All Smiles at the Sahil

We enjoyed going to the Sahil (Seaside) today on a special outing- Just the 3 of us!

I Love them so much! How will I ever be able to say goodbye? For now, I just Soak up the moments! 

From Now On

~A simple flower, 1, 2, 3, can brighten your day so easily~

From now on I think I will always have Fresh-cut flowers in my home. They just bring life to the whole world. Never really thought about it too much at home; however most days here you can find "flower ladies" on the street corners with their selection of fresh-cut flowers! Who could resist, really? Flowers are full of life and brighten any room. They remind me of the Father's design. I got a beautiful bouquet today from Zander's Grade One class as a "Thank You" for teaching them English once a week. What a delight it has been. Think of us on Friday when we have our big "Year-End English Party" and hopefully I'll get my creative juices flowing for party ideas! If you're in need of some colour and life and I've inspired you to get a bouquet of flowers check out either my friend Adrienne at www.eighteenacresltd.blogspot.com or  the Voogt's at www.greenflora.ca (both located in Bradner, BC). Flowers are good for the soul! Flowers speak hope and life! So... if you want to brighten your day or someone else's, I'd suggest... FLOWERS! ~Enjoy~

I'll follow You where You're leading me

Four days a week I volunteer at an English Preschool.

Although I could say a lot about the English Club, today I want to talk about one of my highlights with the kids. A while ago, I brought in a Hillsong Worship CD for kids and we sometimes dance to some of the songs and then sometimes I keep it playing in the background as they do their printing/ colouring. Our times of dancing and worshiping God together are one of my favourite moments in the day. As much as I do play the music for the kids, to let them dance, sing, celebrate and rejoice, I also do it for myself as a way to refocus and settle my sometimes impatient, tired and restless self.

So this has been on of my favourite "reflective" and "refocusing" songs on the CD. It's called

Trust and Obey- By Hillsong 

and the words are,

Of all the things I could do for You
And all the things I could say
Nothing is better Lord
Than to simply obey

The many things that I could be for You
The many things I could pray
Jesus I'll trust in You
And do what You say

CHORUS:
And I follow You
Where You're leading me
And I follow You
Where You're leading me
And I follow You
Where You're leading me
Jesus
BRIDGE:
Jesus You're watching over me
As I trust and obey

Perhaps I should have done a "song of the day" rather than a "picture of the day" for my 30 day Blog Challenge. I love this song. Of all the things I could be, of all the things I could do... nothing is better than to simply obey! Jesus I walk with You! You are leading me!



Express your love

I've been doing some thinking about the 5 Love Languages. If you're not familiar with them, Dr. Gary Chapman concludes there are 5 overarching ways to express and receive love- hence "The 5 Love Languages." Of the countless ways we can show love to one another, five key categories, or five love languages, proved to be universal and comprehensive—everyone has a love language, and we all identify primarily with one of the five love languages: Words of Affirmation, Quality Time, Receiving Gifts, Acts of Service, and Physical Touch. To learn more about the five love languages click here. What's your Love Language?

I'd say I've been on a journey of "love language discovery" over the past months. I have definitely learned more about myself and which actions speak love most loudly to me. The love language thing is an equation because some expressions are easier for us to give and others are not as natural; some love languages are more meaningful to us than others, and coincidently, our primary love language (that we like receiving) is often our easiest way to express love to others.

It's really something when you find someone who 1. knows your love language and can respond to you by showing love in that particular way. 2. shares the same love language as you, so naturally it's easier for you to communicate love with them. That being said, there is also something beautiful about getting to know someone so well that you know what will be meaningful to them, especially when it's not in your top love language. It says something about how much the other person means to you that you would be willing to put in the extra effort to acknowledge them personally. I am reminded that love is not self-seeking, so when we take notice of which expressions of love would be significant to the other person, we put them before ourselves. Sometimes this can be stretching.

I think about how uniquely we've each been made. My brother's love language is Gift Giving. He knows how to make people feel special by giving them thoughtful, personalized gifts. I remember when he got everyone in the family fudge and since I'm not a huge chocolate fan, he got me  Strawberry Fudge. He knew me and was aware of the fact that I wouldn't care for the chocolate fudge. He got each person their favourite flavour and it reminds me of the details he knows about each of us. Gift giving is not my love language! I struggle with this one!

