A Christmas Gift For Velvento

Stefo, Nick and Tim had not been together since my father was 6 years old. By now, you get it. The reunion has been emotional, exciting, refreshing and eye-opening, among so many other things. But the result of our latest trip is something that truly brings the adventure full circle.

My dad and his two Greek/Australian brothers were so thankful and happy to see each other and to spend this time together (though it was a very short trip), they made a pact to meet in their hometown of Velvento, Greece for Christmas next year! This will be a long awaited return trip for Tsimos after a very long absence, and the first time in over 50 years that all of the siblings will be reunited together.

Laughter, tears and lots of happy yelling accompanied a three-man handshake, sealing the deal. Velvento get ready, because the boys are coming home!

Australian Family Portraits

Here is the Australian contingent of the Agoratsio family
(with us Americans, of course):

Top Row (L to R): Con, Theo, Con, Nick (with Christian), Cameron

Second Row (L to R): Vicki, Tina, Irene, Nat, Cathy, Irene, Shabd

First Seated Row (L to R): Vicki, Tsimos, Nick, dad, mom, me

Ground Row (L to R): David, Luke, Brooke, Themi, Anthea
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Nick's Side Of The Family:

Tim's Side Of The Family:

Mike and Irene

21 - Farewell, Sydney!

Our last morning...Time to spoil the kids before we head back to the States! We gave Luke and David each a book to begin reading. They are just learning, so these were the perfect gifts. I sat and read Dave's book (a soccer story) to the two of them, something that was more enjoyable than many would think. I always had an older sister or mom and dad to read to me, but since my focus with children has been in coaching, I realized I had never really helped teach children to read. And now I get to return the favor to my own little cousins... It was awesome.


Just as we had began our Australian visit with a big family lunch at Nick and Vicki's house, we had a farewell lunch at the same table and with the same people...our FAMILY. We shared some thoughts and reactions to the whole situation and many more laughs and tears.
Afterwards, When we finally had to give in to the reality of leaving back to the States, our entire Aussie family came with us to the airport to say goodbye and wish us a safe flight back home.


As you can tell by picture after picture of our farewell hugs and poses, it is very, very, very very difficult to say goodbye in this type of situation, as we don't know when we will get to go back and visit. To add to the process, we were trying to get twenty people to stay in one place and look at the camera...so difficult...especially when the emotions are flying.







Shabd captured a few last pictures as we all waved goodbye...Thank you to our truly amazing and hospitable family for a short-lived, but incredibly meaningful 10 days down under. Until the next time: farewell, Sydney!



Back to the 'Big Bird' once again...