Athens, the capital of modern Greece in 1834, is but one stop on the long walk to freedom for political and religious refugees from Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan, Sudan, Nigeria, Ivory Coast, Cameroon, Albania and the Ukraine. Most are from Muslim countries and they cannot go back after they have converted to Christianity.

TERRY ENGLAND has worked as a meat wrapper in the Oak Harbor Albertson’s for seven years. She and BOBBIE PELLETIER from the Albertson’s bakery department recently returned from two weeks working in the Athens Refugee Center on a mission sponsored by Christ the King Church in Mount Vernon.

“We mostly sorted clothing for women and children, prepared meals and served them,” England said. “A group would come in and make pots of soup which we served with Arabian pita, Greek olives and pepperoncini and apples.

“On days when there was no soup, a hard-boiled egg and pita was the meal. Two days a week, we served as a tea house and put out a huge pot of tea. Refugees came in from the cold and watched a movie. The purpose was to evangelize. The center is run by missionaries,” she noted.

The refugees are trying to get into any country that will take them, even the United States, but without visas or passports, they will be deported and sent back to where they came from, only to come back again. Most of them are in their mid-20s and they travel on foot from one country to another, making their way to Greece.

At first, new refugees are apprehensive of the workers, but when it comes time to distribute women’s and children’s clothing, mothers gesture to the workers, shoving their babies to them so they can grab armloads without regard to size or style.

“The center gave away 200 sleeping bags to those who sleep on the streets, and there is a weekly shower ministry to give men a chance to bathe and shave, thus extending the love of the Lord,” England said.

With the many ethnicities of those passing through the center, it wouldn’t be easy to surmount the language barrier, but England wants to try. It’s easy to see how the experience has changed her.

“I plan to go back,” she said. “I feel I am called to serve.”

Forever young …

The youngest member of the North Whidbey Old Fogies, WALT PYNE, turned a year older and was toasted at the weekly Monday breakfast, this time at Angelo’s.

“I offered to buy Walt a haircut for his birthday, but he declined the gift,” said DON GROVE, forever the Navy master chief.

The group meets at a different location each week. Grove, the leader of the pack, can be contacted at oldfogy@cablespeed.com.

Charity begins at home …

Many in our community cannot afford a traditional Christmas meal. If you are not connected to the military and need a Christmas basket, bring a picture ID and other proof of residence (a utility bill is fine) to Help House by Dec. 11. If you are in need and are in the military, then talk to your command master chief or, if deployed, your ombudsman by Dec. 12. Baskets will be picked up by commands on Tuesday, Dec. 19.

Gifts of cash are essential to keep this program afloat. Call 675-0681.

Indulge this Saturday …

There are still a few tickets available for “A Taste of Coupeville,” the Coupeville Arts Center’s forth annual “Decking the Halls” fund-raiser this Saturday, Dec. 9. from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Au Sable Institute.

Local restaurants will serve delicious treats, this year accompanied by a splash of hand-selected wines.

A silent auction starts at 5:30 p.m., followed by a live auction at 7:30, which features a wide selection of Christmas gifts and art. Tickets are $100 per person and are available from the Coupeville Arts Center’s board members, or at the Coupeville Arts Center at 15 NW Birch St. Call 678-3396.

Fifth Army reunites …

To all the military retirees living on North Whidbey Island, thank you for your service. We can sleep safely because of you.

Army veterans from World War II may wish to attend a reunion tour to Rome, Anzio, Cassino and other towns, plus American military cemeteries next year from May 7 to 18.

Veterans who battled Nazi forces from 1943 to 1945 will visit Italy with families and friends for a nostalgic tour of places where battles were fought and many died.

Call SY CANTON at 561-865-8495 or write to him at 5121 B Nesting Way, Delray Beach, FL, 33484.

One for the history books …

To the annoyance of some, I have been whistling, skipping along and grinning from ear to ear since our Oak Harbor High School Wildcats’ football team won at state. Let us not forget the teams that went before them. Thanks for laying the groundwork that led to this win.

Whatever you do, don’t annoy Santa. Just 19 days to Christmas! Call me at 675-6611 or write lifeonwhidbey@yahoo.com.