Tons of New Experiences...

Hi parents much apologies for the delay in updates, the computer and internet haven't been the most cooperative lately. Of course there is a ton for you to catch up on but we'll start with something more important...Romans 11: 36, "For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be the glory forever!! Amen." We are learning that life is a quest for truth, a quest for joy and a quest for a purpose. As we are discovering, ultimately all these quests have its end it God. So ultimately, life is a quest for God. We have been professional explorers and students lately under the direction of the great Mr. Mulvihill. Please pray for our abilities to comprehend and retain all this knowledge presented to us. The Bible has absolutely come alive and God's Word holds a greater meaning and we're all developing a richer understanding through Jake's in depth presentations as we are studying the archaeology, culture, geography, and history of the biblical world.

Friday we spent our last day at the University working among college students, building relationships with them and going deeper into life issues. The next group of leaders also took over for the day. They led the team starting at 2 pm and finished around 9 pm. They got a glimpse of what it felt like to plan and lead the team for a portion of the day. They had to figure out where our team was going to eat, our transportation, teach us the 2 chapters out of our spiritual leadership book on Spurgeon, have a time of fellowship, and any other ministry or activities they desired to add in the day. Amy, Jennica, Rachael, and Cody ran the show in a very tightly operated schedule. I'm suprised they didn't tell us when to breathe!! They all possess unique teaching styles and put their skills to the test with exemplary fashion and blew us away. We've enjoyed many meals at the same cafe because the staff is awesome and the food is even better!! Each night we usually have an hour or two of free time but everyone is so exaughsted bed always sounds like the best option.

Saturday we set off for Sardis with our hiking shoes and game faces strapped on tight. The heat was intense and the terrain was tough but they were no match for this team!!! Parents of daughters, you would be so proud and impressed with the way your girls absolutely dominated the Acropolis!! We took some amazing pictures, unfortunatelty no matter what the angle or subject, I don't belive any will do justice for what we experienced. We had a great day of seeing and understanding God's word. Later that night we went into the Sardis village and played frisbee, soccer, and other games with about 30 children and adults. It was great to simply show them Jesus love by our actions. When we left, they all ran after the bus, waving until we were out of sight. They treated us like movie starts.

Sunday was tough to rise but we all made it up and out the door for another crazy taxi ride to church. What an honor to be able to join one of the 96 turkish church congregations. The total congregation size was about 30 people. The congregation gathers to worship on the eighth floor of an office building and one way the Muslims try to discourage their worship is to shut off the elevator on Sundays. The service was entirely in Turkish but we enjoyed singing similar songs, reading out the same Bible, and experiencing communion together. After church we had a quick lunch and were ten miles past dead tired so most of the group retired to their rooms for a short four hour nap, it was a beautiful thing. We all converged around 7pm for a much missed American dinner at our choice of KFC or Burger King!!!! That was another case of domination, be proud parents. Know you are in our prayers and we can't wait to see you, ten days to go!! Tons of love, the Turkey Team

Tonights bio is of team member Molly Dukich. She has an extreme passion for music and one day would love to compose. It's very fitting that her one of her hobbies is just hanging out and listening to music. After spending some time learning about and to a certain degree experiencing Islam she has concluded it is an empty religion and pities the dedicaion of those who are engulfed with love for their Allah, it is an all encompassing lie. Her three word trip summary is Awesome. Conquering. Enlightening. Molly's favorite verse is Ecclesiastes 12:13 Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.
In addition, this girl has an Awesome personality!!!

Sardis

The students want to share more about there day at Sardis yesturday, but I thought you would like to see some pictures.

This is the Artemis temple with a small church right next to it.

The begining of there trek to the acropolis.

They all made it!!

Heading down. Isn't it a beautiful view?

The below picture is the Gymnasium.

Jewish Synagogue where they supplied fresh water for the people.

After our time visiting the sight, we wandered into the village to play with some kids. It was an amazing hour of games, laughing and excitment! Here we are with the kids.

More will be written, we just wanted to give you a glimpse!

Have a wonderful night, we head to Pergamum tomorrow.

God is Faithful...

