To all my followers-
I never expected to be leaving the race early– especially when we were traveling through Turkey!
Turkey has been on my heart for awhile. It first began several years ago when ministering to the Roma people in Bulgaria of which a good portion had migrated northwest from Turkey. Then my very dear friend served long term in Turkey for a couple of years. I was kinda bummed when AIM told us we may not get to go to Turkey because of political situations which could jeopardize our visas. When I found out we were going my excitement began growing. A bunch of people were talking about being excited for Istanbul and although I was too, I wanted to see Ephesus. G-d had been placing on my heart a fervency for prayer and worship. Then my TL says our team is serving at the Burn event which is 100 hours of constant prayer and worship! and it’s located on the backhill of Ephesus! I had no idea I wouldn’t be there to see it through and experience it in person.
Fortunately, I was able to travel for a bit in Turkey with the squad to Ankara and then with another team to Istanbul before catching my flight home to the USA. I actually really appreciated traveling with that team for many reasons one of which was getting to end the race with two of my original teammates. G-d was definitely moving as we entered this nation. A family took us in that first night in Ankara showing us the utmost Turkish hospitality. Then in Istanbul, while the team was receiving some training I decided to explore what I could to at least have one adventure day in the country I have held close to my heart.
I began the day with breakfast at a kingdom coffee shop near Kadikoy. Then I went to figure out how to purchase an Istanbulkart in order to take the ferry across the Bosphorus strait. The favor of G-d was definitely on me with this process and I thoroughly enjoyed the ferry ride. Once on the other side, I saw what people meant about the continental divide of Istanbul. I started exploring the spice bazaar and local markets while also making my way over to some of the historical sights. I tried to go to Topkapi Palace but it was closed due to an Islamic holiday. It wasn’t until much later I realized I was touring Istanbul on 9/11… I continued on my way and saw a dondurma (Turkish ice cream) show as well as many different varieties of lokum (Turkish delight) for sale. There was a man on the sidewalk trying to convince me to go to his business storefront and I said no for I wanted to simply be a tourist for once continuing on to the square up ahead.
Arriving at the Blue Mosque during congregational prayer time meant I couldn’t go inside and it was a couple hours before it would open again. I was about to go to Hagia Sophia when a downpour occurred and I got soaked. Lo and behold though there was the man again this time with an umbrella. He offered me to follow him back to his business for some Turkish coffee. FUN FACT: There is a saying that if you share a drink with a Turkish person you are friends for forty years. I decided to not say no twice since I wanted to bring honor and not shame. This man I found out had a carpet business and I learned about how Turkish carpets are made while waiting for the rain to subside. He gave me a tour through the area and I went back to Hagia Sophia. Upon leaving this site, he was waiting for me outside the exit. He then treated me to the Basilica Cistern and chai afterwards. He also snuck a kiss on the cheek when he thought I wasn’t looking…tsk tsk. I asked him why he didn’t go pray during the calls to prayer and he gave me an answer of ‘does everyone go to church when they are supposed to?’. He asked why I was only in town for the day and I told him the truth- I was going home to get treatment for my shoulder. He told me I should get treatment in Turkey for it would be cheaper and he could take care of me. For obvious reasons, I laughed! Whatever this man’s motives may have been it was nice to spend the day with a local. I pray our time together was a chance for Jesus to shine in his life. I finished the excursion with a tour of the Grand Bazaar and then boarded the ferry to return to the hostel.
When I got back my former teammate treated me to dinner and dessert for my final night of the race. I wish we could have had longer to talk that night because he has a heart of gold and G-d is doing some amazing things through him. The entire team also prayed over me sweet words before my early morning departure.
I’ve flown alone before but traveling back to the States was my first overseas solo flight. It was a breeze after all the traveling this year but still…it was kinda eerie not traveling with the group. The flights went smoothly and it was surreal seeing my spiritual mom at the airport.
I can say that though I am not with the squad physically, I am in Spirit, and am transitioning into life back home while they journey on the ground. The last nine months have been beyond amazing. Thank you all for everything! You helped make every moment possible and for that I am grateful.