I am grateful for my friend Michelle, who knew that Words of Affirmation is my top Love Language and gave me an envelope filled with cards for my time away from home. She gave one card for me to open on the first of every month (and a special Christmas card). I can't tell you how much I've looked forward to opening these cards (and I have been a good girl and followed her instructions to "not cheat"). Her choice of cards has been so good and her words of encouragement have given me what I have needed, both on the first of the month and then along the way as I have gone back when I need little "truth" reminders. I can't believe there is only one card left in the brown envelope that I left home with- June 1st is the last one!

There's something about *words* that speaks to me. Words go a long way for me, both in the positive direction and in the negative direction. I don't handle criticism very well because I tend to take words pretty personally. I am grateful for the people who have done an amazing job of keeping in contact with me over the past 7 months. The words you offer give me life, strength for the day, and affirmation. I feel connected when people give me words. I feel love when people speak words of life to me.

Just a few of the *words of love* people have given to me.
This picture was taken near the beginning of my time here.
A few months ago, the wardrobe was almost completely covered with *words.*

I love working with people. I hope I would be sensitive to others and recognize ways of acknowledging people and showing love to them in ways that truly speak to them. 

We finally made it

to Ikea!!!

Isaiah and I have been planning to go for quite some time, but finally made it happen today.

It was a fun day. Started off with a pancake breakfast, then to the mall, Pinkberry (again!) and then Ikea. Isaiah is among the most creative people I know. He has an eye for design and we thoroughly went through each show room. What a COLOURFUL day! 

Show me

How to abide

(Adam Villiers, Abbotsford BC)

This is what I live for!

This little guy grabbed my attention.

As "M" and his mother waited for the train, he looked in my direction and gave me a smile. His mother was beautiful. I waved and after a couple of minutes they moved from the bench beside me to join me on my bench. We introduced each other and she told "M" he could come to me, his "Abla"- or big sister. I held him in my arms- what a privilege! As I held him, I prayed that he would grow to know the Father, that he would walk in His ways and that he would be a person of influence in this nation. I believe for it.

Somehow I have this crazy kind of faith that believes that everyday we are exposing people to the Gospel with our lives. The presence of God in us is powerful.

Here's a little something that happened a few weeks ago: On Sunday we were at a mall. I walked past this little donut stand or something in the mall and for some unknown reason to me the woman behind the counter caught my attention. All I could do in the moment was pray in my head and heart for her. I prayed in the Spirit. I didn't go up to her. What does such a prayer mean? Maybe if I had the language I would have approcahed her... but in this instance, I just prayed for her as I continued walking. But it's strange how one person could make such an impression as I merely passed by her stand. I prayed that the father would reveal himsef to her, would give her dreams/ visions of himself and that her heart would be ready to encounter Him. I believe such prayers could be so powerful and that I may never see what happens... but wow, if God put such an impression on my heart to pray for her, I am trusting that he is at work in her life. what an amazing thought!

I emailed this to LaQueta, and I hope she doesn't mind if I post her answer, but it has been on my mind lately and this theme came up on Wednesday as David and I had a skype talk. Here's her response: I was interested in the lady in the mall who caught your attention. You did exactly what I would have done and even prayed the same way I would have prayed. The day is fast approaching when we can just look at people and the Spirit of God can flow out through us and into them to meet whatever need they have. In fact, I know of many testimonies where that has been the case already. It's time to begin to exercise that authority in Christ and just silently speak healing or deliverance or whatever the Lord shows us at the time. This won't cancel out evangelism or preaching or teaching. Those things are still our responsibility as well. But there are so many cases - in large crowds of people, when there is a language barrier, when we are just passing someone and only able to make eye contact - when the love of God can just flow out of us to do whatever He wants if we are open and sensitive to Him. Love never fails!

Baking Borek

Sorry to disappoint you yesterday and not post anything.

When I got home at 9pm, Elona was over at my house teaching Melis how to make Borek.

They were just about to start, and invited me to join them.

Wondering what Borek is? It's a baked pastry made of layers of thin dough. Elona told us that you typically use 25 layers of dough to make Borek. It can be filled with cheese, meat or vegetables.

