Yes…we are spending thanksgiving (AKA Turkey day) in Turkey! And to get into the holiday spirit… here are some things I have been thankful for since arriving!
I am thankful for our housing situation!
Our first days in Turkey, were spend in a hostel that stretched our budget a bit. Since then however, God has truly blessed our team by meeting some friends from the states that have opened up their home to us. More than the blessing of a great place to stay, we have been encouraged and edified by their hospitality and openness. Our first night with them, we had dinner together with some of their friends. It was truly refreshing to hear stories and go deep so quickly. They prayed for us at the end of the night and have really made us feel like family. It has been amazing to live life with and learn from them this past weekend!
I am thankful that it is so easy to get what you need from the pharmacy! The past few days, I have been sick with a sinus infection and really haven’t been able to do much. It has been a blessing though to be able to go to the pharmacy and pick up medication without hassle. I didn’t have to go to a doctor that doesn’t speak my language or wonder how everything was going to work out. God gave me what I needed when I needed it…and for that I am grateful!
I am thankful for our task this month!
Even though I have been sick and haven’t been able to participate as much as I’d like to, this month has really opened my eyes to all you can do to impact people through research. I have always liked statistics courses and qualitative projects in college, but never knew I could use that knowledge for long term goals of building up believers and loving on people. This month we are ethnographers. We get to interview unreached people groups and learn about their culture, while still getting to know them on a personal level. What a cool concept and way to serve God!
It has been an incredible blessing to see God orchestrate everything throughout our time in Turkey. I have enjoyed the atmosphere, the people, and the work we are doing. I am also thankful for your prayers (please continue to pray for my team) I know God is answering them and am grateful for the impact it has had on our trip!
