand, the floor has survived for more than 1000 years.

Joe plays golf....with a stick, a small stone, and a dirt green. Actually, we were driving back from Nicosia when we spotted a golf course, with black-dirt greens. Joe just had to practice his swing.

Since Cyprus is mostly a desert of ancient ruins, surrounded by beaches, we had many opportunities during our three day visit to see the seaside.

We were in Cyprus to evaluate the humanitarian needs of the country. We visited with the Nicosia Red Cross, and learned of their service to physically impaired Cyprians, and refugees brought to Cyprus from other countries. Cyprus has become a relocation site for refugees leaving Africa, the Middle East, and Palestine. Refugees stay for weeks and months as new homes are found for them in other lands. Though the Red Cross has successfully aided the thousands of refugees who have come to their shores, the economic crisis has severely affected funding from the government and other sources. The items of greatest need are wheelchairs for the disabled, and hygiene kits for refugee camps. From our visit with the Red Cross, we have developed a 250 wheelchair project, and a container project with hygiene kits, school kits, newborn kits, blankets, quilts, and medical supplies.

Nicosia, once the capital city, is now a city cut in half. One side is occupied by Turks--the other by Cyprians.

Evidence of Turkish invasion and NATO forces still remain in Nicosia, Cyprus after ten years of occupation. The country still remains divided as Turks and Cyprians learn to live together.

In the colorful city of Nicosia, I demonstrate a woman's favorite passtime. And no. I did not buy a skirt. I'll have plenty of time for that after our mission.