Whatever it takes: 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!

Grace at the harbor

Outside of English class, we made a lot of new friends as we went about the city practicing our few Turkish phrases. The guys were able to meet up for a soccer match with a Kurdish friend who brought along seven other guys, which was really cool. We also met several other guys who wanted to practice English, so the guys got together with them for lunch. Although nothing really went according to schedule this week, we all learned a lot and really enjoyed spending time with those we met.

Saturday morning with Mama Gul

On Thursday evening, Randa came in from Ankara to visit. She traveled with the first three trips to Turkey and has been able to visit the teams for the past two years, as she is working in Ankara as an ESL teacher. Darlene and I have especially enjoyed having her here, as it has been difficult to find ladies around town who we can communicate with past the short Turkish dialogue we know. This weekend we're enjoying spending time together as team and visiting Randa's favorite spots around Antalya.

Caleb at the falls

This morning, we had the joy of going over to our teacher Gul's house for coffee and company. I thoroughly enjoyed our time with her, as she is incredibly sweet and is truly our "Turkish mother," as she likes to call herself.

I have been learning so much over the past few days that it's very hard to put into words. I am so honored to be here with this team, and although there have been some uncomfortable lessons learned, I wouldn't trade this experience for anything. I am confident that this is where I am supposed to be, and the Lord is confirming that through the things He has been teaching me. Like I said, I have been experiencing the power of sacrificial love and servant leadership, but have also learned a great deal about quiet commitment to my God and to others. I am learning the value of intentional, active investment in relationships of all levels. Still I am overwhelmed by all of the ways that I am used when I choose to be yielded, and I stand in awe of my holy, merciful God.