The Final Four

Some of you basketball fans may think this in reference to the NCAA Final Four which tips off later tonight, however, this term is actually referring to the last four episodes of 24 (season 1). Now I can't take credit for this term as my friend C-Love first mentioned it and besides the NCAA has it registered, but it definitely had the build up and excitement that is to be expected of anything with the title, "The Final Four!" and it easily met and exceeding our expectations. First let me say thanks to a few people who helped make this momentous occasion possible; David and Bethany for supplying the international backup discs, as well as our parents and our guests from MS for supplying and delivering the goodies that consisted of Rotel, Butterfingers and brownie mix, (what a healthy dinner.) So after indulging in our American comfort food we settled in for four intense, action-packed hours of Jack Bauer. I won't give anything away for those who have started watching from the beginning, but all I can say is when the 24th hour was completed, we were all in shock and speechless. (How could you do it Yelena!) Thankfully next season is just a disc away.

Iconium, Lystra and Derbe

We just got back from taking our Mississippi visitors to the airport for their trip home. We were so excited to have them here, especially since both of our house guests have long ties with Jared's dad. One taught him in high school and the other was a college classmate. Early Monday morning, Jared got to tag along with the team as they saw three of the stops Paul made on his first journey. The first stop was to modern day Iconium, now known as Konya. Here we visited St. Elena church built in 327AD by Constantine's mother. It is still in pretty good shape for being 1680 years old. After Konya, we headed to Lystra where Paul was run out of the city and stoned. There we explored caves where the early church likely met. Interestingly enough, these caves were also used as houses and in some cases still are today. From Lystra, we made the long trek to Derbe, realizing Paul had a rough journey after being nearly stoned to death. All that is left of Derbe is big mound in the middle of nowhere. All in all, it was a great trip and so neat to see places that have so much significance.

School Principal, Velveeta and Rotel!

Well, it is true, Jared's elementary school principal from Philadelphia, Mississippi is here visiting us in Turkey! This is quite a treat and something I am not sure anyone would have ever imagined happening! He came bearing gifts galore from the homeland, a highlight being Velveeta and Rotel tomatoes. Now for those of you not from the south you might not understand how much joy these two items can bring, however, for all you rotel eating folks, you know - it is the best cheese dip on the face of the planet (except for white cheese at your local el sombrero!) We are saving this delicacy for the right night with the right people. We definitely want those who partake to really enjoy the treat! The principal did not come alone, he brought one of Jared's parents college classmates along as well. They both have been a real encouragement to us and really loaded us down with so many goodies it felt like Christmas! Thanks to all at home who sent those things our way. They have loved everything they have experienced since they have been here and that has been good for us to see! It is also nice to have some good ol' Mississippi folks here to visit with! Now all I have to say is, if Jared's elementary school principal can come, you can too!!!

Good Friends, Good Times

I should have known that my neighbor loves cars by the fancy car he drives. But as we were visiting at his furniture store earlier this week he mentioned the Auto show in town. So we went to check it out this afternoon and had a blast. I think he reads every auto magazine in Turkey and so he was able to fill me in on every vehicle there. Which ones were good and which ones were just ok. Which ones had big engines and which ones were economical. It was a good afternoon of guy time and I am so thankful that he enjoys my company as much as I do his. Jayme and I are blessed that God has placed us next to some good neighbors whom we enjoy spending time with. This past Sunday, they took us on a Mediterranean picnic. We sat on a bluff by the sea and cooked fish and played with their 1.5 year old baby. After lunch we toured some of the ruins and natural wonders in the area, including a church built in the 5th century, a pit called hell, a chasm called heaven and a cave that cures asthma. All in all it's been a full week of fun.

A Glimpse of the Last Two Months

We didn't really know how to summarize our first few months here, so we decided to make a video of pictures that hopefully tells a little of our story. We've had a great time getting adjusted to the culture and people. However, it will take several more months, and maybe even years, to get adjusted to the language. Some of the pics you've seen before and some are new. Enjoy and thanks for your continued support.

Jayme the Teacher

So I don't know whether I missed my calling or I just like my students, but I love being a teacher! I teach Monday, Wednesday and Friday afternoons for an hour each time. My students, Ilkim and Ipek are very smart and fun girls. They love games and fun activities; charades was a favorite game from this past week. It can be a struggle to always come up with activities and fun ways to learn but the girls have a great attitude and seem to love me! Ilkim's mom and aunt are always at the house when I go to teach and they seem to love me too. In fact every time I go I get a boost to my self esteem. Before I leave each evening I talk to Ilkim's mom and aunt and they are always commenting on how wonderful I am, so beautiful and lovely, in fact they think that Jared is very lucky to have me as his wife! This week however, they crossed the line - Ilkim's mother told me that I am just like Princess Diana! Of course the aunt immediately agreed saying I was indeed the same as Princess Diana. All I could do was laugh - at least they make me feel loved each time I go!

Rebels in Turkey

Jayme and I have recently talked about getting rid of our satellite service since very few channels are in english and they are usually not worth watching anyway. So I decided to check the guide this morning for the only sports channel we get, FOX Sports International, and I couldn't believe my eyes. Sandwiched between Firsthand Pancho Sullivan and the Soccer Report was the Ole Miss - Auburn basketball game. And it was LIVE! We get college basketball from time to time, but never live and never ever the Ole Miss Rebels. Now I wouldn't consider myself a huge Rebel basketball fan, like my buddies Ray and Wes, but I have kept up with them a little more since Andy Kennedy (Louisville, MS native) was hired as head coach. And what was even better is that it was a 1:00cst game, meaning I could watch it at a decent hour, instead of the middle of the night. And what made it even better is that it was for a share of the SEC West Championship. Now that may not mean a lot to many of you, but when a local boy in his first year takes a team with little, to no talent, and beats up on talented teams like LSU and Alabama, it is worth mentioning. So much so that they decided to show it in Turkey. I really think the Lord knew I could use that after the past few weeks and He may have even helped them pull out a win.

From One Thing to the Next

Well I wish we could give a positive update and say everything is back to normal, but that's not the case just yet. Jayme has been hit with a stomach bug that has brought with it a wave of stomach spasms that can be crippling at times. She is taking medicine to get some relief but it's still causing a good bit of discomfort. She hasn't slowed down too much though as we've had several staff members in town this week and we even have our first house guests tonight. Hopefully she will be able to rest and recover this weekend. If that wasn't enough, we also had the interesting experience of our computer's battery cord catching on fire yesterday just before our dinner guests arrived. After all that's happened this week, it didn't seem to phase us too much. However, we do need to find a way to recharge our computer until we can get another battery cord.

We also got a bit of sad news from home yesterday as our good friend, Shadow, was laid to rest. He was the World's Best Horse for a good 19 years and we hate to see him go. Jayme liked to call him her horse because his steady and calm demeanor made him so good with women and children. We have many good memories with Shadow and are thankful for his unwavering loyalty.