Off to Paris!

My family and I had a wonderful time celebrating Christmas in Turkey and now we are off to Paris for a few days. Our time in Turkey was very full and busy, with lots of touring and walking. We are all tired but happy to be together. Here is a brief recap of our time together, as well as some pictures… They arrived Tuesday evening about 2 hours late. Some dear friends of mine went with me to pick them and all their luggage up! We then walked around my old neighborhood - where I lived this summer - and did some shopping. We met my roommate and Turkish friend for dinner at a nice Turkish restaurant, and then rode the public bus back to my apartment. Wednesday we did a bunch of touristy things in an area called Sultanahmet - Basilica Cisterns, Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Grand Bazaar. Selma met us for lunch and it was great to see her. We also were able to fit in a visit to the Hamam, the Turkish Bath. This is one of my favorite things to do and I was thrilled that LB was willing to do it J For dinner that night we went to some of my American friend’s home, it meant a lot that they were able to meet my family. Thursday we flew out really early to go to Izmir for the day. We toured the ancient city of Ephesus, as well as Mary’s House, Saint John’s Basilica, and Artemis’ Temple. We enjoyed a typical Turkish lunch, and afterwards we were shown how Turkish carpets are made. My parents were quite impressed with them and made some purchases!
Christmas day we slept in and tried to recover from all our travels! Mom fixed our typical Christmas breakfast of cheese grits, breakfast casserole, and fruit. We sang Christmas songs, read the Christmas story, and then spent some time reflecting on Christmas and its meaning. After that we headed over to see my school and classroom. Kind of a strange thing to do on Christmas day, but it seemed to be the most convenient time. Mom cooked crunchy chicken, brown rice, broccoli, and jello salad for a late lunch/early dinner and then we did gifts!! I got lots of fun stuff - a new computer, clothes, Itunes gift cards, and some movies and books. We watched “The Christmas Story” and then skyped with friends and family back home. It was a truly great day.
Saturday was our last day in the city and the weather was beautiful. I took them on a cruise up the Bosphorus Strait - one of my favorite things about the city I live in! Had a quick lunch at a local place and then headed to the Spice Bazaar for some more shopping. We ended the day by heading over to Taksim area, going up in the Galata Tower, and then dinner at my favorite restaurant.

I am exhausted but looking forward to the rest of our vacation!

Jesus Saves.

For those of you that know me, you know that I love to sing and that I love Christmas. So during this Holiday season I love nothing more than singing Christmas songs! I love how special Christmas music is and I soak it up - since it is only played (at most) 2 months out of the year. I love the unique sound of Christmas music, and the joyful rhythm it carries. I love the lyrics and how they tell of the joy of the season. And I especially love the songs that portray the true meaning of Christmas - the gift of Jesus. I recently discovered this song from Travis Cottrell's Christmas CD.

There is no better message during this season than Jesus Saves. This is why we celebrate the birth of a baby born in Bethlehem. This is why we rejoice. This is why we have hope, and joy, and peace, and love. Hallelujah, Jesus Saves!! Go find this song right now on Itunes, it is totally worth it.

Jesus Saves
Hear the heart of heaven beating, "Jesus Saves. Jesus saves."
And the hush of mercy breathing, "Jesus Saves. Jesus saves."
Hear the host of angels sing, "Glory to the Newborn King."
And the sounding joy repeating, "Jesus saves."

See the humblest hearts adore Him. "Jesus saves. Jesus saves."
And the wisest bow before Him. "Jesus saves. Jesus saves."
See the sky alive with praise, melting darkness in its place.
There is life forevermore, "Jesus saves. Jesus saves.

"He will live our sorrow sharing, "Jesus saves. Jesus saves."
He will die our burden bearing, "Jesus saves. Jesus saves."
"It is done!" will shout the cross, Christ has paid redemption's cost!
While the empty tomb's declaring, "Jesus saves."

Freedom's calling, chains are falling, hope is dawning bright and true.
Day is breaking, night is quaking, God is making all things new."Jesus saves."

Oh to grace, how great a debtor! "Jesus saves. Jesus saves."
All the saints who shout together. "I know that Jesus saves."
Rising us so vast and strong lifting up salvation's song,
The redeemed will sing forever, "Jesus saves."

Here's to family and friends...

...It's good to be here again!!!

