Things are really getting busy now. There's only a few days until I leave and I still have a lot to do. What can I say? I'm king of procrastinators! I am really looking forward to Monday. But before that I need to finish my little task list, which seems to grow faster than I can complete the tasks. Best get to work then....
...maybe later.
This past Monday I visited Ephesus with some friends (as can be seen by the picture below). What an incredible place to visit. It's so interesting to be in a place straight from the bible. Trying to image what it was like when Paul visited. Getting a new perspective on his letter to the church in Ephesus and to the accounts of his visit in Acts. Being there definitely brings the story to life. Anyone who visits Turkey should definitely make a stop in Selcuk and visit Ephesus.
Thursday, April 27, 2006
Wednesday, April 26, 2006
A visit to Ephesus
I thought it prudent to pay a visit to Ephesus, since it is so close to me. The remains of this once great city are a beautiful reminder of a past lifestyle. To walk these streets, where Paul once walked, and to visit the Theatres and Market places, where he once argued for what he believed in, is an experience not to be missed. 
Friday, April 14, 2006
Learning and Listening
I have spent a lot of time reflecting on my stay here in Turkey. A lot of time thinking about my decisions and the progress I've made. I realise now that there has definitely been a difference between how I have viewed my stay here and how others have.
For most other people here the most important thing is to learn the language well. You want to be able to communicate with local people and build good relationships. I agree that learning the local language is very important, but I realise that my focus has been somewhat different. My focus has been on trying to find a long term solution for staying here. And this is where the views differ.
From the learning perspective it would appear that I'm cutting my stay shorter than it needs to be. In truth I could stay at the university until the middle of June. For "learning the language" focus this would seem the best option. But as I mentioned that has not been my focus.
I have viewed my stay here as a test. The test was to see whether an opening would be revealed for me to stay longer. From my perspective I have been listening for direction from God. The test lay in the residence permit. I have realised through this process that it would be very difficult for me to stay here and do the things I feel I need to do. In truth, I could stay. But the methods for staying would place me in a position where I would not be able to pursue my dreams. This is not acceptable to me and not the way I see God working.
From the listening perspective then I feel my decision makes sense. There is no point in my continuing with something just for the sake of continuing. Especially when there are other options available to me.
It is time for me to stop the "training" now and get down to some "real" work!
For most other people here the most important thing is to learn the language well. You want to be able to communicate with local people and build good relationships. I agree that learning the local language is very important, but I realise that my focus has been somewhat different. My focus has been on trying to find a long term solution for staying here. And this is where the views differ.
From the learning perspective it would appear that I'm cutting my stay shorter than it needs to be. In truth I could stay at the university until the middle of June. For "learning the language" focus this would seem the best option. But as I mentioned that has not been my focus.
I have viewed my stay here as a test. The test was to see whether an opening would be revealed for me to stay longer. From my perspective I have been listening for direction from God. The test lay in the residence permit. I have realised through this process that it would be very difficult for me to stay here and do the things I feel I need to do. In truth, I could stay. But the methods for staying would place me in a position where I would not be able to pursue my dreams. This is not acceptable to me and not the way I see God working.
From the listening perspective then I feel my decision makes sense. There is no point in my continuing with something just for the sake of continuing. Especially when there are other options available to me.
It is time for me to stop the "training" now and get down to some "real" work!
Friday, April 07, 2006
Torn
As I start preparing for my trip home I continue to be torn by two very different feelings.
On one side I am really sad at having to leave. There is a lingering doubt about my decision. A small part that says I'm taking the easy way out. That says I should be persevering and not giving in. The needs in the country are just as great as they are back home. My ideas for the future could just as easily be applied here. There is also the feeling of letting people down. I did make a long term commitment to the people here. Now I am cutting it short. I'm sure this is a disappointment for them.
And then on the other side is a wonderful feeling of happiness at going home. To see my friends and my family again. To share with them some of what I have experienced here. Also there is the excitement of starting a new challenge. Something new to put my mind to. To test myself against.
So I am torn between sorrow and happiness. Between disappointment and excitement. Torn between Turkey and South Africa.
On one side I am really sad at having to leave. There is a lingering doubt about my decision. A small part that says I'm taking the easy way out. That says I should be persevering and not giving in. The needs in the country are just as great as they are back home. My ideas for the future could just as easily be applied here. There is also the feeling of letting people down. I did make a long term commitment to the people here. Now I am cutting it short. I'm sure this is a disappointment for them.