See this for more.

 Rolling it out with a thin wooden rod.

You think it would take a long time to roll out the 25 layers; however

once the women get the knack of it, they can do it pretty quickly!

 Our peynir (cheese) filling.

Voila! Afiyet Olsun!!

Friends warm the heart!

This guy reminds me to Listen to the Voice of God as we "live, and move and have our being."

It's nice to see a familiar face from home here. I picked him up at the airport today and kept saying, "I can't believe you're here!" It's so cool to be able to share an experience with a friend all the way on the other side of the world. "A" lives in constant awareness of the presence of God. He has a heightened sensitivity to the things around him and lets the Spirit of God direct him.

I was reminded of this song today (or for the "baby worship version" click here)

You are God alone! We carry your presence in this place!

Sacred Place

Where is your sacred place? The place where you take some time to be with the Father?

This pictures gives a clue to the sacred place I have found here...and of all places, it is actually at the English Club! When I discovered they had a piano on the second floor that nobody really plays, I was thrilled! Since I have keys to the building, I sometimes like to arrive first in the morning, quickly set up my classroom and then make my way upstairs to the piano. This is my quiet time, this is my worship time. Although I don't have any music in front of me, I let my fingers do the moving and my heart do the singing. The more I've reflected on it, the more I've realized that I often go to the piano to pour out my heart to God. I go when I am nervous or feeling unsettled; I go when I am anxious; I go when my heart if full of praise; I go when I am in waiting; I go when I need to create a space to come before the Father. Amazing what songs I'm reminded of when I go to the piano- often old Hymns.

I was thinking about how I only started listening to my [brother's] IPOD after being here over a month. I love traveling around and delaring His praises everywhere I step foot. Those have been some of my biggest prayers. I thought It would be interesting to take a little looksie at my "most played songs" while being here. The top songs have been:

Spirit Fall- Chris Tomlin

Here for You- Chris Tomlin

One Thing Remains- Bethel

Like A Wave- Drakeford

Drawn From Grace- Drakeford

Always- Kristian Stanfill

Beautiful Jesus- Kristian Stanfill

Everyone Nees a little- Kari Jobe

Carry Your Name- Christy Nockels

and #10 are... the Charlotte Diamond songs that I sing with the kids (from her 24 Carrot Album), with the most popular being 'I am a Pizza,' 'Octopus (Slippery Fish),' and 'Listen to the Water.'

May we joyfully sing His praises where we are today!

Those were the days

Oh to be 4 again!

 These boys have been the "highlight of my day" on many occassions.

 A few weeks ago we decided to have a "teddy bear picnic."

We brought our teddies and had fun doing everything teddy bear related.

(ps. if you ever want to look up cool animal facts for kids go here. )

These boys mean the world to me!

Thanks for your hugs, smiles and imaginations!

Thanks for reminding me of how to play.

I love you!

Life is good

Life is good!

Recap of the day: early start * chat with Dave * back to sleep * baked banana chocolate chip muffins for a delightful breakfast * church * hung out with Jill * El Ranchero for Dinner * found her English Book -Success! * My first time taking a Dolmuş - Made our way to Kadikoy * found the Hostel "A" is going to stay at * jumped on the train and went home * Whew- now it's 10:30 and here are my pictures. Forgot to mention that I woke up with a sore throat and probably didn't help it because Jill and I talked ALL day- but it was worth it! What a good time. We were quite the team!

The Yellow van-type thing is a "Dolmuş"

I always love "Firsts."

Firsts= Memorable, Special, Daring, Magical!

"There's a place in your heart nobody's been, take me there-

things nobody knows, not even your friends, take me there.

 I wanna know everything about you! I want to go down every road you've been.

Where your hopes and dreams and wishes live... take me there.

Your first real kiss, your first true love, you were scared,

show me where you learned about life, spent your summer nights... take me there!

What made you who you are? Tell me what your story is!" -Take Me There, Rascal Flatts.

 Me in the "Dolmuş"

Like I said, I'm pretty excited about one of my friends coming to visit this week. I recommended that he stay at a local hostel, so I went there today, just to make sure it was easy to get to. Looked good. I didn't write down the directions to get there this morning, but I think I have a pretty good memory for that kind of thing. We ended up asking one person for help, but we found it! Accomplishment!

