We're getting close to winding up the Turkish leg of our trip through. Here are a few random, sleep-deprived thoughts:
You know when you realize you are on a whirlwind tour? When you start waking up in hotels not knowing what city you're in.
- An update on my roommate:
- He's an amazing repository of knowledge of the different ways people have served (& are serving) others internationally
- Wherever we go, the locals greet him in their native tongue, thinking he's from the area too.
- We call him "Rev. Dean" and "Dr. No"
- We were able to teach Tony, a Latino friend traveling with us, the clothing term, "going command-o." (And, no, none of us were "going command-o"). 🙂
- 9 of my 13 flights are behind me.
- This is a great place to eat if you like kebab. It's everywhere.
A couple nights ago, we were driving to our next hotel in Istanbul. Hopped out of the car for 10 minutes to snap these shots of 2 of the most famous pieces of architecture in the world: the Blue Mosque & the Hagia Sophia. Wow. Even at night, for just 5 minutes each, they were breathtaking.
- I am fully adjusted into this timezone…right now, 8 hours ahead of KC…just in time for me to fly back & get all messed up again. 🙂
- Side Note: I've heard it take about 1 day for every 1 hour of time zone difference for your body to adjust. That is, if you go back 8 timezones, which I will tomorrow, it takes on average 8 days to feel totally normal.
- We have had an incredibly productive time of prayer, discussion, brainstorming with friends old & new. All sorts of thots are spinning now.
Right now, we're in Izmir, the Biblical "Smyrna" of Revelation 2:8, and the third largest city in Turkey (4 million people). It is a stunningly beautiful seaside city.- I'll spend a good chunk of my return flights working on the kickoff to our "Love & Sex" series next weekend.
- While I was here, I had the miss the birth of Addy Williams, Jim & Kellie's new baby girl. I saw a picture though. Too cute! I can't wait to see her when I get back.
- I REALLY miss my family & am ready to head home.
L8R.
Great postings…. it must be awesome to be smack in the middle of everything end-times. It’s also awesome to know that Grace is apart of that divine plan in some way!
dude… you are sounding worn down. Get the creature comforts you need to sleep on the plane ride home. Going is always so much easier than returning. Pillow, blanket, neck ring, etc. Be safe. Can’t wait to hear you break down the details of the trip. DO NOT FORGET TO RETURN WITH PASTRIES.