I enjoy being in places I never expected to be. Turkey wasn’t on our ‘original route,’ we were set to be in Jordan this month. We began this month doing University ministry helping our contact began a study abroad program where he could send Turkish students to Christian homes in the U.S. and send American Christians to Turkish campuses. Lack of legitimate paperwork proved difficult for us and we ended up with a lull in ministry. It was tough on our team after last month being an ATL month. However, we got creative and overall had a very interesting time in Turkey. It seems even our hostel can be a ministry tool. The Lord sent us so many people to simply pour into and spend time with. Refer to previous blog ‘Who do you say I am?’ to see our media project.
It felt weird to be away from home for the holidays but I’ve had enough Thanksgivings to last me a while. This is the third month in a row I’ve had a Thanksgiving. What better way to spend Turkey Day than IN Turkey? I missed my family back home for sure but I’ve been blessed with a family of 44 to travel the world with so I’m counting my blessings.
Most of all it makes me wonder why this continues to surprise me. It’s not a part of our American culture to meet complete strangers and be beyond hospitable. Why can’t it be though? I’ve met some of the most amazing people from around the world on this trip in some of the weirdest circumstances. We made lots of friends from the most random places. We ended this month with an offer to stay with one of our new friends in South Africa for the World Cup in July(yes please!), new friends in Norway, a free camel ride and tour in Egypt if we ever come, and our new Turkish friends even took us around the city sightseeing, and a new friend in the man who worked at our favorite doner stand across the street from our hostel.
During our team worship in the mornings we started a new series from one of our favorites whom I’ve mentioned before, Mark Driscoll of Mars Hill Church. We began his Luke series in which he took a crew to Israel to film many of the places in the Bible. After seeing and studying more of this book I am so excited for a month in Israel. To walk where Jesus walked and to serve others in the land Jesus served.
I wish I had time to load more pictures like I normally do at the end of every month. Due to a flight to Israel this afternoon and pending technology fast, my time is limited. Maybe I’ll fix this later but for now here are a few pictures.
Me and Birkleigh channeling our inner Turk at the Grand Bazaar.
Fun stuff in the square by the Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque.
The grounds around the Blue Mosque.
These beautiful lamps were everywhere, I wanted to send one home really bad but never did.
Turkish Delights which I think are gross but always reminded me of Edmund in Chronicles of Narnia.
Heather, me and Bambi enjoying life in Turkey.
