My Turkish classes have been getting pretty intense lately. We have been studying the present tenses, sentence structures and also learning more vocabulary. It has not been easy at all but it has been awesome to be able to practice with a few of my Turkish friends. They have helped me immensly. It has helped my studies to have both the classroom and then the friends to practice with, which allows me to practice in real life situations. Although, I have been laughed at countless times. I guess that helps keep my ego down a little bit.
My homework lately has consisted of several 100 word essays where I would have to descirbe what kind of things I have been doing outside of the classroom and over the weekends, mainly topics that I would use outside among society. Also man true/false questions, matching, and etc... We also have gotten to the point in class where we are not allowed to use English or any other language except Turkish. Well, we are not supposed to unless we have a question regarding the sentence structure, grammar and things like that. It has its cool moments but can be very frustrating at times too. Sometimes I can't even say the simplest sentences which makes me want to pull my hair out. Then there are those times where I say a good sentence or two followed by a "Cok Guzel," meaning very beautiful or good from my Ogretman (teacher).
I just had my first Turkish exam on friday and passed with an 82%. To be honest I did a lot better than I anticipated. There were several multiple choice questions, followed by an oral true and false section. We also had to write down everything that our teacher said for another part of the oral examination. Yes, we had to right it all in Turkish. Then to end the exam we had to write a 100 word essay explaining either "what all do we do in a day" or "what we are doing after class." I chose the first topic with only recieving minimal marks. This exam was a huge moral boost for me. It helped me realize that I am learning although sometimes it does not seem like it.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Uh Oh...
Since my last adventures life has started to slow down a bit. I have started Turkish classes and go for 4 hours 3 times a week. Its a bit much but I'm still getting a lot out of it. I can have a very limited conversation. Such as "Hello" and "How are You"? "What is your name?" Stuff like that. I can also buy groceries and what not and understand to an extent of what all they are saying to me.
So apparently I am pretty good looking guy. I am obviously saying this in all humility. I was walking around the market yesterday, the 17th of August, and these 2 girls that worked at this certain market grabbed both of my arms and pulled me in opposite directions. They were saying that I was handsome and that they loved me and all sorts of stuff. I am sure that me being and American had nothing to do with it, right?
I have made a couple of friends in this past week and a half. I was asked not to give there names for certain reasons. But there is one of the guys in particular that wanted to take me to the Turkish Parliment after class one day. I am gonna call him Bob. So after class on that certain day we went to the Parliment. Now as we approached I totally forgot that I did not have any form of I.D except a photocopy of my passport. This was mistake number one for me. So as we approached the counter I handed my copy and they basically laughed at me saying that I probably wont get in but i can go to the main security desk and find out. So Bob and I went over to the main desk and again was basically laughed out. So as we where leaving Bob turns to me, kind of dramatically, and says, "hold on give, me your phone." He then makes a random call, speaks some Turkish, hangs up, and tells me to follow him with a grin on his face. So I did. We walk right past security and find a man waiting for us on the other side. He was the Prime Representative of Southeast Turkey. This was pretty exciting. Apparently Bob's dad and him go way back. So he escorted us straight to His office. He even served me some water. As we sat in his office we started having a little chat. Then we started talking about the states and I asked him if he had ever been to Tennessee. He had not and so I started telling him a little bit about it. As we were talking I ended up performing a major cultural taboo. I gave the Prime Representative of Southeast Turkey the Bird, the turkish way. By the time I realized what I was doing, it was way to late. The Turkish sign for such matter is the "OK" sign one does with his hand. I never do this sign and I still have no idea what possessed me to do such a thing. After this little stunt I heard a few more Turkish words and then we left, rather quickly. The very next thing that Bob said to me was to never to that sign.
So apparently I am pretty good looking guy. I am obviously saying this in all humility. I was walking around the market yesterday, the 17th of August, and these 2 girls that worked at this certain market grabbed both of my arms and pulled me in opposite directions. They were saying that I was handsome and that they loved me and all sorts of stuff. I am sure that me being and American had nothing to do with it, right?
