Today we had a picnic with some friends of ours.  It was a great chance to get to chat and laugh with them.

This is Sugar, our new pet duck.  Last year we had two ducks but they were eaten by the dogs and we were very sad.  So this time we are trying to take very good care of this precious one.  So cute!

English Class

Our English class has been going great.  I enjoy teaching though it is a challenge with several kids and everyone being at different levels.  We are looking forward to seeing more people come and relationships developed.

Easter

 

I was so happy that I got to go to America and spend Easter with my family.   Just like every year my mom made Easter baskets for everyone.  I got chocolate and a movie.  I enjoyed American chocolate every day I was there. :)

 I hadn't seen my nieces for over a year and we had a great time playing together at the park.  I miss them but they know why I am here and support me all the way.

We played games, which is one of my family's favorite things to do.

Turkish Culture

 

Here I'm enjoying learning more of the ins and outs of Turkish culture.  This type of skirt and scarf is what young girls and housewives wear in the village and many still dress this way at home in the city.

Here are pictures of my new room.

Shortly after I moved in we went and bought a rolling nightstand, a bookshelf and a nice big closet for all my things.  It feel good to be settled in.

 

I often think of how Jesus didn't even have a pillow, let alone a whole closet full of clothes and books. I am very blessed and want to be thankful for everything He gives me everyday. 

Toilet Problem

One Saturday I was looking forward to a day of resting at home, maybe doing laundry, organizing stuff and reading a book.  But as soon as I begun to make these lovely plans, when I flushed the toilet water began running out from the back all over the floor.  I flushed it again and this time a giant flood came pouring out.  The drain in our floor was plugged for some reason so after mopping it up with a towel and squeezing in out in the shower I took off my shoes and braved a few more flood-flushings to try and feel where the water was coming from.  Couldn’t figure out anything except that if I didn’t call the repairman right away the whole house would soon be flooded. 
I called the repair shop that is just 5 minutes up the street, explained the problem on the phone, and an hour or so later a man came and looked at the puddle from the door.  I asked how long it would take to fix it and he said, “Oh I don’t have any tools with me now.  I’ll come back later with tools and fix it.”  Oh my, good thing I didn’t have to go anywhere.  Two hours later a different man, this time with tools thankfully, arrived.  He pulled the whole toilet out and removed a grocery bag full of assorted junk and ick that was plugging the pipe.   

I was thankful that my Turkish friend talked the guy down from 250 lira to 150.  He bellowed over the phone, “That’s an outrageous price!  I’ll come over there right now if I have to!”  I gave the man his 125 lira, he smiled and took a piece of candy from our bowl by the door and left.  Apparently he was happy with what he got.  And I was just thankful that no pipes burst!