Turkey: Day Twenty-Five

At a cafe with two English students

Sadly, our time here in Turkey seems to be going faster and faster. More and more every day I think of Ephesians 5:16, as we seek to seize every opportunity in redeeming the time. Again I am reminded how easy it is to keep this principle in mind when I know the end is near, though it is at the beginning of things that I must remember it!

Making a friend in Cappadocia

Last week came and went, filled with many exciting happenings. Monday through Wednesday were spent with friends here in the city.  We had good long conversations with many of them and enjoyed getting to know them better. I really love the people-centered Turkish culture! It’s the journey that’s important, not the destination. This means that if you meet someone along the way, you stop and spend time with them—the destination will still be there by the time you get to it.

Turkey: Day Fifteen

Grace in Antalya city center

 Week two in Turkey has come and gone. Much has happened since the last time I posted, and our days have been filled as we empty ourselves into the lives of people.
Last weekend, I was challenged several time with reminders of what sacrificial, humble love looks like compared to what  my thoughts, emotions, words, and actions actually looked like. I was rebuked time and time again in many  ways and through many people, but I was worked on in a great way through it all.

A Turkish flag of red pepper flakes

 I realized that though I expected other people to be example of servant leadership and sacrificial humility, I did not hold the same expectations of myself in reality. My intellectual knowledge of what I should be held no comparison to how I was actually thinking and acting, and I was poisoning myself with my distorted expectations. Thankfully, I finally learned what was trying to be taught to me for some time, and I have since claimed the grace to overcome. Love is a choice, love is not based on feelings, love does not expect return, and true love does not come from myself.

Grace and Randa with a view of Kaleici

 With my new perspective and renewed dependency, the week began fresh and new. Beginning Monday, we started sitting in on classes at an English school to help the students with their conversational English and speaking skills. I so enjoy our time in the classes, as the students are so friendly and refreshingly ambitious. A few of the girls are around my age, and I loved meeting them and listening to whatever they were able to tell me about themselves. Although the two classes I was in were the most basic level, it was incredible to see how advanced the students were and how well they were able to communicate!

Turkey: Day Six

Mitchell, Noah, Caleb, and Darlene on the Bosphorus

It's hard to believe that the first week of our journey here in Turkey is nearly coming to a close! We have seen amazing new sights, enjoyed delicious new tastes, and met some wonderful people.

Visiting the Roman Cisterns in Istanbul

We spent the first three days in Istanbul, getting a feel for the culture while exploring the city and taking in all the busyness of the bustling city.

God wants to work through you!

As I write this, I am sitting half-way across the world from where I call home. I am with 4 other people from my college, and we have come here to study Turkish, teach English, and make friends. A fantastic 5 weeks it has begun to be! However, believe it or not, four weeks ago I was not planning on being here. I will be posting updates about the trip as we continue, but for now I want to share some background of how I got here.

Just one month ago, I stopped in to the office of the director of student activities at my college, just to quickly tell him something. After talking for a couple of minutes, Noah said, "I'm so glad you stopped in, because I needed to talk to you about something." My face conveyed my confusion, and he proceeded with, "Grace, you really need to consider going to Turkey."

One week prior, after discussing my crumbled plans for the summer, Noah had told me that a spot opened up on team Turkey and I would love going. I quickly explained that it was not feasible this year, but he suggested I think about it. I agreed, but later gave it no second thought whatsoever. So, when it came up again, I was completely surprised.

Again I proceeded to explain to Noah all of the reasons that I couldn't justify going to Turkey, primarily because of finances. As he listened, his expression said, "I understand-- God's not big enough for that."