Phil 3:7-10

“But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ.  Indeed, I count everything a as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.  For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith--that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead."

Sometimes I wonder why I pray for hard things like, “Lord do whatever it takes to make me give up everything that I counted as gain in order that I might know you more.  And Lord, do whatever it takes (even sending me though sufferings) so that I will experience the grace of Your righteousness and blessings given to me just because I have the smallest seed of faith. 

Not because I am clever enough, because I earned it, or because I am good, but just because He wants to.  He answers prayers like this.  And then sometimes I complain, because what I want in the moment is an easy, problem-free life.   I asked everyone to pray I would be more humble, to trust Him more, and for perseverance.  There have been ample opportunities this year where I had no other choice.  Those who ask receive.  May I always remember the good works of the Lord.

Good Food

Mushroom kebap that made me smile.  I haven’t gotten tired of the food here yet, though when you go to restaurants they pretty much all have the same things.  But I think you could say that about America too.  I choose to just enjoy every chance I have to eat something new or delicious, or something routine and unexciting.  Thank You Lord for daily bread that is more than just bread.  I truly am blessed!

An Ir. friend brought over a couple of oranges that I thought were going moldy or something because they had dark spots on the skin.  I thought I better eat the quickly before they went to waste.  To my surprise when I opened it up it was purple inside!  I guess they’re called “blood oranges.”  Maybe this will not come as a surprise to any of you but I couldn’t believe my eyes!  Rather tasty as well.

Reverse Culture Shock

I hadn’t even left Turkey when reverse culture-shock hit.  In the airport a German man began asking an American woman questions about how her trip was and as she replied in “normal” everyone-in-the-whole-airport-can-hear tones I almost couldn’t resist the urge to shush her.  The more she talked on, oblivious to how much she was sticking out, the more irritated and uncomfortable I became.  You just don’t talk that loud here in public.  But she didn’t know that, so I kept my mouth shut and thought about how acculturated I have become.

The airport in Germany was one of the quietest places I have ever been.  Maybe Germans are even quieter in public than Turks.  It was really nice for getting some letter writing done.

My niece asked for if I wanted something while I was drinking juice so I used the convenient Turkish was of saying “no” by simply raising my eyebrows, and then turned away.  Shortly after, I realized that in my present culture this gesture did not communicate the meaning that I had intended.  I explained and my family had a fun time trying out this new way of saying no.

Family Time

Ringing in the New Year with our plates full of our favorite foods.  He is SO good!

Me and my best friend, who listens to me, cries with me, shares her clothes with me, tells the guys in Turkish how to cut my hair right, has served me hundreds of glasses of tea in a needed moment, prays with me, forgives me, hugs me, and shares life here with me.

 

Fish cookout!

Along with lessons about culture and language I've learned to cook a few simple dishes.  This is a meatless rice dish with onions and raisins that is very delicious!  I haven't met any food I don't like yet!

Cooking is a good way to learn new vocabulary and have time to chat while we wait.  They really enjoy sharing something from home that is important to them.
Here is a lesson is the proper way to mold the meat patties so that they turn out the tastiest.




I am so thankful for how the Lord has provided just the right person to help me learn Farsi.  She's quick to pick up on what I want or need to know and amazes me with her ability to read my mind!  She loves to chat and explain new things and is always making jokes.  We laugh a lot together, especially at my mistakes! 

Be Careful What You Say

Today in my language lesson I was learning about what to say when some pays you a compliment.  I wanted to come up with examples so I said to my helper, "Like, what if I said 'I like your jacket'."  She replied, "Then the other person would say, 'Oh, would you like to have it?'" and might try to give it to you.  Wow, cultures are so different.  Can you imagine an American doing something like that?  The way that the compliment can be appropriately given is to say, "It suits you."  And then I guess they won't try to give it to you.  So I need to learn how to say that.  Along with a lot of other things... :)

Sparrows

Today I begin a new year with the Lord at my side.  He has grown me in so many ways over the past year and I know this year I will be changed even more.  This time of language learning, settling in, and building foundations in relationships is difficult.  This morning a million questions were spinning in my mind and I looked out my kitchen window and saw a flock of sparrows perched on a tree.  I opened the screen and as they flew away with a flutter I thought, "God sees each sparrow.  He sees me.  He sees my pain and confusion and sin, and He knows.  He knows what I'm thinking and feeling better than I do.  "So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows." (Matthew 10:31)

Psalm 84
 ¹How lovely is your dwelling place,
   O LORD of hosts!
²My soul longs, yes, faints
   for the courts of the LORD;
my heart and flesh sing for joy
   to the living God.
 ³Even the sparrow finds a home,
   and the swallow a nest for herself,
   where she may lay her young,
at your altars, O LORD of hosts,
    my King and my God.
⁴ Blessed are those who dwell in your house,
   ever singing your praise!
                         Selah
 ⁵Blessed are those whose strength is in you,
    in whose heart are the highways to Zion.
⁶As they go through the Valley of Baca
   they make it a place of springs;
    the early rain also covers it with pools.
⁷They go from strength to strength;
   each one appears before God in Zion.
 ⁸O LORD God of hosts, hear my prayer;
   give ear, O God of Jacob!
                         Selah

⁹ Behold our shield, O God;
   look on the face of your anointed!
 ¹⁰For a day in your courts is better
   than a thousand elsewhere.
I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God
   than dwell in the tents of wickedness.
¹¹For 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.
¹²O LORD of hosts,
    blessed is the one who trusts in you!