Life in Izmir

Merhaba - hello

After being delayed in the Istanbul airport for a few hours, we have arrived safe and sound in Izmir and are well under way with plans, ministry, and teachings. The lost luggage has even arrived - yeah for clean clothes!!!

Today we met Ihon, a gentleman that works with campus crusades, and Justin, a college graduate from California who is here to help us with our mininstry. We learned a bit about the Christian faith and groups here at the university. There is a small group called new life, yeni yasam, that meets on Thursday evenings. It is a time to hangout, discuss questions, and build relationships. It is through the genuine love of others that can bring people to Christ. As white Americans we are instantly thought of as Christian, that we have money, and that we can teach English. As true as those descriptions are, there really is so much more. We have our actions, that God uses to speak so much louder than our words. It is not expected for us Americans to pick up trash we see on the streets, to leave our hotel rooms clean and organized, or to not be loud and obnoxious. Our actions are starting conversations and planting seeds that someday the Spirit will use to move God's creation one step closer to truly know who God is and experienceing His peace, love, and eternal joy.

We were given a tour of the university. Many of the students have finished classes and headed back home, but the grad schools have one more week left. It was a challenge to find the courage and words to during our ministry time. We were given the challenge of initiating a conversation with a Turk. A few of the Peak students here found a group of English majors to talk with for hours, the gentlemen were invited into a professor's lab and offered tea, and a few of us offered prayers for strength and for someone to talk to. This is not always an easy task, despite as easy as it sounds.

The food has been amazing, a cultural experience. So much of it tastes like home cooked meals from Thanksgiving time. There of course are the items that are tempting to try, but not so much - like cow stomach soup? goat intestine sandwiches? The night life here is rather exciting. Its as if the town comes to life. To be honest we have not been out at night much, for the pure reason of the necessity of sleep, but we can hear the fun from the windows. As for a religious history, it is an option to declare your religion on your ID card. You have three choices, Islam, Christian, and Jew. The Christian church here may be small, but it is strong. There are roughly 3500 Christians and 96 churches, most of which are not declared to the government. Turkey's government has granted religious freedom. However, culturally it is hard to accept. People's actions are all driven by shame. You should not shame yourself, you do not shame others, and most of all, you family should never be shamed. If you declare that you are a Christian some families will declare that they do not know you. You will be disowned by your family. In a sense you have given up your freedom. something to greatly consider when identifying who you are, who created you, and what is the purpose of life?

As we head off to dinner, we would like to thank you for your prayers. This trip is revealing God in a whole new perspective. As we continue to blog we woud like you to get to know us. So many of you family and friends may not know who everyone on the team is and we would like to paint a picture of each person, their thoughts on Turkey, and some of their awesome personalities.

Until next time -

The Turkey Team