It was Friday May 16, 2014, and I woke up to begin what would be my most favorite day in Turkey! Before I begin sharing about my day, it does not take much to make me excited or very happy about life. This day was full of treasures around every corner and God pouring down His love on me from heaven.
My day began at 7:45am when I got out of bed and got ready for the day. I made my way to our wonderful contact’s home with my squad mate Katie to do our laundry. One thing I have learned to appreciate very much on this journey is washing machines and not having to hand wash my clothes. At least half or more of this Race, I have had to hand wash my clothes and it just doesn’t do the same job as a machine. The morning was spent hanging out with their beautiful kids and family. I was sent to Turkey to love this family and serve them during my time here. Before I knew it, a traditional Turkish breakfast (bread, fried eggs, yogurt, cucumbers, tomatoes, many varies of cheeses, and olives) was brought out and put on the dining room table. So Katie and I had breakfast with the family, which included Turkish tea. Turks love their tea and have it at any occasion/moment of the day, especially with meals.
After doing laundry, we headed back to our home for the month to clear a lot of land beside the church. This included weeding and picking up trash that has collected from months of neglect. Our contact even made sure we left a small section of the lot overgrown for the small animals to enjoy a place to play! As we were finishing up cleaning the land, a lovely neighbor came out to offer us some Orange Fanta, which is my favorite soda, to enjoy after our hard work. It was rather refreshing to drink after all our hard work in the sun! We finished and I called the neighbor over to return her cups and platter. When I did, I saw that she spoke perfect English; she then proceeded to tell me about herself. I never caught her name but she is 70 years old, lives in an apartment behind the church, Islamic, and we should knock on her door if we need anything. After feeling out the conversation, I told her of our 11 month trip to 11 countries doing volunteer work in the name of Jesus. To finish the conversation I told her:
“Jesus loves you and God bless you.”
This may not seem like much to you, but I came into Turkey not knowing if I would be able to tell anyone about Jesus. Now I know that I was sent to Turkey to tell this woman ‘Jesus loves you!’. My heart was and continues to be so full of happiness with this opportunity to share Jesus’s love with her. There are still 2 weeks left in Turkey and God only knows who else He has in my path for me to proclaim His name to. I am praying for more divine appointments to proclaim His name and wonderful love!
Upon finishing cleaning this lot, the team then went to our contact’s apartment to spend the afternoon cleaning their 3-bedroom home. During this time, we were able to hang out with the family and pour into them. While we were there, we were invited to have dinner at their apartment. So the evening was spent at their home eating Turkish pizzas, enjoying fellowship, and eating Turkish delights! After a day of much hard work, we were all tired and ready to head home to end the day.
After we finished clearing the lot we then burned all the trash.
What a wonderful day this was in Turkey and it has been one of my favorite days on the Race. Due to the hard work we did for the kingdom, loving on our contacts family, and telling the neighbor that Jesus loves her, it was the perfect day! My heart was so full of joy, happiness, and excitement for all the ways the Lord used me as a vessel for His kingdom. Knowing that 99% of Turkey’s population is Islamic, I realize that being able to tell this one child of God how much He loves her is the reason I came. I am so grateful for this day and opportunity to share His wonderful name in this nation.
Cara Wood and myself doing work in the yard with our iheartAfrika shirts on from our contact in South Africa with New Chapter Foundation.