I wasn't quite sure what to expect this Christmas - living in a foreign country that doesn't celebrate Christmas, away from close friends and family. But with a little effort I've been able to really get into the Christmas spirit. It has been wonderful and so special. I've been able to attend a few Christmas programs at an international church, as well as a weekly advent service with some teachers. My students and I made green and red paper chains to decorate our classroom. As well, my roommate and I strung popcorn to put on our Christmas tree. Starbucks and Ikea are really the only two places in the whole city where you can go and see Christmas decorations and hear Christmas music - I have freqently visited both of these places :) And then of course I have had my ipod constantly blaring Christmas Songs - whether through my earphones or speakers. I love this season and I love singing these songs to anyone that will listen to me!

Celine Dion's "The Magic of Christmas Day" is one of my favorite Christmas songs to sing. It has fun lyrics, a fun beat, and is so fun to sing along to (as well as to teach to friends, my students, family, whoever!!)

Deck the halls with boughs of holly, It's the season to be jolly

And be thankful for all that we have.

All the lights and decorations, Put up in the anticipation,

Of the joyful celebration, That's on its way.

We're counting the days, 'Til it's time for Christmas day.

Oh and God bless us everyone

The good and the bad

The happy; the sad

Oh and God bless us everyone

Here's to family and friends

It's good to be here again

Some friends at Ikea - isnt the tree beautiful!!!

The classroom tree - with our secret santa gifts around it :) The kids were SO excited and asked every day when they could open their gifts.

So Much To Be Thankful For

I had a really great Thanksgiving holiday. Wasn't sure what to expect being overseas and away from my family - especially since last time all the Washburns were together it was hard on me. But I was fine and realized how much I have to be thankful for.

The week of Thanksgiving was insane with Parent Teacher Conferences and it being short due to the holidays (Thanksgiving and the Sacrificing Holiday) plus over half my class was out all week with the flu. Thursday I had a school until noon and then headed to the airport to get Julie!

Julie and I lived together for the first 5 months that I was in Turkey. She came in from London for the weekend and it was wonderful to see her and catch up on life. I can't believe she moved away almost 6 months ago. Time just flies! Anyways, we did Thanksgiving dinner with some families we are close to. It felt like a normal thanksgiving - delicious food, lots of people, and great fellowship :)

Friday we got to see our Turkish friend and then went over to Selma's house for dinner and game night. It was a lot of fun and I was really glad that Julie was able to meet some of my friends - girls that have moved here since she left. Saturday was a beautiful day in the city and we spent it having lunch by the water and then starbucks. Perfect.

During this season of thankfulness and anticipation over the coming of our King, I am constantly reminded of how much I have to be thankful for. My Family. Health. Good Friends. A Community here in Turkey. A Job I Enjoy. My Students. And most importantly My Savior! With all that said, I have decided to stay at the school another year. That means I'll be here through June 2011. It is kinda scary, but mostly exciting and I have peace about it. I look forward to all that lies ahead.

Field Trip

A little while ago - well about a month - I took my 3rd grade class on a field trip! My students last year asked and asked to go on one, but I just couldnt get myself together enough to go adventuring in a foreign country with a bunch of 8 year olds. So one of my goals for this year was to take my class on a field trip. We just finished a Social Studies Unit on the culture and country of Turkey. To kick off this unit I took my kids to Miniaturk, an outdoor museum full of miniature models of famous sites in Istanbul and all around Turkey. It was really a neat experience and I learned a lot - the kids of course had a blast!!

Afterwards we enjoyed a wonderful lunch at McDonalds. It was a really fun (and successful) day, thanks to my wonderful parent volunteers!

Refuge

I just returned from spending a few days down in Bodrum for a Women's Conference. What a great getaway it was. It is always good for me to get out of the city for a bit and do something fun. And I did indeed have a very fun weekend. Three of us teachers left straight from school on Thursday and met another friend at the airport to fly down together. All weekend we were beating the crowds...at the airport, checking into the hotel, dinner buffet, conference checkin, etc it was awesome.

There were so many great things about the weekend - seeing another part of Turkey, renting mopeds for about $14/day, meeting new friends, the unlimited amount of turkish food we got, catching up on The Office, the constant supply of american candies and chocolates, singing at the top of my lungs, sleepovers, being on the Mediterranean, etc. But I think the best part of the weekend was reconnecting with my Father and just being with friends. It felt so nice to hang out...away from school, away from Istanbul, away from the normal life and just be girlfriends. A bit of reassurance that I am okay here - that life is good and He is more than enough for me. Praise Him.

A Mighty Fortress

I had the neat opportunity yesterday to attend a Korean Choir at an ancient church in Istanbul. Aya Irini Kilisesi, which means Church of the Divine Peace, was built around 532 AD. It is closed to the general public and only opened for special events. Several of my Korean students' parents sing in the choir and it was a treat to watch them perform songs in Turkish, Korean, English, and other languages as well!!