When you are in a city where you can't speak the language, you celebrate the little things you do- the small accomplishments (like finding a particular English Book, Finding the Hostel, asking for directions, ordering something, etc.) assure me that I'm doing it! We need that affirmation sometimes. We are doing it. We are living life here and learning new things everyday. God is expanding our heart, our vision, our language, our experiences, and the list goes on and on. I'm grateful for fun days like this, where you can have fun with a friend and celebrate the little milestones together. Today I'm also thinking of Adam and Erin at home- starting their life together. May your Garden Tea Party Wedding be something so sweet! I miss you, but rejoice with you from abroad on your wedding day. 

30 days of Pictures

Hello Readers!

Today marks Day 1 of my 30 day picture challenge! This means that even if I don't have a huge write-up each day, I will have a picture posted here for the next 30 days! Whew- this could be a big commitment! I thought this would be one way to remember my last month here. It's also a neat way to be intentional about keeping an open eye throughout the day, to see the treasures that surround me and to recognize them as such. I am by no means a photographer,
but I will give you a little picture of what I see around me as my time draws to a
close here and I get back on the plane in 30 days.

Here's today's picture. It is a Yellow Rose, my Grandma's Favourite-
and among one of my favourites too.

Today was an awesome day- I had my "Victoria Day."
I had a bunch of things I wanted to do today and ended up doing most of them.
I slept in, went for a delicious coffee, got my Toes Painted, went to the mall, walked to the Train station (a new stop that I had never been to before) and then to the last train stop (remember I mentioned that place in an older post?), out for dinner and then a Birthday Skype call with Mel. Overall a lovely day. It was a holiday here and so national flags were displayed for all to see. I had a fun venture exploring and was happy to find some new sunglasses.

See you again tomorrow!

Guess what's coming!

I am so stoked!

The other day when our team was together we saw THIS sign up in the food court that is close to our house. It is only one train stop away, or an enjoyable 15 minute walk along the seaside to the our closest "Fast Food Outlet"- which includes McDonalds, Burger King, KFC, Starbucks, Pizza Hut, Arbys, Tavuk Dunyasi and this awesome little ice cream store with one-scoop waffle cones for only 2 Lira ($1.20). As soon as I saw this sign I started freaking out! Everyone could see my excitement... and maybe I was a litle over dramatic for the opening of a Bubble Tea shop, but what can I say? After Grace and Tim introduced me to Bubble tea, there's no turning back.

Here's a picture of Simon and I drinking authentic bubble tea in China (Summer 2010).

I sure hope  BubTea opens before I leave. This would be a dream come true!

It's funny when our selfish and funny little WANTS are met.

I was thinking today (and over the last while) about how well God knows us. He knows our unvoiced, silent prayers. He knows our longings. He knew how much each family's small actions of invitation have meant to me. He knows how delighted I was a few weeks ago when we took the train as far as we could in the Gebze direction (because i've secretly been wanting to go to the furthest train stop possible, just for fun). He knew that I needed that day off and that I needed a little spontinaeity in my life. When life is so busy and scheduled, it's nice to have something fun, exciting and unplanned! It's nice to have these little "answered prayers." 

Come on BubTea, you have one month to open before I leave. I hope you can finish in time!

(Special shout out in this blog post to my Bubble Tea friends- Grace and Timmy).

Pinkberry!

Pinkberry= Delicious!

Frozen Yogurt with your choice of fruit toppings.

Ruth and I had been planning an outing together to Pinkberry for a while and we finally got to go on Tuesday. Tuesday's weather was a little iffy and there was even a half-hour thunder storm that we watched from the upstairs window with awe and and amazement. Anyway, after the storm passed, blue skies were in view and we knew this was the night to finally get out to Pinkberry. It felt like going to Subway, where you "make your own creation." First pick your yogurt flavor and then choose all the toppings to go on top.

We came to the conclusion that this was

A [healthy] treat!

(Secretly, I'd love to open a business one day. My choices would be

A coffee shop- I love getting to know people. I love being part of people's lives

 and have seen many a people whose spirits are lifted when you take the time to be part of their day.

