From Brasov, the I-squad took off on a train to Buchurest. We stayed just one night there at a hostel. Unfortunately, one of our sisters, Tara Reed, took a bad fall and was sent to the hospital. She was unable to stay with our group as we traveled on to Turkey…BUT God has been doing miraculous healing in her body. She has dealt with fractures in her pelvis (one disappeared entirely after a few days of prayer), internal bleeding and physical therapy so she can walk again. We just received word that she is able to leave the hospital on Friday!!! To keep up with Tara to know how specifically to pray and rejoice in her healing process, please check out her blog here: www.tarareed.theworldrace.org. She’s also posted some videos of her taking her first steps. Praise the LORD, our Comforter and Healer!!
We took a 12 hour bus ride to Istanbul, Turkey, which as I mentioned in the last post wasn’t originally on our route. During the first week our group got to explore the European and the Asian sides of Turkey. I took the opportunity and the free-time I had to really get to know the hearts of the hostel staff. I enjoyed taking the time to ask them about their lives and hear their personal stories of how they were brought to Turkey. Most of the time they get asked for another cay (tea) or a towel for their room, but how often do they actually feel “seen”? I also met a fellow guest named Rosi. She’s been doing her share of travelling and when I met her was feeling a little lost and directionless. God used some of our common experiences to give each other hope and encouragement. Rosi has such a sweet heart and I greatly admire how brave she is in travelling alone to so many places. Rosi, you are awesome and I’m excited about getting to know more about you in the future!
The 2nd week in Turkey, two teams went to Luleburgaz to do some ethnography research. We interviewed people to learn about the different ethnic groups in the area. Our research will help our friends to have a better history and background of the various peoples who live in Turkey, like the Roma people (gypsies). Very few people we came across spoke English so we relied heavily on our 2 translators to guide us. Kel, Matt and I visited with some families in a small apartment complex. In our visits with them over 3 days we were very blessed to enjoy long conversations, shared meals and we were able to help out one special family with some cleaning. It was hard to say good-bye…I didn’t expect the tears, but they were such a gift.
helping to wash a large carpet
