We Have Arrived!!!

Many of you are probably glad to see that you don't have to read about a new swing set anymore!!
I can now say that things are up and running when it comes to the blog so sorry for the delay. Stay tuned for frequent stories, picts, updates and more from our students. I think you will enjoy it!
We arrived safely with only one missing bag, which was thankfully found today!! Praise God. Below you will see a picture of the Blue Mosque in Istanbul Turkey with our team. The following is a note from the gang letting you know what we have been up to the last week. Tomorrow we fly to Izmir.

Enjoy....

Measuring cups, whisks, spatulas, dish rags and first aid kits. Who would've thought that these items describe our team. Separately they each have a purpose, a unique quality, but are very limited in action. Together, they work together to make something magnificent - they can protect, create, beautify, and enhance life.

All thirteen students arrived safe and sound at MCC Tuesday evening, each with their own expectations, preconceived notions, fears, and anticipations. We spent the first days of training learning about each other, beginning to open up and becoming vulnerable, studying the Islamic faith, and beginning teachings on what exactly leadership is and what leaders "look" like. Team fears that were expressed were as basic as being afraid of trying a new cultural experience, such as a nasty yogurt based unidentified liquid, or as deep as a fear of opening up to others and learning how to trust or how we are to find Christ.

As with any group, leaders need to have a vision, a type of goal or destination that can strive for, a place where their followers can follow. We spent time creating a mission statement for the team, something that everyone had a fingerprint in, something to focus our journey upon while in Turkey and a statement that will hopefully guide us thoughout life. Here is our mission: We, Talmidim of Christ, desire to spread a passion for God's glory. We will love the LORD our God with all our heart, sould, mind, and strength, recognizing that we love because He first loved us. Therefore, Christ's love compells us to spread the light and Truth of the gospel to all people through leadership, lifestyle, learning, listening, and love.

After three days of training, worshiping, studying Islam, and fellowship, we were ready to head out. Two plane rides, a bus, and a few walks later we arrived in Istanbul, Turkey safe and sound. Well mostly, we had some stiff legs and missing luggage, but we re managing just fine.

Turkey is quite different that many of us expected. We arrived anticipating deserts and hot temperatures, but instead it amazing weather and busy city life at sea. We spent the first day observing the culture and found people here to be overly hospitable. They are more than willing to talk with us, to invite us in and talk, or to hangout on the streets.

Sunday was spent observing and learning the Islamic religious practices. We arrived at the Blue Mosque hoping to see their time of prayer, but arrived too early. However, God wanted us to experience this. Jake striked up a conversation with one of the security guards and he offered to let us back in later. When we came back to observe the Imum, pastor, and information specialist offered to talk with us after the service and explain to us what Islam is. We spent a few hours listening and asking questions about their faith. One word that was used to describe the mosque was empty. They have a magnificent building and passion with their worship, however, our hearts were torn in that it all seemed so empty. They are reaching to a god that cannot simply be reached because he simply does not exist. From there we went to the Aye of Sophie, a mosque turned museum that used to be a Christian church. This building is unreal as its domed roof appear to be floating without structural support. The mosaics were beautiful and the history was impressive.

Today, Monday, was the first day of student leadership. The LODs, or Leaders of the Day, did a stupendous jobs for being guinea pigs. Blake, Molly, and Leah planned out the days events and researched what to do, they even came up with back up plans for each event and were willing to go with the flow when things didn’t work out. They took a stance of rigid flexibility and succeeded. The rest of the team were good sports and followed the leaders well. Their ministry along the coast line was influential, not only for the team but for the Turks as well. The students split into groups and found ways to interact with the people. Some picked up trash, an activity that most white Europeans are not seen doing in this area, some spent time in prayer walking on sidewalks, a few helped a group of construction workers, and some enjoyed fresh fruit. Everyone was able to serve someone else in some form or another.

As we end this segment of the blog I ask for safe travels as we depart from Istanbul and make our way to Izmir. The lost luggage was found, and we hope to claim it tomorrow before we board the plane. The past few days have been long and hard. I pray for rest and a refreshing spirit when we arrive tomorrow.

Until next time, Keep in HIS grip always,
The Turkey team