Ask for Perseverance

I've been feeling kind of discouraged lately.  It's hard to meet people here.  It's a city and people are busy.  My Turkish teacher said I should go ask my neighbors for an extra lemon or something and then we would get to chatting.  I haven't gotten up the courage to do it yet but I think I will.
I don't know what to do with all my time and I sometimes feel like I don't spend it well.  I want to do the things the Lord wants me to do in every moment.  I have to remind myself why I am here.  Everyday as I look at the faces on the bus, I remember.  But I wish I could talk to them.
I've been meditating on Hebrews 12 this month and this morning I was thinking that I need to lay aside every weight, like things that are not the most important thing.  I am always needing to reevaluate those negotiable things in my life.  And sin needs to go too, because it is slowing me down.  When I sin, not only does it corrupt heart and mind but it keeps me from true joy and purposefulness.  God said to me, "Lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees, and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be put out of joint but rather be healed."  I know there are things I can do, disciplines I can stick to that will fill me with His strength.  I am trying to plan more, so that I can be sure I am walking on the Father's path, in my time and my heart.  I am a broken clay pot that He is healing and plans to use.  Ask for perseverance.  Thank you my friends.

A walk in the forest

On Saturday I took a day off from studying language and took a walk in the forest that is just up the road from where I live.  Here's the outside of my apartment.  I'm still working on getting a video of the inside posted here.
I live on the first floor which is nice.  I still do a lot of walking because we live at the top of the hill in our neighborhood so I walk up and down to the bus stop, and the market is a 20 minute walk way down and back up.  But I am enjoying being more active.

I am soooo glad that there is open space so close! Living in the city was one of the things that I was most concerned about.  But being able to get out where there are no people, cars, or buildings, just creation, really refreshes my soul. 

And I am thankful for the nice spring weather.  It has been a little colder here than in Oregon, but with less rain.  I enjoy this cool weather and sunshine.
It's such a contrast to have the forest right next to the huge city.  So many who live in darkness.

My Class

Since I have already studied some Turkish I took a test and they placed me in the third level.   Here's some of my class after our test hanging out in the park.
I am learning helpful grammar in class but my conversation needs a lot of practice.  I am about at the same level as the other students and am able to understand more and more of what the teacher says.  She talks in Turkish the whole time, which is good.
It can be hard to find people to talk to here because it is a big city and people do their own thing.  But I have been asking and many times He has answered by someone on the bus talking to me first.  Often I will do my homework and they will ask me about it and then help me.

Transition

I was reading an article about culture shock my team leader gave me though I have felt more comfortable here even than last time and more than I expected.  It has helped immensely to be with my teammates who have lived here for many years. 
I wish I could explain to you how normal it feels to walk down the street and stop and buy lunch or go in a shop.  There are very few things that we don't have here.  I am actually overwhelmed by all the choices.
Last month I was memorizing Psalm 84 and I discovered new meaning there today.
"My soul longs, yes, faints
   for the courts of the LORD;
my heart and flesh sing for joy
   to the living God.
Even the sparrow finds a home,

  and the swallow a nest for herself...
at your altars,
O LORD of hosts,
 my King and my God."
       Even though I may learn the language well and feel comfortable with the customs, I will never be at home here, or in America.  Wherever I am, my place of comfort and strength will always be at the altar worshipping my God.  I will forever be on a pilgrimage to my true home in heaven.  But I am blessed! 
"For the LORD God is a sun and shield;

   the LORD bestows favor and honor.

No good thing does he withhold

  from those who walk uprightly.

O LORD of hosts,

  blessed is the one who trusts in you!
       My God is good and He gives me all I need every day.  Today I was sharing with friends how much of a blessing it has been that I stayed with my leaders for this first week.  How wonderful to get to know them better and enjoy time together.  I never would have planned it that way, but my Father knew best.