Favorites

Ice Cream: Marco Polo Chocolate & Arabian Nut (R), Marco Polo Orange & Vanilla (M)
Drinks: Starbucks Iced Mocha Latte (R), Apple Tea (R), Tea (M), Schweppes Bitter Lemon Soda (M)
Foods: Turkish Pilaf - Rice (R), Tavuk Shish (R), Simits (R), Lentil Soup (M), Kumpir - Stuffed Potatoes (M)
Places: The Beach (R), Our swimming hole (R), The park near Paul's Place (M), Starbucks (R/M), Our Italian Restaurant (R/M)
Activities: Practicing Turkish in the kitchen (R), Cooking (R), Grocery Shopping (M) Early Morning Runs (M), Romantic walks along the cliffs (R/M)
People: Enes - the chef, Soner - the internet cafe guru & Marcus' tutor, Avery - our short-term guide, Hayri - the beloved security guy, Danny - our sunday morning pianist, Nazan - our most eager student

Maybe it's just because I'm reading through the Pentatuch now or maybe it's because of the heat but I find myself eager and able to complain at a moment's notice. As Israel wandered through the wilderness their clothes never wore out, they never lacked food or water, they were never lost or withour protection, and they had the presence of God all along the way. But they complained and complained and complained!! The Lord even heard their grumblings they uttered within their tents. This was not open rebellion but a low, slow murmer that began to permeate the whole camp. We find ourselves in the same place, everything provided and yet easy to complain.

So, everyday we talk on the way home about our "favorite" thing that day: a conversation, a new experience, an insight, a chocolate & arabian nut ice cream cone... With three weeks left in this internship we've battled through the dark clouds of complaint and have broken through to fresh open spaces of joy. Colossians 1 again, "May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy..." That's our request and our desire for each of you as well.