A Second Hand Store- I love the treasures you find there.

A Yogurt Store- Ever since that time the girls and I went to that one in Vietnam, I've loved the idea. Such a cute spot for a date! So happy and refreshing. yumm yumm)



She didn't sell out

There is a street here called Bagdat Caddesi, a street known for it's shopping and classy stores, as well as a variety of restaurants. In my mind, it's comparable to Robson Street in Vancouver- shopping central. It is kind of fun to take a couple of hours to yourself and stroll down this street, especially on a nice day and puruse through whatever stores grab your attention. When we were on this street a few weeks ago for a ladies dinner together, Mel pointed out this one house that stands alone on the street. It really stands out beccause this isn't a neighbourhood at all. It is a shopping district and here we have 1 lone house standing there next to Zara.

Here it is.

It stands right next to Zara and Vakko:

                                                      Juxtaposition?- I think so.

A house anywhere here is a pretty rare and impressive sight; A house on Bagdat Caddesi takes it to a whole new level- just imagine, the contrast next to these huge consumer outlets!

As we passed by this house, Mel's words were,

"Wow, the owner of this house didn't sell-out!"

I've been sitting on those words the last few weeks. I actually went back to Bagdat Caddesi just to see this house and fully take in the meaning of that sentiment. I saw the owner of this house, an older woman, watering her garden and just thought "she didn't sell-out!" Although I'm sure she'd get a good penny for her property, if she were to sell it to The Gap, Zara, Starbucks or any other mega franchise; however, it was hers and wasn't just giving it up. I've been thinking about our lives a little bit and the meaning behind the phrase, "She didn't sell-out." In John 10:10 it says that, "the thief comes to steal, kill and destroy, but [Jesus] has come that we may have life and have it to the full." I don't want us to sell-out to this world or to whatever may so easily grab our attention or momentarily pleasure. I desire to not sell-out, but to stand firm in my identity as a daughter of the High King, as his Beloved ,and walk in all that the Father has planned. I think he has much in store. I wan to walk in the Fullness of all He offers and has for me.
I pray you would too. Let's be a people clinging to what Jesus promises.

Congratulations Franny & Will

I wish I could be there with you to celebrate this special day.

 

Franny and I have known each other since we were little kids. We grew up going to Sunday School together, went to Elmentary School together and went to High School together. Here we are in Irma's Sunday Sunday School class. I'm the girl front left, kneeling down and Franny is standing behind me. I remember one time when we were kids and went over to Franny's neighbor's house to play, without informing our moms. I think they were pretty worried about us. After searching the neighbourhood, a mom starts to get worried! We were just having a ball playing together.

This is one of my favourite pictures.I can't believe how dark I was! WOWEE!!

This picture was is from when we went to Creation Fest. Remember when I went delerious from the heat? Remember how we were so unprepared- eating crackers all weekend? Oh that was funny. I remember Franny and I talking about worship and Franny desiring to fully express her all to Jesus in worship. May we really do this, in whatever setting we may find ourselves in, in whatever way that may look.

At the Tulip Festival.

We aren't Granny's yet, but we were "getting our Granny on" and joining all the rest of them at the tulip festival. We had a fun time prancing through the tulip fields. I think back to the sleepovers the four of us (Franny, Grace, Sarah and I) would have in High School- spending a million years picking out a movie from the bottom of the hill and then taking over Grace's loft room. You can't forget the "ab workouts" when we'd just laugh our heads off. In high school, I think we were also all introduced to Chai Lattes at City Blends, who knew I'd later work there? We would sit around and ask all of our questions about the Bible and then we'd ask our youth Pator, Matt, all of our unanswered questions. I love that we've always asked each other "Life's Questions." I love that we've always been "in it together."

This picture is from Grace and Tim's wedding last summer.

Now as Franny and Will get married, we are all excited about what their future will hold. Will has always been someone people like having around. Remember driving to CLA together Will to meet up with the others for Church? My prayer for you two is that you would

RECEIVE - from each other all that the other is offering

RECEIVE- from the Father all the good things he has for your life together

RECOGNIZE- how blessed you are!

RISK- don't be afraid to jump. You have each other. It will be good!

Congratulations! Enjoy your special day.