Cirali Turkey...It Begins!

Merhaba (Hello)!

I'm writing you from a pansiyon (hotel) in the beautiful village of Cirali, Turkey! It's been a fun 3 days at camp so far and I'm really loving the people here. There are counselors from America, Germany, New Zealand and Turkey and most are living abroad. We've spent our days learning about the TCKs (Third Culture Kids) and what to expect the next few weeks and planning our activities and Bible studies. It's been such a joy to learn from so many people and cultures. We've also taken full advantage of the GORGEOUS Mediterranean Sea right at our fingertips. I truly feel this place could be the most beautiful place I've ever been. It looks like a cross between New Zealand and Africa! There are lemon, mulberry, and apricot trees right outside our door. The stone/pebble beaches are incredible...if anyone needs IKEA esque rocks for their bathroom let me know, haha!

I will be working with the High School students during my time here. I'm so excited for the students to arrive tomorrow. My responsibilities include: leading daily Bible study devotions, team-building games/exercises, waterfront monitoring and leading hiking as an (Expert Explorer) with some other counselors. We were able to take our first mountain hike yesterday and the views were breathtaking! Today we went sea kayaking around the shore line to find other possible trails...talk about a workout! Hiking in the heat and humidity and sun in addition to some strong waves on the kayak left us all pretty tired...Gotta rest up tonight before the kiddos arrive! (BTW, it's an 8 hour time difference)

All our meals are traditional Turkish meals cooked by the families who own the camp grounds we are staying on. They also have my favorite Magnum ice cream bars that I discovered the last time I was in Turkey (we NEED these in the states!). They are wonderful! I have so much to report and so little time... So this is all for now, but I'll be keeping you posted as to what unfolds!

Also, please be praying for one of my co-counselor's sons. His name is Joel and he was electrocuted yesterday while at school and is now in a coma. She had to leave immediately to be with him. We are praying that he wake from the coma soon and have no long-term affects from this!

Thanks for going on this journey with me! Can't wait to share how God works in us and the kids over the next 2 weeks!

Much love! Here is a pi (not mine) of where I'm at!