039 World Race in Istanbul, Türkiye

Hello Friends and Family!

Here are snapshots of memories from our time in Istanbul! We were in Istanbul from June 6-9, 2021!  

 {My Team! Me, Jenna B, Sarah, Alayna, Jenna W, Raquel, Madison}

Mosques: Visiting beautiful ancient to modern buildings. Marveling at the marble, ornate designs, and delicate details. The large rooms are a grand mix of children delightedly playing, tourists and pilgrims taking pictures, and others going through the kneeling and rising process of prayer. Through basic Turkish and hand motions I begin offering to take pictures for families who are visiting. As they see the picture they will remember the trip and the kind woman full of light who offered to take the picture. My team sits, walks, and is available as people are drawn to us and begin conversations. We visited the Hagia Sofia (it used to be Constantinople), Blue Mosque, and the Taksim Mosque. 

 

 

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Walking through the grand bazaars, my heart is delighted! The mixture of colors, designs, lights, sounds, and smells is breathtaking. Each aisle has multiples of the same type of store. The store owners have unique stories and purposes in life even if their wares are the same. Stepping into stores with Turkish delight, spices, teas, and dried fruit. We are welcomed in by the shop keeper with tea and samples of their delicacies. Turkish Delight is delightful! 

 

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Living with 6 women, in a two bedroom apartment, on the 4th floor, in Istanbul. We are sharing space and the one bathroom. In the mornings we would attempt to cook eggs and sausage without setting the fire alarm off and waking up the block. We are cooking with an itty-bitty coffee pot that barely fits one egg or 4 circular sausages. Our first morning, we set the alarm off then I pulled out my little personal fan to provide air flow.

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Sitting in the park sharing stories with my team. We lay out our scarves on the manicured lawns, and lay our hearts before each other. Praying and praising our Creator for our journeys.

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Conversations with Taxi Drivers — In every country (Guatemala, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic) we have sparked conversations and prayers with our Uber and taxi drivers. Most of the drivers have been men, and they are usually willing to share about their lives, have faith building conversations, and are grateful for prayer. #mensministry Going from conversational Spanish, to a new language, we were grateful and surprised to be able to still have in depth conversations through Google Translate! Typing messages, or using the talk to text feature, in depth conversations about beliefs were happening in our 10-45 minute car rides. A couple times we were wondering if we would be asked to get out of the car on the side of the… freeway. But the drivers were receptive to these conversations, sometimes to the point of missing a turn. In every opportunity we are given the words to speak, boldness to share, and the tools to communicate across language barriers.

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Snacks Bey – Even being in a city for 3 days, we can begin developing habits and friendships. The restaurant, Snacks Bey, was serving traditional Turkish and Arabic food. At least 4 meals were had at this local diner. They were so patient with us and Google Translate as we perused the menu. The manager, who spoke some English, even gifted us an Arabic meal of grape leaves one day! While waiting for our order to be ready, I sang songs in my language of prayer. Snacks Bey was a blessing and opportunity for us to share why we were in Turkey, begin friendships, and cover the diner in prayer. 

{They would have meat rotating and roasting then shave off a portion for our wraps!}

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Bosforus — The dividing water between Europe and Asia, seeing again the brilliant blue and feeding birds with fish guts!

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All day bus ride — making friends, sharing stories. I shared my phone charger with the older gentleman in front of my seat. What started out as a sour, standoffish man turned into an invitation to sit in his row and go through the pictures on his phone as he chattered in animated Turkish. I was introduced to his family, new house, a recent wedding, favorite foods, and more! I would parrot words back to him with minimal understanding. But he felt seen and heard on the long journey together. Three young women had bus tickets directly behind our group for part of the journey! Laughing, talking, and making friendship bracelets, they asked if we were Ch**stains. 🙂 Our light and words continue to shine bright and open the door for conversations. The young man who worked on the bus bashfully asked for a friendship bracelet. We fist-pumped in celebration as he refilled the snack cart, shared our pudding, an apple, Jenna’s spoon, and our hope with him.

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We are preparing to leave Turkey! If you would like a #postcard please let me know!

#Turkey Please pray for Scott, Kev, and Jackie as they continue fundraising for our world race trip! For a donation of $10 (or more!) I will pray over and send you a postcard from Turkey! $13,640 would have Jackie, Kev, and Scott fully funded! We serve a God called Jehovah Jireh, who multiplies and provides what we need! YOUR $10, $25, $50, $100, or $500 is a generous gift!

1. Pray and send your donation to me over Paypal or Venmo! Paypal: [email protected] Venmo: RachelAnnPreston
2. Message me your address! You are also welcome to include an encouraging note or prayer for Jackie, Kev, or Scott!
3. Wait 3-5 weeks for the mail to arrive!

Thank you for your prayers!