NEW FAMILIES--NEW ADVENTURES...

by Susan

WE'RE NOT IN "KANSAS" ANYMORE!.....

The six of us moved into our 5 homes--a change from what we had all along been expecting. This was another "be flexible" moment when what had originally been planned for most of the team's housing had been changed! All were calm and gracious as Ramazan told of the changed plans--and though nervous, each was willing to do as the Lord was leading. (Maybe our airplane troubles had a real purpose!...faith, flexibility, and patience!)

We each were taken by some of the men in the church, plus Eda and Tuana--along with all 10 pieces of our luggage--to our destinations! It was a very hot and sweaty journey--one we were glad to see end!! Each of us got acquainted with our new host families and enjoyed delicious dinners with them as well.

Ramazan came by in the morning to get Don and I and show us where our team members were living--all by foot. The loop to each house is about four miles, so Don and I get at "least" eight miles in a day at this point! (With daily home visits and projects the team has been averaging at least 4 more!) We buy a 1.5 gallon jug of water each morning as we walk to the church to refill our water bottles with much-needed water. Everyone craves salt due to our excessive sweating--some eat lots of olives, some the salty cheese--and none of us especially cared for the salty yogurt drink the Turkish people drink every day! (But we each tried one!)

We enjoyed seeing each home and seeing the happy faces of each of our group after a good night feeling comfortable with their families. Ramazan's housing changes were perfect--all felt that they were in exactly the right spot!

We haven't had any spare time the past few days to update our blogs--Ramazan has us busy-- clearing his office for painting, cleaning the church, a lady's prayer meeting with DELICIOUS food and fellowship, home visits--to love and encourage those going through trials.

The pictures at top are of Darya --a lovely woman we took lunch to yesterday, who has had a tragic life--her husband left her and took their two young children with him many years ago and she hasn't seen them since. Heartbroken and alone all these years, she finally found Christ, the Antalya Christian Church and friends who care for her after having just lost several fingers and toes due to her diabetes. She lives in one of the few original houses built during a 24 hour period where the government gave land to anyone who could build a house. They cannot add on to them or change anything much, so it is very humble.

We attended the Thursday evening prayer meeting, blessed a divorced woman's new home and look forward to our rafting trip all day tomorrow! (Sat)

We have bonded well as a group and enjoy our walking treks all over the city! None of us love the humidity, but it makes our service here much more of a sacrifice for the Lord--and shows us how "soft" we are from our lives of ease and comfort--and air-conditioning everywhere! The people here live it every day--we are glad to do the same for three weeks!

We can't believe week one is almost over, and look forward to all the Lord has for us next!

Thanks for your prayers--we miss you all!