Fox Paws and Horse Devors

I begin this post with an apology to all of you who have been checking in regularly and have noticed that I have not in fact been writing regularly. It doesn't feel like a week has past since the last time that I had written. A lot has happened in a week, and yet at the same time, so much of my time here seems to run together. I guess that is the nature of existence when there is no real reference to time and days. For the past 3 weeks time for me has only been broken into pieces by the knowledge that each Sunday brings church. Now, however, I think I will start having something resembling a schedule again. This is due in large part to the fact that classes have finally begun! I have not attended a class in almost two months and I feel as though my brain has been turning into absolute mush... I feel as though the term "gray matter" most accurately describes what my cognitive powers are capable of at this moment.

I know that some of you have asked for an address and I finally have a local address while I'm here:

6. sk. no:36 d:1 

Hisarüstü/Sarıyer, Istanbul, Turkey

Don't worry about the postal code, there really is no use for it here. They have them but no one uses them apparently so... yeah.

First day of class was pretty great. The classes I'm taking this semester: Intro to Turkish Politics, Hist of Modern Turkey, Turkish I, and Issues in World Politics. Monday sitting in my first class, talking about the historical and political importance of Turkey's retention of the Bosphoros was eye opening. Mostly because I noticed that I was sitting in what was probably the only classroom in the world where you could look out the window and see the Bosphorus as you were learning about it. Quite amazing if I do say so myself. It really has been quite amazing being here. 

After class a few classmates and I headed to a local eatery for some delicious lahmacun (La maujoon). Consistent of a thin flat bread, baked in an open fire oven with shredded lamb meat on top, and topped at our discretion with seasoned onions, lettuce, tomato slices and a squirt of lemon, it usually is a cheap meal at 2TL (1.25USD). I can usually have two of these for a good meal if there is nothing else I am having with it. So we go to order one a piece as we are going to have hors d'œuvre. One of the girls with us asks for 3 of them, one for each of us. So they bring out our appetizers and even more food after that... much to our surprise, our garson brings out three plates... each with three lahmacun on it. Oh well, it's not the first faux pas that has happened here and I doubt it will be the last. Thought you all might enjoy that.

Anyway apart from being so glad that classes are beginning and being excited to having readings soon I really don't have much to update everyone on. I really do miss all of you back home. I love it here though. I am equally pulled between desiring to be back with those I love, and being here with those God is putting on my heart TO love. I covet your prayers always and I'm so glad that I have had all of your encouragement since I've been here. I'm blessed far beyond my means. I am in Turkey... drinking from my saucer, because my cup is overflowing.