And then on the other side is a wonderful feeling of happiness at going home. To see my friends and my family again. To share with them some of what I have experienced here. Also there is the excitement of starting a new challenge. Something new to put my mind to. To test myself against.
So I am torn between sorrow and happiness. Between disappointment and excitement. Torn between Turkey and South Africa.
Wednesday, April 05, 2006
St John Cafe Shop
Friends of mine opened this coffee shop in Selcuk (close to Ephesus), in Turkey. Great place, great people! Apart from coffee they also provide a gallery of locally made items for sale.
Monday, April 03, 2006
Just can't keep up
Sad! I though I could keep this Blog up to date now that I have ADSL. WRONG! It seems I'm as slow to update as ever!
Anyway, it's been an interesting month. Lots of changes at hand.
I've announced my decision to leave Turkey and return to South Africa. This has been met with mixed responses. The folk here obviously don't want me to leave. The folk back home are happy to see me return. It's just too hard to get that all important residence permit, which would allow me to stay. I feel that my time here has been worthwhile and productive, but that other things are awaiting me.
Speaking of other things...
I'm hoping to start providing IT type support to non-profit organizations in South Africa. This fits right in with my specific skills. I may also look into the whole aspect of providing Computer skills training in under-privleged areas. Again, this is something that fits my own skills and I can see myself actually being useful to people through it.
I'll update as things progress.
Pics (from my recent trip inland) to follow.
Anyway, it's been an interesting month. Lots of changes at hand.
I've announced my decision to leave Turkey and return to South Africa. This has been met with mixed responses. The folk here obviously don't want me to leave. The folk back home are happy to see me return. It's just too hard to get that all important residence permit, which would allow me to stay. I feel that my time here has been worthwhile and productive, but that other things are awaiting me.
Speaking of other things...
I'm hoping to start providing IT type support to non-profit organizations in South Africa. This fits right in with my specific skills. I may also look into the whole aspect of providing Computer skills training in under-privleged areas. Again, this is something that fits my own skills and I can see myself actually being useful to people through it.
I'll update as things progress.
Pics (from my recent trip inland) to follow.
Wednesday, March 08, 2006
Market in Menemen
Markets like this one are a popular place to buy stuff all over Turkey. This ones in a town called Menemen, which I visited recently. Good bargains available and price haggling is expected. But don't expect any legal brand-names here...
The Light at the End
It looks like my time here in Turkey is drawing to an end. Everything about how I feel tells me that my time is up. It's been an incredible experience. I have met some of the most amazing people in the world today. Having stayed here for some months I now have an even greater respect for them. People who leave their own country and travel to a foreign land purely because they believe that people need to know the truth.
I now realise that the requirements to do this are probably beyond me currently. I am not a pioneer, and you need to be a pioneer. I'm more of a follower. Serving where I can.
This has been brilliant. There have been good times and bad times. And the time has definitely not been wasted. So many people have been helped/touched by just my being here. Part of me still feels that I should stay, but that part is mostly motivated by not wanting to let people down. Not wanting to disappoint people who may have certain expectations of me. Mostly though I accept this as part of my training. A real life learning experience.
It's not over yet though. I'll still be here for another month and a half at least.
I now realise that the requirements to do this are probably beyond me currently. I am not a pioneer, and you need to be a pioneer. I'm more of a follower. Serving where I can.
This has been brilliant. There have been good times and bad times. And the time has definitely not been wasted. So many people have been helped/touched by just my being here. Part of me still feels that I should stay, but that part is mostly motivated by not wanting to let people down. Not wanting to disappoint people who may have certain expectations of me. Mostly though I accept this as part of my training. A real life learning experience.
It's not over yet though. I'll still be here for another month and a half at least.
Monday, February 27, 2006
Happy Birthday to me
So yesterday was my birthday. I had planned a normal Sunday. Wake up late, go to church and while away the afternoon with friends. Unfortunately it didn't go as planned. I woke up early and discovered I was rather depressed. Depressed about getting 1 year older. Depressed about being away from friends and family. Just plain depressed. Not a good way to start a birthday.
This is possibly the first year that I've really been concerned about being a year older. Mostly I've never cared much. But this year I'm thinking, it's 1 more year. What have I done? I'm still single. I'm still not getting to make the difference I wanted to make when I started out 1.5 years ago.
Sure I know I am making a difference of sorts. I've been able to affect the lives of countless people by just being here. But, I don't know, I want to do more. I just can't see what it is I want to do, or how to do it. My little niche if you will.
