Delegates’ Impressions of Region 9 Assembly and Convention in Greece 2024
“This was my first in person attendance at the Region 9 Assembly. In 2021 I had attended virtually, from that I remember being in awe of the chair who got us through three days of business so successfully.
I was both pleased and wary about attending in person. The weekend before had been the National Assembly and Convention for my Service Body. I was physically tired and coming to the end of four years of service with the National Service Board of Great Britain OA. My fears and wariness were unfounded as ever they are when I do service. It was a glorious week of fellowship, fun and frolics in the sea. It wasn’t always serene and on one occasion my ego jumped full force into the Assembly, but thankfully I pulled it back (after a discussion with my HP) and my amend was well received. It was beautiful to be with so many fellows from across OA Region 9, working collaboratively and with the love of our collective Higher Powers.
At the beginning of the Convention there was a minute of silence to remember those who were no longer with us, a profound experience. There were lovely shares about the joy of service from attending your home group every week, sponsorship and service committee work with humility. Being the person your higher power wants you to be.
I came away lighter, freer and reinvigorated for the next period of my service within OA.”
Teresa
A representative of Overeaters Anonymous Great Britain
“My experience as a green dot Malta representative at the region 9 assembly and convention in Greece was unique and overall a good impression that strengthened my recovery and personal growth. I was supported all the way and my resistance to seize the opportunity melted.
Upon arrival I reminded myself that this is my tribe and we all are here for a primary purpose, to pass the message. I was nervous and judgmental at first, I sat quietly and watched, observed and listened.
As the traditions and concepts came alive before my eyes I was inspired, grateful and humbled by the service bodies that dedicate so much of their time to put this assembly together.
My voice was heard and presence appreciated even though I didn’t feel I have much to contribute.
Felt clarity and a sense of belonging which has given me confidence to move forward in service in this amazing fellowship in my own country.”
TEREZA
A representative of Overeaters Anonymous MALTA
“Hi, I’m Moa, a compulsive eater from Sweden. I’ve been in OA since 2007.
This autumn, I had the opportunity to attend my first Region 9 assembly in Athens, which turned out to be an incredible and spiritual experience. I traveled with our Swedish representative Sussanne, feeling grateful not to go alone. Although I initially feared loneliness, I was warmly welcomed and immediately felt connected.
The assembly kicked off with a recovery meeting where I shared with fellows from around the world. This helped break the ice and brought us closer together. Initially nervous about speaking English, I was inspired by my new friends’ courage and soon found myself speaking more confidently, even with my Swedish friend Sussanne.
The assembly was extremely well-organized, with clear plans in place for newcomers, which made me feel safe and cared for. Our chair and her team guided us through challenging business meetings, ensuring that everyone felt involved and valued.
Ultimately, this assembly gave me renewed energy and motivation for my recovery and my service on the Swedish national board. In fact, for weeks afterward, I couldn’t stop talking about it!
Additionally, I swam in the Mediterranean, basked in the sun, and danced to 80s hits with my new friends. Meeting such wonderful people and growing in recovery is an experience I will never forget.
Thanks to OA, Region 9 and Greece!”
Love,
Moa
A VISITOR OF THE R9 ASSEMBLY IN ATHENS SWEDEN
“My participation in the Region 9 Assembly 2024 is a milestone for my recovery. It helped me understand that I can take the bus all night and get down to Athens. To see that am I not a unique compulsive overeater, but there are many like me of all sizes and types. I don’t need the person next to me to be familiar with me in order to hug it hard and feel what unites us; what unites us is our weakness, not our strength. I was mesmerized by the calm, quiet and orderly way the process unfolded. The respect for everyone. And most of all for the time, it was magical for me. My progress was evident in the fact that I sat on the chair and sometimes I couldn’t stand it. I wasn’t scolded; I embraced myself and my God comforted me.”. He was telling me that He understood me. That I was right, that I couldn’t stand it. It’s a lot of hours sitting there. I learned that the tenth Step calms me and solves my issue on the spot. It doesn’t let me perpetuate it and make it huge in my head.
I learned that I can communicate. Even if I don’t know English well. I definitely know how to read and speak body language. And most important I can be there for someone with a hug, a smile or a caress. Grateful for this experience and for my team’s trust in me.”
With love and hope
Christina V.
A representative of Overeaters Anonymous GREECE
Region 9: an amazing source of recovery inspiration!
“My contacts with R9 began in 2003, my second OA year, thanks to a trustee’s visit. Her serene attitude, eating choices, recovery story, workshops, and realistic suggestions introduced us to new aspects of the program that were stronger and more attractive than our perception.
Greece had only two isolated groups in two cities, working separately even for translations/publications. After Hulda, Kathleen’s visits helped establish our NSB in 2008 and opened OA connections within and beyond Greece.
Warm contacts with R9 trustees (Esti, Stella, Bob, me, Emilia), chairs (Adele, Susan, Francene, David, Alexandra, Loudovica), officers and experienced volunteers empowered our recovery, exploring the OA structure and available resources.
Regardless of the language barrier, OA Greece from 2010 sent representatives to R9, hosted twice the Assembly, and from 2016 participated regularly at WSBC and had volunteers at all service levels, including a Greek R9 trustee and R9 chair.
In my 22 years recovery journey, since 2011, it was a gift participating at ten R9 Assemblies (six times as NSB or IG representative, once as a volunteer, three times as R9 trustee) and many times in national or international committees. I heard and shared a lot about challenges, circumstances, and solutions I was ignoring.
As a trustee, I had the privilege to help some R9 countries establish new NSBs and IGs and the Board to see the unregistered needs of compulsive eaters in our multicultural and multilingual region.
Globes and maps, from Finland to South Africa and from California to New Zealand, remind me of the smiling faces and brave actions of amazing people with whom we shared unconditional acceptance and support for our common purpose.
The R9 2024 Assembly enhanced my maps.
The more connected I am, the more inspired I become.”
Grateful
Vasiliki T, Thessaloniki
GR IG representative