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.

We were privileged to see famous historical places such as the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Roman Cisterns, and the Grand Bazaar. We relaxed on a boat tour of the Bosphorus and scurried around the city competing in a photo scavenger hunt. Taksim Square provided us with a little glimpse of home, with three Starbucks and several American fast food places. A lot of activities were packed into our short time there, but we learned a lot, not only about the city but also about each other.

Darlene and me at the Blue Mosque

 Our five-person team contains a very diverse mix of personalities, and as I joined the team less than a month before departure, we certainly had an interesting dynamic. From day one, we had to overcome sleep deprivation, illness, separation without communication, a rolled ankle, blisters, differing agendas, and simply adjusting to accommodating for the needs of five different people. Creative problem solving is clearly a necessary skill for a team like this, and we have all learned very quickly how important it is, along with simple and clear communication.

Looking over Istanbul from the Hagia Sophia

Shopping near the Grand Bazaar

Making friends in the Spice Market

As a team, we have committed to memorize the Kenosis passage over the next month, and we have no shortage of opportunity to apply its principles daily. 

Meeting with Volkan, Noah's "Turkish brother" 

We have already experienced the challenges of a five-person team that will be together for five weeks. I have been learning that humility is sacrificial love, which means not only the emptying of myself, but the filling of those around me. Not only must I deny my own desires, but I am to be actively seeking and fulfilling the needs and desires of others.

Glimpsing the Mediterranean from Antalya

Our activities here in Antalya will not be easy, but through utter and desperate dependency, our work will be more than temporary.

Already we have made some promising relationships, and we pray that through consistent contact, doors for deeper friendships will open wide. Even just yesterday and today, we have already met half a dozen shop keepers who speak excellent English and are glad to visit with us, that we may practice our Turkish with them. 

Eddy's spice and tea shop in Antalya

The difficulty in distinguishing between who will be good friends and who just wants to make a sale can be great, but by grace we will be allowed  to redeem the time in spending it with the souls who are truly seeking the peace that passes all understanding.