I have made a couple of friends in this past week and a half. I was asked not to give there names for certain reasons. But there is one of the guys in particular that wanted to take me to the Turkish Parliment after class one day. I am gonna call him Bob. So after class on that certain day we went to the Parliment. Now as we approached I totally forgot that I did not have any form of I.D except a photocopy of my passport. This was mistake number one for me. So as we approached the counter I handed my copy and they basically laughed at me saying that I probably wont get in but i can go to the main security desk and find out. So Bob and I went over to the main desk and again was basically laughed out. So as we where leaving Bob turns to me, kind of dramatically, and says, "hold on give, me your phone." He then makes a random call, speaks some Turkish, hangs up, and tells me to follow him with a grin on his face. So I did. We walk right past security and find a man waiting for us on the other side. He was the Prime Representative of Southeast Turkey. This was pretty exciting. Apparently Bob's dad and him go way back. So he escorted us straight to His office. He even served me some water. As we sat in his office we started having a little chat. Then we started talking about the states and I asked him if he had ever been to Tennessee. He had not and so I started telling him a little bit about it. As we were talking I ended up performing a major cultural taboo. I gave the Prime Representative of Southeast Turkey the Bird, the turkish way. By the time I realized what I was doing, it was way to late. The Turkish sign for such matter is the "OK" sign one does with his hand. I never do this sign and I still have no idea what possessed me to do such a thing. After this little stunt I heard a few more Turkish words and then we left, rather quickly. The very next thing that Bob said to me was to never to that sign.
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Walking on Marble Streets
On the 2nd of August the group and I went to Ephesus. This was basically a dream come true for me. I am totally an ancient history buff and to be able to stand in the fourth richest and largest city in all of the Roman Empire was a real treat. The streets where paved with Marble stones. These stones had holes drilled into them so that the rain would drain away leaving the mrble a lot less slippery. Brilliant! There where also side walks made of small tile squares, creating some sort of cool designs. Then to top off this picture the roads where lined with columns that led straight into the middle of the city. They would use these columns for lights and would also have the option of attaching a tarp and covering the sidewalk from the sun and other elements. The artistic talent of these people blew me away. I honestly had no idea that they where so talented.
Ephesus was not nearly as relaxed as the other ancient sites that I had visited. We were still aloud to climb on some of the ruins but at the same time it was frowned upon. The leader of our group hired apparantly the number 1 rated tour guide that Ephesus has to offer, and boy was she a wealth of knowledge. Once she started talking she didn't stop until the tour was over. She told us everything we wanted to know about the temples, the culture, the land, the art, and anything else that you could probably think of. There was one thing that she pointed out to us that really intringued me. It dwelt with the Chri.stians of the time. At the begining of the road she pointed out a secret symbol that declared that there were a body of believers living within the city. It was an Icthys. An Icthys is basically greek acroustic. It compiles to read, "Je5u5 Chri5t, G0.d's son, savior." Now the letters are all laid ontop of eachother creating a special design that looks like a wheel. It was made of the letters IXOYE (there would be a horizontal line the O). I also saw it on several other locations.
Ephesus's large ampatheatre is still used today as a venue for concerts and things. It even housed a concert for the group Sting a few years back. However the concert caused some problems to the structure and even some surrounding structures that took two years to fix. It mainly now holds classical concerts and things of that nature. However they have allowed Elton John to play in Ephesus even after the Sting catastrophe.
There was also this one section that we toured that cost only an extra 5 lira, but it was totally worth it. The archeaologists have excavated and rebuilt 6 different houses of what they thought the typical ephesian house looked like. It was absolutly amazing. There were two houses to each building. They were somewhat like apartments. They were two stories buildings. Each floor was a different house. There was also a community area for dining and hanging out between all three building (6 houses). The time and effort that was put into each one these houses is totally mind boggling. There where murals painted all over the walls and floors. Each mark with whatever artistic tool they used called for so much precision i wouldn't have been able to stand it. I will post some pictures here soon so that you can see what I mean.
Ephesus was not nearly as relaxed as the other ancient sites that I had visited. We were still aloud to climb on some of the ruins but at the same time it was frowned upon. The leader of our group hired apparantly the number 1 rated tour guide that Ephesus has to offer, and boy was she a wealth of knowledge. Once she started talking she didn't stop until the tour was over. She told us everything we wanted to know about the temples, the culture, the land, the art, and anything else that you could probably think of. There was one thing that she pointed out to us that really intringued me. It dwelt with the Chri.stians of the time. At the begining of the road she pointed out a secret symbol that declared that there were a body of believers living within the city. It was an Icthys. An Icthys is basically greek acroustic. It compiles to read, "Je5u5 Chri5t, G0.d's son, savior." Now the letters are all laid ontop of eachother creating a special design that looks like a wheel. It was made of the letters IXOYE (there would be a horizontal line the O). I also saw it on several other locations.