One of the best parts of the night was a special performance by a Korean American saxaphonist. He started off his set by playing Amazing Grace, then You Raise Me Up, and finally the best for last....Back at One by Brian McKnight!! It was just great.

There was also a special tribute to the Turkish Veterans that had served in the Korean War. During this time the Korean choir was joined by a Turkish choir and together they sang a Turkish Folksong and a Korean Folksong. It was quite an honor and neat to watch. In the picture above you can see the 2 choirs performing and the Veterans standing in front.

Afterwards I went out with a few friends to grab a late dinner. It was a fun night even though the weather was not too good....the cold, rainy season has offically arrived!

Blessings

I started this post several weeks ago, but am just now finishing it! Several weeks ago some of the guys from my home fellowship, PBC, came for a visit. Selma and I were SO EXCITED about seeing some familiar faces and enjoying their fellowship. I ended up spending most of the weekend with Selma so I would be close by to participate in all the fun activities - dinner on Friday, brunch Saturday morning, IGA Carnival, House Group and American Football game on Sunday. It really was such a great weekend and just refreshing and encouraging for them to be here. Highlights of the weekend: 1) Showing them around school, especially my classroom. 2) Dave O speaking at my house group...brought back some sweet memories of college class.

Meetings, Good Food, and Cold Weather!!

That sums up my recent trip to Germany. I was in a small village called Kandern to attend an Education Conference about teaching internationally. It was so neat to be with other teachers that are living abroad and teaching at international schools. I enjoyed comparing notes and was greatly encouraged to be able to share the joys and struggles of being a teacher. Even though the days were long and tiring with meetings, it was a nice little retreat being in a small quiet town. The weather was also MUCH cooler than where I live - it was kinda fun to bundle up for a few days. But by far the best part was all the good food. I had some amazing food from some all sorts of restaurants - Greek, German, Chinese, Turkish, Italian, and for lunch every day a ham sandwich :) I was also able to bring back some tortilla chips, almond bark, lipton pasta sides, gouda cheese, and bacon. My friend and roommate Joan subbed 3 days for me, what a blessing. All in all it was a great trip, but Ill be happy to see my kids tomorrow.Isnt the town so cute?

On Sunday we took a beautiful hike up to this old castle, it was lovely.

A Life of Change

Well I have moved again.

Back to the apartment I lived in during the spring.

After many thoughts and talks with people I decided (with a lot of guidance) that the best decision was to move back to be closer to my school and other teachers. It was a hard decision, but I know the right one. The commute was beginning to be too much on me physically and mentally. I spent almost 2 hours each days riding public and I thought/hoped it wouldnt be that bad. But I was wrong - being out in the city daily is just draining, and then on top of that teaching full time! I am hoping that now I'll be able to better focus on school during the week, and then enjoy being out in the city on the weekend.

We had another long weekened (Monday and Tuesday off from school) and so it seemed to be the best time to pack up and move again. The whole process (packing, loading it up at my old apartment, driving, unloading, and unpacking at my new apartment) took less than 24 hours. I had A LOT of help though from two great families here - they are amazing and will do anything to help me out, I'm quite grateful for them.

Walk Like an Egyptian...

Two weeks ago I took the most amazing vacation!! I had Monday and Tuesday off from school, so I decided to go to Egypt for a long weekend. My dear friend lives there and it was wonderful to see her life there and catch up with her. It was perfect timing for me and a much needed vacation. It felt so good to get out of my city…even though I went to another big, congested, polluted city! I really enjoyed Egypt and seeing all the cool things there – the Pyramids, the Sphinx, Egyptian Museum, Nile River, Garbage City, etc. But the best part was seeing my friend and just being away for a few days. She was a wonderful tour guide and was so gracious in taking my roommate and me all around her city! Here are a few pictures from the weekend…me riding a camel through the desert, the Nile River, and hanging out at the Cave Churches. Be sure to check out facebook for more.

Where does time go??

I can't believe it is already the end of the month. This is going to be a short post, because it is past my bedtime. But I just wanted to let you know that I am indeed alive. I have been super busy with school and life, and therefore haven't had much time for communicating with you sweet people :) Thanks for reading my blog and wanting updates! Ill post a blog/pictures from my recent trip to Egpyt, as well as an update on my life this weekend!
For now enjoy this picture: a lovely evening at Chili's with some good friends!