Fortunately friends and family came to the rescue of my poor struggling birthday. Sms', emails and phone calls started to make my day much more worthwhile. Crowned also by the surprsie invasion of my house by my friends here. Bringing cake, chips and coke and all those usual party type things. They just arrived, Turkey style, and started having a party. Those who know me well, know that this is probably the only way to get me to have a birthday party!
So the day wasn't completely lost and I did actually have a good day after all.
And now it's Monday and back to real life...
This is possibly the first year that I've really been concerned about being a year older. Mostly I've never cared much. But this year I'm thinking, it's 1 more year. What have I done? I'm still single. I'm still not getting to make the difference I wanted to make when I started out 1.5 years ago.
Sure I know I am making a difference of sorts. I've been able to affect the lives of countless people by just being here. But, I don't know, I want to do more. I just can't see what it is I want to do, or how to do it. My little niche if you will.
Fortunately friends and family came to the rescue of my poor struggling birthday. Sms', emails and phone calls started to make my day much more worthwhile. Crowned also by the surprsie invasion of my house by my friends here. Bringing cake, chips and coke and all those usual party type things. They just arrived, Turkey style, and started having a party. Those who know me well, know that this is probably the only way to get me to have a birthday party!
So the day wasn't completely lost and I did actually have a good day after all.
And now it's Monday and back to real life...
Monday, February 20, 2006
Time is getting short
So time moves on. And still I'm not sure what my future here is. I don't really know how to proceed. Getting long term residence in Turkey is rather difficult, with only a few options available. So far none of my contacts have panned out.
At the moment I am suspending my studies so that I can visit a few people around the country that I know. Hoping some ideas may come out of it all. But as things stand my stay here in Turkey may be coming to an end.
We shall see what the future brings.
On a brighter note, the days are getting longer and warmer again. Summer is on the way!
At the moment I am suspending my studies so that I can visit a few people around the country that I know. Hoping some ideas may come out of it all. But as things stand my stay here in Turkey may be coming to an end.
We shall see what the future brings.
On a brighter note, the days are getting longer and warmer again. Summer is on the way!
Thursday, February 09, 2006
As before
I'd like to say that things are getting better. They're not. If anything school is getting worse. I find myself missing more and more of the classes. None of my teachers inspire in me any desire to actually learn. In fact they actually drain away any motivation I manage to build for learning.
On top of that is the lack of opportunities for me to extend my stay. And time is fast disappearing. I find myself more and more thinking that this is not going to happen the way I thought or planned. I am inclined to start thinking about "what if things don't work?" There is still time of course, so anything could happen.
We'll see...
On top of that is the lack of opportunities for me to extend my stay. And time is fast disappearing. I find myself more and more thinking that this is not going to happen the way I thought or planned. I am inclined to start thinking about "what if things don't work?" There is still time of course, so anything could happen.
We'll see...
Monday, February 06, 2006
Start cleaning!
My back hurts. My head hurts. My finger are raw. I really feel for housewives and housekeepers/cleaning ladies. I started the first of my major cleaning projects.
The Kitchen!
(dun-dun-DUH!)
Skipping school for the day I spent my time scrubbing and cleaning and scrubbing and mopping and....well you get the picture. I had to use some industrial strength grease stripper around the stove. I think that's why I now have a headache. The stuff was pretty potent! Still, potent or not, it took a lot of effort to get the floor clean.
But it's all done now. A worthwhile days work. How long will it stay clean? Nobody knows...
The Kitchen!
(dun-dun-DUH!)
Skipping school for the day I spent my time scrubbing and cleaning and scrubbing and mopping and....well you get the picture. I had to use some industrial strength grease stripper around the stove. I think that's why I now have a headache. The stuff was pretty potent! Still, potent or not, it took a lot of effort to get the floor clean.
But it's all done now. A worthwhile days work. How long will it stay clean? Nobody knows...
Friday, February 03, 2006
Where did the time go?
January is gone already? Where did it go? Time is just passing too quickly!
Anyway, it's Friday and that means the weekend is about to start. I have a busy weekend ahead of me. We're having an all day movie marathon tomorrow! It'll be at the house of one of my classmates. Don't remember what the movies are going to be.
My flatmate has gone home....may have mentioned this sometime....so now I'm home alone. I'm taking the opportunity to perform a big cleanup. The place really needs it! When he comes back it will be to a totally transformed home. Hopefully he will approve...
Anyway, it's Friday and that means the weekend is about to start. I have a busy weekend ahead of me. We're having an all day movie marathon tomorrow! It'll be at the house of one of my classmates. Don't remember what the movies are going to be.
