An encouraging language moment

I was riding the bus last night and, as usual, got lost in my list of new words to learn from my lesson.  I looked out the window for a minute and saw the lights in the park and said without thinking, "Kızılaydayız?" which means, "Are we downtown?"  The man across from me nodded and I got off the bus.  I was so pleased to have a correct and useful phrase popping out of my mouth, and glad I hadn't missed my stop.  When entire sentences begin coming out without so much effort then I will really be celebrating.  But I am rejoicing at the progress I see every week.

Thankful

One of the things I am thankful for here is that there are not many bugs at all.  I think the heat and dryness kills them.  This is the biggest one I've seen so far.  It was on the street at night.

Wherever I go I always try to find the beauty to appreciate because each place is different.  On my way home today I picked all these wildflowers and was amazed at how many kinds there are of every color.  God planted a rainbow for me to remind me of His faithfulness.  I am thankful for His sovereignty and grace today.

Turkish Music Concert

I went to listen to a friend's friend sing in a local women's choir.  We also go to see professional dancers from the eastern part of the country.  Here's a short video of them.  It's great to have the opportunity to get to know more and more of the culture here.
Update coming soon with awesome answers to the many requests being made for me!

Sock Selling

I wrote before about my first Turkish friend, the sock-selling auntie, and I am still visiting her and her husband every week.  I help them stack the socks and we chat and she teaches me tongue-twisters and songs to memorize.  I'm able to handle a few hours at a time now and get to meet their friends and neighbors who come by.  It is really a great blessing.
Last week I sold my first pair of socks to a customer for 1 lira (which is about 65 cents).  I don't know all the prices so I'm not really much help but they let me hang around and listen anyway.  I can feel my Turkish improving every week and that's encouraging.
This is my favorite pair of socks: they are so very "manly" looking, don't you think?

Learning to Cook

One of my biggest challenges here has been having to buy food and cook on my own most days.  Sometimes my roommate and I cook together but she is gone a lot.  We have had fridge issues so I have been reluctant to buy much food but I think we have finally solved the problem and we are excited.  Needless to say we eat a lot of fruits and veggies, which works out well since I am at the market twice a week visiting my sock-selling friends.  I want to learn how to make Turkish food and here's the first dish I tried.

It is a type of pasta (which comes in a frozen package) and they put garlic yogurt, tomato sauce, and spices on top.  It was very easy and delicious.  Tonight I made a simple omlette-like dish with tomatoes, peppers and mushrooms.  Tomorrow I will try the beans and rice dish my language helper taught me how to make.

The day after I wrote this last post I was walking in the forest and a lady came up to me and asked if she could use my phone.  I didn't have one, but we ended up talking a bit and she took my number and said she would call me the next time she goes out walking and we can walk together.  I don't know if she ever will or not but it was encouraging to see my Father provide that encouragement right when I needed it.
I've been feeling much better the last few days.  This week has been full of lots of time practicing language.  I have a language helper who I meet with for 2 hours each week.  I asked her how to make Turkish food so on Tuesday she invited me to her house for my lesson.  Here's the bean and rice dish we made.

She is very patient and speaks slowly and clearly for me and I have learned so much already.  She is part of the family and I'm so glad I can understand some of the great things happening in her life.

We had our first storm here.  Most days are sunny and cool, which I love.  The weather is starting to change now and some days I can go without a coat.  Summer's going to be hot, so I'm enjoying right now.

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.