HUG Fall2011 Row 1: A. Grzybowski, W. Dunavin, R. Swift, M. Scott, E. Moore, M.Jewell,J. Keller, M.James. Row 2: S. English, A. Schroder, M. Whitman, L. Brown, R. Wilson,]. Wilson, E. Whittington, S. Keller, B.james. Row 3: D. Fair, M. Borgelt, R. Holmes, M. Warren, G. Lewis, T. Boatwright, D. Dunnagan, M. Dribble. following Christ's "' .-...... --~ ~ " " -16 ' - . -:>t, .,. '' /·'. - !. \-_'' ~· .~ ' . \f..; . ~~~ ~t~ _ ..,6r Harding in Greece (HUG), an overseas program, allowed students to walk in the footsteps of some of the most influential leaders in Christian history as they visited Mars Hill, climbed Mt. Sinai and walked whereJesus walked. For the summer 20 ll group, it was not an opportunity to be missed. "What really set HUG apart for me was the chance to get to visit all the ancient biblical sites," senior Elizabeth Provencher said. "We had tour guides in all these places who knew more about the Bible than we did and who knew the location of the important historical events in great detail." The HUG program was well known for bringing students closer together as they shared experiences in growing emotionally and spiritually. As they watched the Bible come to life before their eyes, many of them agreed that the sites visited on the program, specifically Israel, brought them closer together in ways they would not have experienced elsewhere. "I'd say Israel really impacted me the most spiritually," sophomore Simon Martin said. "Every time I'm in the Word now, I get excited knowing that I've been to the places it's talking about and that I know what it looks like." Walking whereJesus walked, praying where he prayed and seeing the grave in which he was buried and out of which he rose was life-altering for the group. They realized that experiencing a portion ofJesus' life could affect their hearts and the hearts of others. "I know our faith is supposed to be based on more than sight, but when you actually see something and experience the same environment as the Patriarchs, the Apostles and even Jesus, you just feel so much more connected with the story," Provencher said. Although these accounts of spiritual growth and journeying were specific to the HUG program, students and faculty also loved to goof around and have fun. According to junior Chaney Mitchell, her funniest memory of Greece was teaching her group how to do "The Wop," a dance trend begun on YouTube. Even MikeJames, director of the program, joined in on the choreography. Whether students envisioned themselves following in the footsteps of Christ or relaxing on the beautiful beaches of Porto Rafti, their time in Greece would forever be a treasured memory. Regardless of where other students chose to travel in future semesters, the HUG group all highly recommended making the most of studying abroad. Stacy Hall International +!5 wa&
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