Run, Marcus, Run!
As many of you know, I am currently in training for the Chicago Marathon along with my brother Stephan. But, did you know that running is considered an extreme sport in Turkey? There are numerous reasons for such a qualification: bus drivers who seem to "aim" for pedestrians, small pathways that often force off-roading, numerous walkers that serve as cones to zig-zag around, intense heat & humidity that saps the life out of any who dare, and of course the dogs!
This morning I was on the return side of my 5 miles and within sight of home. At this point the pathway is very narrow forcing passers-by to use the road (look out for busses) or part of a gravel parking lot that is severly overgrown. The walker in front of me chose the road (ha!) so I chose the pathway in order to pass him. As I commited to my route I noticed a stray dog headed the opposite direction I was going. Like most dogs, he passed by harmlessly looking rather thin and sickly. I thought to myself, "I wonder what these strays eat around here?" As soon as I passed the dog I spied another sitting in the shade of an overgrown bush. He seemed rather docile as well, more intent on avoiding the sun than hassling joggers. Right!
1 foot away he sprang into action letting out a low growl. I thought, "OH, that's what they eat!" Not wanting to rile the beast I slowed to a walk making myself look as big as possible. He matched my pa
ce and snarled some more and then I realized his "buddy" had turned around behind me. So now I'm trapped between two strays, a guardrail for the road, and a huge bush that needed some trimming. Great! But from the road I heard a voice "Hosh! Hosh!" My new walking friend whom I had just left in the dust came to my rescue. The dogs didn't seem too eager to challenge two "extreme athletes" and I was rescued. With a humble "sowl (thanks)" I continued on my way. I am currently in the process of locating a lead pipe to run with, until then I think I'll brave the busses!
ce and snarled some more and then I realized his "buddy" had turned around behind me. So now I'm trapped between two strays, a guardrail for the road, and a huge bush that needed some trimming. Great! But from the road I heard a voice "Hosh! Hosh!" My new walking friend whom I had just left in the dust came to my rescue. The dogs didn't seem too eager to challenge two "extreme athletes" and I was rescued. With a humble "sowl (thanks)" I continued on my way. I am currently in the process of locating a lead pipe to run with, until then I think I'll brave the busses!* * *
Running to another note, Rachel and I are into our second full week in Turkey. Everyday is a new adventure with more than dogs to wrestle with. A hungry dog I can understand but sometimes the difficulties of cross-cultural living are too much. Rachel is very ill today with some stomach reaction to food, please remember her in your prayers. I'm still planning ESL lessons today from our apartment but it's tough to constantly know she is miserable. Hopefully it will pass as it did last week!
Every occasion is an opportunity to learn, to be here, to observe life in Turkey. In America, if you're sick you go grab some medecine at the pharmacy. How do you do that in another country when you only speak the language in a very basic way? Or worse, do you do anything since you don't know what's wrong? Opportunities to learn, opportunities to be here, opportunities...we're learning. We are quite confident that this summer is to be all about that. Not so much doing but being here and learning about life here. Paul prayed, "that [we] would be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding..." Ask this for us as we for you!
Well, till next time: never stop learning, never stop praying, and never stop running! (especially when being chased by hungry dogs or veering busses)