Greetings eager blog readers--> James 4:8 Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. This verse is a strong representation of our team's attitude and reflects our conduct as we work and live together. Our prayers cover so many topics from daily activities to life changing events that are occuring in group member's lives. Each day brings forth more of God's amazing capabilities to transform us mentally and spiritually. What would seemingly be a simple conversation or deed can completely knock you off your feet with the realization of God's raw power.
Our afternoons spent at the University have proved fruitful with a lot of new friendships formed. Some team members were a little hesitant to approach the Turkish students but any hint of akwardness was dismissed with the overall willingness for conversation and quality time. many team members found instant connections at the many cafes while others had to search a little harder for communication. the Turkish students are required to take English as a first year course but as we've all experienced some classes are a little more difficult than others. Jamie, Blake, and Danny found a toxicology major who was more than willing to give a tour of his lab, share some of his work and bought all three tea within the first 30 minutes. Some of our ladies met a group of English majors who had just graduated the previous day and have made plans for dinner our last night in Izmir.
Our team returned to Yeni Yasam tonight to meet with some local believers to hang out, encourage, and worship. It was amazing to hear worship songs in Turkish and English simultaneously. I can't describe the feeling of being half way around the world and proclaiming our love and dependance for the same God with a group of people I never thought I would have met. We all enjoyed some snacks, laughs and great conversation. Drew always adds something special to our environment!!! That was a random comment but our trip wouldn't be the same without him!
To all of the moms and dads things are going very well so don't worry, God is in absolute control. The days remain hot but we have an endless supply of clean water and plenty of food each day. This is a brave group and many traditional Turkish meals have been dominated by this team!
And now for a team member bio...
Blake Hereth is a southern gentlemen from Georgia and his hobbies include reading and writing philosophy or questioning every single arguement ever presented and backing it up with 2,000 other documented arguements, it's amazing. A definate highlight of this trip was discussing philosophy with the University's department head. Blake's realization that he doesn't need or depend on so many things at home has been rather liberating, from his pen to this computer, "All I need is God." He freely admits of his slight pang of nervousness and definately out of his comfort zone. Blake 3 word description of this trip is breaking, reconstructive, and difficult. His favorite scripture is Ephesians 2: 1-3 and states that ministry is reflected in all of our thoughts, words, actions and relationships.
Thank you for your comments and prayers!!! Blessings on your night, The Turkey Team

Meet a Peak Student!!

Hey everyone,
My name is Leah Jackson. I'm a Peak alum, and having a blast here! I am one of the designated bloggers for the team, so if I use the term I in stead of team, I apologize. Just a quick tid bit about me, I a first year grad student at the university of saint catherine (aka st. kate's) in Minneapolis, MN. My hobbies are track, guitar, kickboxing, and talking deep about life.
As for Turkey, what do I think of when I hear the call to prayer? At first it was mixed feelings. I feel sorry for the Islamic people and the god that they whole heartedly worship. I respect them for the time and dedication they have in their faith. I'm going to real honest with all you though, I no longer notice it. It has become old hat in a sense. I pray for God's Spirit to move through the mosques when I do hear it, how ever little that is now.

Being here in Turkey I realize how little I really need technology. I love not having my cell phone and have it go off all the time, or feel like I have facebook for email everyone all the time. I would say how little I really need to shower, but a nice long COLD shower will amazing when I'm done here.

Three words to summarize this trip thus far: unexpected, challenging, and intimidating

Ministry so far has been good, but extremely hard for me. I am a hard core intravert, so starting conversation with others is a stretch for me. I love to listen to people and am more than willing to walk around and help and talk when spoken too, but I just have issues starting the conversation. I am hoping by the end of the trip that I can be a bit over that :)

My favorite passage of scripture is Philipians, the book, but I love the portion on whatever is lovely, holy, etc, and then when it goes on to say think about such things. This verse is a life challenge. I struggle with being optimistic, and when things get down its not typically the praises that I focus on.

Now for the would you rather... would I rather laugh when I am supposed to cry or cry when I supposed to laugh?? I rather laugh when I am to cry. Maybe it will push me to be more joyous in life, plus its contagious, how can you focus on the bad when you laughing??

If you have the chance, toss a prayer or two. I'm kind of sick right now, and its hard to find the strength and enthusiasm to be with the team. Thanks!!!

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

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

The Boy's New Swing Set!

Since I am so far behind on my blog, I have posted two in one night, so don't forget to read the next story (this one is actually when Drew got back from Grandpa and Grandma's house).

While Drew was gone over Memorial weekend, Jake, Jared and I put together our new swing set. This swing set is an answer to a prayer to oneday be able to get one or find one at a reasonable price. We were actually blessed to get this one for free!! A couple at our friends Bible study were giving it away and they didn't want it so we asked if we could take if off their hands. They were very excited we would take it.
So here is a BIG-PRAISE GOD!! It has only been a few weeks, but we already can see the blessing that it is; Drew loves it and plays on it all day long. Everytime we are inside the first thing he wants to do is to "go outside please mommy..."

We eagerly awaited Drew's return from my parents house on Sunday. He left with the swing set in pieces and we coudn't wait to see what he thought of it.

Both Matthew and Drew enjoy the swing set!

So do Danny and Liz, our neighbors kids. They are so great, they love coming over and playing with the boys!

Matthew was just excited to have his brother home!

Weekend at Grandpa and Grandma Enersons

Drew left with Aunt Kalie on Friday of Memorial weekend to give Drew his first full weekend away to Grandma and Grandpa Enersons house. He was so excited to go that he got up and told Aunt Kalie..."Come on...Go to Grandpa's house..." She was preparing to leave at 9:00AM and they left at 8:30AM. As they left I got a kiss and a "Bye Mom!"

Drew had a lot of fun with Grandpa!! Aunt Lex also went up for a night with Raesa and McKenna so Drew was pretty excited to play with his cousins.

Drew got to visit Paul and Babe the big "Cow!" when he was up in Bemidji too!!

Drew and Raesa played hard. Grandpa said that Drew never walked, he just ran form one end of the yard to the other!

Drew also enjoyed sitting on Grandpa's motorcycle!

Bye Grandpa and Grandma thanks for the best weekend ever!! I will miss you.