Yesterday I spent the first half of the day in a deep funk. There was a lot of my plate and even more going through my mind. Nothing was satisfying. I wasn’t feeling well and didn’t know which way to go. Part confusion, part delirious. I crawled into my top bunk bed for the third or so time that morning. Beginning to journal…
My lungs are tired. My throat is tired. My eyes, mind, and heart are tired. The Spirit keeps me fighting. 18 days. What do You want today to be?
I slept. I tried to pray. Tried to read.
Luke 12 is good.
Beware of the Leaven of the Pharisees (vs. 1-3)
>>I was worried about the issues and lies our generation has been fed. More worried when the people I love are walking in that untruth. How can I help them? How can I bring them light? When will the breaking point come? When will they get it?
Have No Fear (vs. 4-5)
>>This is hard. It’s the best job I’ve ever been a part of but it beats me down nearly everyday. I am weak. The Lord is my strength. That’s good. I’m not always going to be treated well, but I don’t have to fear. He’s taking great care of me.
Acknowledge Christ Before Men (vs. 9)
>>I’m in a new room at the hostel here in Istanbul. Tamica and I are sharing it with 3 other women. Naomi from India was the first in there that we got to meet. The first night we exchanged stories of where we were from and why we were all in Turkey. Naomi shared with great joy and love stories of her daughter who will be joining her next week. Tamica and I kinda beat around the bush about why we ended up in Turkey with a large group. We never mentioned Jesus’ name.
Do Not Be Anxious (vs. 22-23)
>>Where will I live when I return to the states? What happens with the only 40% of support I’ve raised? There’s so much more I should/could be doing? How’s this going to turn out?
You Must Be Ready (vs. 35-37)
>>Am I? I’m still in my pajamas at 3 in the afternoon.
By 3 o’clock we figured the rest of the day was open. Brian, Stacy, Mike, Denise, Tamica and I have developed into our own small squad leader team. Scene set.
The married couples were busy. Tamica and I had the freedom to just go! Now I was ready. Without an agenda but to find the bus station we set out into the city.
Walking to the tram the two of us dove into how we were really doing. I had my long list. I began unloading…
Istanbul is by water. Water means lots of seagulls. A flock flew over us. Tamica covered her head. I thought about it. For about half a second. Kept walking. Kept talking.
Splat.
Something just happened to land on my head. We stopped. I turned to Tamica. Eeew!! She pulled out tissues I pulled out my water and through a lot of laughter she tried to wipe the bird poop of my head and back.
We started drawing a crowd. One Turkish man noticed our unfortunate situation.
“You are lucky.”
“I just got crapped on by a bird. I wouldn’t call this lucky.”
“But think. There are a million people in the city. And it picked you.”
Seriously? Oh, how the Lord knows I like to smile. I got washed up. Tamica and I walked arm in arm to the tram still laughing. I was humbled. Ha! I couldn’t even finish my long list of lamentations.
Tram to the metro. Squished like cattle. Metro to the bus station. Which by the way looks exactly all the same in about 7 different ways. Shops, stairs, clocks, parking lots. Night was coming and I just walked around the same kebab stand about 13 times. Spirit on us, protected by angels we made it home safe and sound. World traveling is crazy. And this is my life.
Back at the hostel. I picked up a 30 cent loaf of bread for dinner. Walked into my room to wash my hands. Naomi was there. In the bathroom I whispered a quick prayer, “God make this happen.”
Just me and Noami. We shared about our days. Then about life. Then about religion. Then about You, Lord! She has one of the most giving and joyful hearts. She gets need. She gets poverty and the action needed around the world. And she shared with me how simple this really is, “You love God. And you love people.” Yes!
I came out of my room after that inspiring chat wanting to change the world.
The night continued with an impromptu waffle dinner with team Sofia. They are pretty amazing. I might have chopped Joe’s finger with my butter knife as he reached for our last bite of ice cream Liz and I were splitting. Sorry, Joe.
Back at the hostel restaurant with the six of us. This has become some what of an office for us. Emails, budget, planning, communicating…lots to do. Mike and I got bored.
“Let’s go hunt down the teams!”
And we were off! 4 of the 6 teams from the K squad are dispersed on this side of Istanbul. Mission, ready, go! We gave ourselves 20 minutes and started running.
Ha! Team Fresh. Team Mosaic. Team Sofia. 3/4 not bad. Passing. Time deduction ’cause it actually took us an hour. But we ran. Bonus. Seeing the faces on all our surprised Racers: priceless! Love them!! The refresh me so much!
11 PM. Finished watching the last half hour of Little Miss Sunshine with Tamica. The best last half hour of that movie.
Lights out. Smiling. Won’t take myself too seriously next time.
Good day. Good God.
Amen!