Ephesus's large ampatheatre is still used today as a venue for concerts and things. It even housed a concert for the group Sting a few years back. However the concert caused some problems to the structure and even some surrounding structures that took two years to fix. It mainly now holds classical concerts and things of that nature. However they have allowed Elton John to play in Ephesus even after the Sting catastrophe.
There was also this one section that we toured that cost only an extra 5 lira, but it was totally worth it. The archeaologists have excavated and rebuilt 6 different houses of what they thought the typical ephesian house looked like. It was absolutly amazing. There were two houses to each building. They were somewhat like apartments. They were two stories buildings. Each floor was a different house. There was also a community area for dining and hanging out between all three building (6 houses). The time and effort that was put into each one these houses is totally mind boggling. There where murals painted all over the walls and floors. Each mark with whatever artistic tool they used called for so much precision i wouldn't have been able to stand it. I will post some pictures here soon so that you can see what I mean.
Saturday, August 7, 2010
The Colossians
The last place that we went to on the 2nd of August was Colossae. It was on the same day that we visited Hierapolis and Laodicea, it was a very busy day. Paul had written a letter to Colossae, what we now call the Book of or Epistle to the Colossians.
This place has not been excavated yet for reasons I do not know. All that I saw was a bald spot on a hill. It did have some obviously cut stones and a couple tombs though. I did hear that most of the people over here don't know that it is a biblical site. They just think that it has historic value. Otherwise, it probably would have some kind of crew working on excavating the land where Colossae lays. Just the fact alone that most of the people dont understand its relevance should make people think. This may be a long shot but please follow me. Does this ignorance of what has been covered by dirt show or could it be a sign to how much this culture knows about the good news of victory in battle, A.K.A the G05pel, today. I think that it could. This is a country with many ruins of the past that are now covered by earth that once dwelt on the surface. Now as they uncover sites such as Laodicia and Hierapolis and find the past cultures that dwelt here in Turkey, what do they find? They can study and somehow understand or get a good realization of what life was like for these people, but that is not really what im trying to point out. What they find are remnants of hope. That yes, as it was once plagued with gods and godesses and other idols that fed the lusts of their flesh, there was still people who had hope. Many lives where saved at these times and these ancient Turks have graced us with leaving behind bread crumbs leading to the almighty. All we have to do is dig up and dust off the old and forgotten artifacts. What plagued this country then still plagues the country today. However, what is different other than the obviousness of time and styles of life? I believe it is the knowledge of the G05pel. Therefore, we as a body of believers we should feel the desire to remind a culture of who they once where. This does not only stand for Turkey but the entirety of the World. The world began with the knowledge of G.O.D. But the world has decided to let this knowledge be covered by the dirt of S.in and therefore the ones who know of its existance must tell those who need to be reminded. This is a call to action for the Body of the Ch.urch who serve the Living G.O.D.
This place has not been excavated yet for reasons I do not know. All that I saw was a bald spot on a hill. It did have some obviously cut stones and a couple tombs though. I did hear that most of the people over here don't know that it is a biblical site. They just think that it has historic value. Otherwise, it probably would have some kind of crew working on excavating the land where Colossae lays. Just the fact alone that most of the people dont understand its relevance should make people think. This may be a long shot but please follow me. Does this ignorance of what has been covered by dirt show or could it be a sign to how much this culture knows about the good news of victory in battle, A.K.A the G05pel, today. I think that it could. This is a country with many ruins of the past that are now covered by earth that once dwelt on the surface. Now as they uncover sites such as Laodicia and Hierapolis and find the past cultures that dwelt here in Turkey, what do they find? They can study and somehow understand or get a good realization of what life was like for these people, but that is not really what im trying to point out. What they find are remnants of hope. That yes, as it was once plagued with gods and godesses and other idols that fed the lusts of their flesh, there was still people who had hope. Many lives where saved at these times and these ancient Turks have graced us with leaving behind bread crumbs leading to the almighty. All we have to do is dig up and dust off the old and forgotten artifacts. What plagued this country then still plagues the country today. However, what is different other than the obviousness of time and styles of life? I believe it is the knowledge of the G05pel. Therefore, we as a body of believers we should feel the desire to remind a culture of who they once where. This does not only stand for Turkey but the entirety of the World. The world began with the knowledge of G.O.D. But the world has decided to let this knowledge be covered by the dirt of S.in and therefore the ones who know of its existance must tell those who need to be reminded. This is a call to action for the Body of the Ch.urch who serve the Living G.O.D.
