Iyi akşamlar arkadaşlar

Good evening friends!

O man, so much has happened so far that it is going to be really difficult to express it all, especially since I haven't been writing things down like Seth. One thing I can say for sure is that Turkey is beautiful; the people are beautiful, the landscape is beautiful, the food is FANTASTIC!! We are making soo many friends it is so great. We don't know very much Turkish but with the combination of our little Turkish and their little English we are finding ways to connect to the locals. There is a man that works at our hotel that has been very kind and easy to get to know. He came to church with us for his first time EVER this last Sunday and it was such a blessing to have him with us. God is so good and I feel so privelaged to see such a thing happen in this man's life, even if he doesn't go back for long time we got to see his first time. Antalya is really westernized, we were expecting a little of this but not nearly as much. The heat is ridiculous, it is as hot as Tucson but as humid as Florida. I am seriously drenched in sweat right now, NO JOKE!

I'm going to make a quick comment on the appearance of Turkish men... they are not all bad looking; there are actually a few worth looking at a little while HAHAHA just thought I was share with ya'll in case you thought all Turkish men have receeding hairlines, smell bad, and no teeth. False! Oh and Mom I am looking for my Alibabah, tell Mikey to get ready to pay my dowry. Lauren already has about 5 prospects lined up, she looks more Turkish than I do so the men really like her, especially the ice cream vendor.

I want to share something with you guys that Lauren wrote during orientation that both Seth and I think is encouraging and inspiring and beautiful. It is a rewrite of 2 Corinthians 6:4-10:

"Rather, as servants of God we offer ourselves to Him in every way:

In long bus rides, in dirty hotels, in dark cities, in homes of light,

in moments of silence and in moments of divine revelation,

in sleepless hours and in restful days.

We do so in laughter and joy; serving our friends, protecting our dignity,

holding back when appropriate and gently correcting as in needed,

In embarassing moments and in happy community.

Armed with both God's word and God's Spirit,

we teach with English but speak with love.

Our words are not exquisite yet they are beyond worth.

Our actions are ordinary yet they shake the foundations of the earth.

Our hearts beat in one accord and our eyes and ears are ever attentive-

first to God's whisper, second to the whimper of hunger.

We eat plain bread and water, yet we're already full before any meal.

To all we are meek and gentle, and yet our movements are that of a warrior.

We punch with kisses and kick with hugs,

our words are not careless but rather they carry power in every syllable.

It is only by God's grace that we enter this city and state.

We are in constant intercession and perpetual communion with the Father.

He is our only hope.

We see light in darkness, growth in dry ground and life in decay.

To call us anything greater than the least is false,

and to deny that we are worthy and valued above all is a lie.

We hope, love, walk, talk, think, ask, probe, restrain,

renew, evolve, cast out, and set free.

We are the free-est captives I have ever seen."

--Lauren

I hope you all enjoyed that, I think it is amazing. I can't stand this hot sauna room where this computer is anymore so that is all I have the energy for today. SORRY! I miss you all and pray that you are all well and happy. Even though we are tired, we are full of God's joy. Thank you for your continual prayers, they are making a difference!!! Praise Jesus for Turkey!

I love you all!

God Bless,

Erin Leigh