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.

Darlene, Grace, and Mitch in Cappadocia

This thinking is demonstrated in every area of Turkish life (for example, while riding the bus today, we watched the driver pull over near a friend who was on the sidewalk. After shaking hands and talking for 45 seconds, the driver kindly continued on our route). It’s so nice to take the time to develop relationships with people, even in a big city where it’s so easy to ignore them. Time and time again it is proved that when we invest in people, there is reward. Christ himself modeled these kinds of friendships, and Paul followed in his footsteps.

At a cafe with two other English students ;]

I am already so sad with the thought that we will soon leave all of our new friends. They have all become such a big part of my life in these few weeks, and I will miss them greatly! It is tempting to fall into the idea that these relationships are temporary and will quickly fade. However, I am confident that God has established our dear friendships with a purpose that He is able and faithful to fulfill. I cannot see the way, but I have faith that God will continue to glorify Himself in the advance of the gospel.