The Land of the Luke Warm Church
The next stop after Hierapolis was of Laodicea. This place was not restored as well as Hierapolis but it is being worked on for sure. Laodicea is not that far from hierapolis. It actually had water pipelines running from both Hierapolis and Colossae. Hierapolis would send them hot water from their springs and Colossae would send them cold water from their springs (Colossae was known for their cold water source). As the water traveled from each source to its new location in Laodicea it would lose its special property, its temperature. By the time that the water reached Laodicea it Hot and Cold water would now be Luke warm. This is why the reference in Revelations makes such a cultural impact. That story can be found in Revelations 3:14-16. It references the Luke warmness of their spiritual lives and uses a physical Illustration. I don't care who you are but thats bad (the good bad, come on work with me people)!
There was much adventure to be had here. There where plenty of old ruins to seek out and climb on. Until we found the Cave! Ok, ok, it wasn't actually a cave but it was an ancient underground sewer system that was used by the Laodiceans, which is still pretty cool. So me and two other people from the group from Racine went and climbed down into this ancient underground sewer system. We had to get down and crawl on our hands and knees using a camera light as our only source of light. We traveled for a long way until it started to get too narrow for us to fit. So as we where getting ready to turn back one of the guys says, "Dude, I think I just saw something move." The very next thing I heard was a voice shouting, "BAT"!!!! The guy in front of me drops like a sack of potatoes then this rodent with rings slams right into my right shoulder. It then wizzes off and smacks into the wall rebounding to never be seen again. We left shortly after that.
There was much adventure to be had here. There where plenty of old ruins to seek out and climb on. Until we found the Cave! Ok, ok, it wasn't actually a cave but it was an ancient underground sewer system that was used by the Laodiceans, which is still pretty cool. So me and two other people from the group from Racine went and climbed down into this ancient underground sewer system. We had to get down and crawl on our hands and knees using a camera light as our only source of light. We traveled for a long way until it started to get too narrow for us to fit. So as we where getting ready to turn back one of the guys says, "Dude, I think I just saw something move." The very next thing I heard was a voice shouting, "BAT"!!!! The guy in front of me drops like a sack of potatoes then this rodent with rings slams right into my right shoulder. It then wizzes off and smacks into the wall rebounding to never be seen again. We left shortly after that.
Hot Springs and Ruins
On the 1st of August the group from Recine, a few workers and I left for a road trip to the Agean Region of Turkey. Our first stop was at a hotel outside of Hieropolis. It took about a 6-8 hour drive to get there so we stayed the night and just got to chill before we got to find out what was in store for us the next day. The hotel was pretty cool though. There was a belly dancer and some cool mud pools overlooking the actual pool. The mud baths though were somewhat inviting. It was a blissful place with women wearing bikinis while in their beginning stages of obesity posing on fake rocks, while some European men, sporting their high and tight speedos, helped the woman with the exfoliation process (that sounded dirty). Well I hope that visual wasnt awkward.
Anyways, the next day we drove to Hierapolis, also known as Pamukkale, whose name means the sacred city. This is the place where apparently the apostle Phillip was martyred. Also Paul had done some work in Heirapolis according to Colassians 4:13.
Hierapolis was and is still known today for their hot springs. The people of the ancient time believed that these Hot springs had magical healing power. So many would come far and wide to rest in the spring water in hope for curing some of their ailments. The Hot springs made these whit pools on the side of the mountain that Hierapolis was on. The pools where so white that they looked as if they where covered in snow. It was the chemicals and minerals in the water though that made this so. As I traveled through these pools, that first started barely covering my ankles, the water got deeper and warmer. The water was incredibly refreshing and I am pretty sure that was the first time i had been in a real hot spring. There have definately been a lot of firsts on this trip thus far.
This place is full of history and magnificent Greek beliefs concerning the gods, philosophy on life and things like that. I also saw some amazing architecture in the ruins such as temples, a fortress, a gymnasium, the ampatheatre, gates, walls, and cold pools that had ancient ruins in them, everything easily captivated me. It was such a pleasure to just imagine what life must have been like in this time period. Everything was so precise. The cut stones and columns and sculptures, it was a dream of mine to see a lot of what i did. It was so fun being able to see and climb on these ancient ruins (no mom I wasn't doing anything illegal, atleast to my knowledge).
Anyways, the next day we drove to Hierapolis, also known as Pamukkale, whose name means the sacred city. This is the place where apparently the apostle Phillip was martyred. Also Paul had done some work in Heirapolis according to Colassians 4:13.