My flatmate has gone home....may have mentioned this sometime....so now I'm home alone. I'm taking the opportunity to perform a big cleanup. The place really needs it! When he comes back it will be to a totally transformed home. Hopefully he will approve...
Tuesday, January 31, 2006
Saturday, January 28, 2006
Cold hands = Fun!
Today I went for a drive into the mountains close to where I stay. I went with a family who have been helping me here a lot. We drove into the mountains to see if any of the snow from last week was still around. And we found it, only a 20 minute drive from where I stay! Not huge amounts, but enough for snowballs and little snow... dwarfs (can't call them men...) Of course the downside to playing with snow is that it happens to be freezing! I thought my fingers were going to fall off!
Despite the cold it was a fun afternoon out. Throwing snowballs, making scum angels...um...snow angels, building snowmen and appreciating the beauty of the surrounding mountains.
On a lighter note... I just finished double glazing the window in my bedroom. In an attempt to keep some of the heat inside! I went for the cheap option...2 strips of clingwrap taped to the inside of the window frame; trapping a layer of air between it and the window.
Don't knock it till you've tried it. I'm told it works...time will reveal the truth...
Despite the cold it was a fun afternoon out. Throwing snowballs, making scum angels...um...snow angels, building snowmen and appreciating the beauty of the surrounding mountains.
On a lighter note... I just finished double glazing the window in my bedroom. In an attempt to keep some of the heat inside! I went for the cheap option...2 strips of clingwrap taped to the inside of the window frame; trapping a layer of air between it and the window.
Don't knock it till you've tried it. I'm told it works...time will reveal the truth...
Friday, January 27, 2006
ADSL is here!
Well, it's only taken a few months, but I finally got ADSL installed. What a relief to be able to sit online and type emails and this blog and not have to worry that each second is costing me more and more! It's great!
The weather here has been absolutely freezing lately. That's all relative of course, since compared to most of Russia our weather is positively toasty. But I'm from South Africa. And South Africa doesn't get this cold! Ok, some parts do, but I never lived in them! We even had some snow fall which doesn't happen too often here. So I'm told...
Well I knew what I was getting into, so no use complaining.
My flatmate has returned to his home country for 6 weeks, so I'm home alone. I've decided to take the opportunity in his absence to do some spring cleaning. This place could do with a good all round clean. Round 1 starts tomorrow.
With ADSL in place I'm hoping these updates will become more frequent now. We'll see...
The weather here has been absolutely freezing lately. That's all relative of course, since compared to most of Russia our weather is positively toasty. But I'm from South Africa. And South Africa doesn't get this cold! Ok, some parts do, but I never lived in them! We even had some snow fall which doesn't happen too often here. So I'm told...
Well I knew what I was getting into, so no use complaining.
My flatmate has returned to his home country for 6 weeks, so I'm home alone. I've decided to take the opportunity in his absence to do some spring cleaning. This place could do with a good all round clean. Round 1 starts tomorrow.
With ADSL in place I'm hoping these updates will become more frequent now. We'll see...
Wednesday, January 25, 2006
Friends
I've been thinking this past week how important friends are. You don't really appreciate it until they're not around. I have met a lot of nice people here, but none that I can really say I have "clicked" with. Cultural differences and age differences account for some of the issues. While being nice people, I just can't communicate with most of the people I know. It always seems to me like we're having 2 totally different conversations. I'm not even talking about locals here. I'm talking about other foreigners that I know.
I realise that I am totally missing real stimulating conversation. There's a big void and it's starting to get to me a bit. So like I said, sometimes you just don't appreciate your friends until they're not around.
Oh, and just in case you're all wondering... I'm not getting all depressed again. I just been thinking, is all.
I realise that I am totally missing real stimulating conversation. There's a big void and it's starting to get to me a bit. So like I said, sometimes you just don't appreciate your friends until they're not around.
Oh, and just in case you're all wondering... I'm not getting all depressed again. I just been thinking, is all.
Tuesday, January 17, 2006
Outside view
This is an outside view of one of the underground churches we visited. Erosion has worn away the walls, exposing some of the interior. I cannot even begin to describe how amazing this place is.
The coolest place!
This is taken inside one of the underground churches in Cappadocia. The churches really are underground! Carved into the rocks like caves. Most of them feature really beautiful paintings of biblical scenes. I recon you should all be able to guess who the big guy behind me is.
Sunday, January 08, 2006
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