Hierapolis was and is still known today for their hot springs. The people of the ancient time believed that these Hot springs had magical healing power. So many would come far and wide to rest in the spring water in hope for curing some of their ailments. The Hot springs made these whit pools on the side of the mountain that Hierapolis was on. The pools where so white that they looked as if they where covered in snow. It was the chemicals and minerals in the water though that made this so. As I traveled through these pools, that first started barely covering my ankles, the water got deeper and warmer. The water was incredibly refreshing and I am pretty sure that was the first time i had been in a real hot spring. There have definately been a lot of firsts on this trip thus far.
This place is full of history and magnificent Greek beliefs concerning the gods, philosophy on life and things like that. I also saw some amazing architecture in the ruins such as temples, a fortress, a gymnasium, the ampatheatre, gates, walls, and cold pools that had ancient ruins in them, everything easily captivated me. It was such a pleasure to just imagine what life must have been like in this time period. Everything was so precise. The cut stones and columns and sculptures, it was a dream of mine to see a lot of what i did. It was so fun being able to see and climb on these ancient ruins (no mom I wasn't doing anything illegal, atleast to my knowledge).
Thursday, August 5, 2010
July 26-30
Alright yall, this has been an incredibly crazy past two weeks. I apologize to everyone that I told that I would be blogging once a week. I am trying. I just haven't had or been in a situation to write latley. I also want to apologize for my lack of Pictures. My laptop ate my disk with a good portion of my pictures. So hopefully I can get those out sooner than later. Also Because I have blogged in the past two weeks I will blog as if I did. So there shouldn't be any confusion of a time frame.
Anyways, last week was a total blast. My friends, who are workers here in Turkey, had planned a trip to the Black Sea region for a little R & R, starting on the 26th. So I was invited as well. We were in a really nice resort like area that supplied us with breakfast, lunch and dinner. I swear yall the food here is absolutly amazing. Sorry Caroline if I come back a blob.
People came from all over Turkey and one guy even came from IraG. Me and him ended up rooming together at the hotel and I dont think it was coincidence either. For all of you that know me know that I have a heart, for some reason, for IraG. I still dont know why so if you ever think about I would really appreciate your pr^yers about that. We also had some great times talking to our Dad. Its funny how Pr^ying with others builds relationships with those that you pray with. Its more of a spiritual connection that bypasses everything else. You dont have to have anything in common with the person that your pr^ying with at all concerning personality and what not. But when you come together to just simply glorify God you have everything you need to make a relationship work and last.
We also had a group come down from Racine, Wisconsin to help out and perform a VBS for all of the children. This way most of the parents could actually relax. It was a lot of fun. I got to help out with taking care of the kids at times and was even given a part in the skit. I got to play a messenger boy! It was totally my element. I only had one line and I brought the thunder. I would run into the scene totally innterupting everything that was going on and would say while gasping for breath, Preacher! Preacher! I have a letter from Paul for you." I swear I deserve a Grammy or something.
My friends and I got to hear some great messages from one of the men who came down from Recine. We also had the Privelage to enjoy quite a few Je5u5 Jams (worship) with the Racine group and eachother. It was a great time for fellowship and opportunity to get to know the workers better for myself. We also got together in groups and discussed goals, plans, evaluations of the past years fruits, stuff like that. It was a great opportunity to see and be able to understand more of what my friends actually do while living here in Turkey. It was also a great opportunity to sit and listen to these workers strategize and pr^y for people and situations. Being with them was a real treat.
On Wednesday of last week, me and some of the gang jumped into a few vans and drove out to the Black Sea. This is the Black Sea.
Over in the distance you can see another beach like area. That is a woman only beach. Luckily, it is to far into the distance to see anyone for personal reasons. The reason that this was a women's only beach was for muslim woman. It gives them a chance to uncover and not have a fear that some man might see them. This women's only beach tells me me some things about the culture and also has me asking a few questions. I believe that they respect and fear men. That they do not want to make a man stumble over sexual temptation so they hide themselves; but I believe they also do so for their own well being. I have heard way to many stories to leave that untouched. However, from an americans perspective it seems that the women live oppressed and are also bound from a life of freedom and self expression. But I am also not a Muslim and these are just simple theories and observations.
Our last day in Black Sea regionwas on Friday the 30th. It was was a great way to end the trip. After leaving our hotel and saying our farewell to everyone we did a little bit of hiking in the mountain country of Ilgaz before returning back to Ankara. It was a gorgeous area and we happened to have hiked at a closed for the summer ski resort.
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