First Week of School

Well I survived my first 1st week of school! Isn't that strange. It wasnt my first 1st day of school, just first 1st week. Confusing, huh? Anyways school started last Tuesday, Sept 1 and first day back had its struggles. I have a very active and talkative group, so I am still in the process of figuring out the best methods and management styles to use. I keep reminding myself that they are different kids than my group last year, and as a result need different things from me as a teacher. I've got several cultures in my class this year: Americans and Koreans, one Turk, and one South African. I am looking forward to the joy and challenge of learning more about each one of them. Here are some pictures of my rearranged and newly organized classroom...

Dont my bulletin boards look great?? A very good friend came out to school last week and did them for me! Thanks, Britt!

Goodbye Summer.

Summer is offically over.

I start teacher workdays tomorrow and the kids come back next Tuesday, Sept 1st. I am excited and looking forward to being back in the classroom. It has been a good summer. Took me a while to get used to the different pace of life, but I ended up really enjoying myself. In between going to the states, studying language, and having visitors; I did lots of other cool things! Here are a few pictures from my fun and eventful summer!

Went to a Galatasaray futbol game. This was quite entertaining and a very memorable night, with some great friends.

I became a big fan - it was so fun!

Visited the Prince's Islands a couple times, these are Islands off of Istanbul - its very nice and peaceful, no cars and lots of grass!

I made as many trips as possible to Starbucks - to read, study Turkish, catch up with friends, and play cards :) I enjoyed being out in the city at night, and not feeling the pressure of having to wake up at 6am the next morning! Soon enough, though.

And then just hung out with friends - new and old. It's fun and sometimes hard being in a city where you meet new people all the time, and then sad when you have to tell them bye.

Happyness

One of the many perks of being a teacher in Turkey is that I get lots of discounts (indirim)! I have this Teacher Card with my picture on it that lets me ride any form of public transportation for half price. While my friend, Liz, was here we toured all around the city. On our 1st day we went to Topkapi Palace - where the Ottoman Sultans lived in the 15th century. Anyways, I decided to see if I could use my teacher card to get a discount. I walked up to the window, showed them my card and told them I was a teacher. There was a lot lost in the translation, but I did understand something about it costing 10 lira, which is half of the 20 lira that my friend had to pay! I thought GREAT, and handed him my teacher card. He starting working on his computer, asked me a lot of questions (still didnt understand much), scanned my teacher card, and then took my money. Next, he handed me a MUZE KART. I was really confused but thanked him and walked away. Come to find out this MUZE KART gets me into all the Museums across Turkey for free, and it doesn't expire until next summer. Normally they dont give them to foreigners, its just for Turks. I think with my lack of Turkish, the man just felt sorry for me so he gave it to me. Whatever the reason - I am glad to have it, it has saved me a ton of money!

One of my favorite things to do in my city is ride the boat across the Bosphorus. All summer long there have been cruise ships docked in, sometimes up to 3 or 4 ships at a time. This always gets me so excited, because cruising is something my family and I love to do together. We have so many fun memories going to the Bahamas and Mexico. I like to look up the cruise ship's name online and find out where they have come from and where they are going next. Then I imagine what it would be like to cruise around this part of the world with my family! I sure hope I get to take at least one cruise while I live over here.

Come Visit Me!

A few weeks ago I had my 1st visitor - my good friend Liz!! It was wonderful having her here for 10 days. Liz was a great guest and fun person to show around my city, because it didn’t matter what we did...she LOVED it! It felt nice to just be a tourist for a few days and really enjoy my city. Sometimes I forget how beautiful my city is and how cool it is that I live here. I had a lot of fun planning our time together and being a tour guide. We were on the go the whole time and it was a lot of fun exploring with a good friend. Liz and I did lots of neat things, but instead of listing them all out here is a top ten from our time together! 10. Eating some good food – McDonalds, Chili’s, Ikea, gozleme, tavuk sis, and Magnum Bars
9. Setting up the self timer at every tourist spot – Blue Mosque, Aya Sofya, Basilica Cisterns, Hippodrome, etc
8. Going to the Hamam – a true Turkish experience :)
7. Watching like 20 episodes of Friends.
6. Playing cards every spare minute we had – on the boat to the islands, at the airport waiting on Julie, at Starbucks, or wherever else.
5. Laughing Laughing Laughing – I seriously love this girl’s laugh.
4. Liz letting me use her arm for support as I limped around on my strained ankle – the result of wearing flip-flops everyday in a city where I have to walk a lot on uneven concrete.
3. Spending as much time with Julie as possible, which meant we slept like 12 hours in the 3 nights she was here. But totally worth it.
2. Sitting at the Starbucks in Bebek and singing Michael Jackson on my Ipod.
1. Having Liz by my side for 10 days straight – it was glorious and a truly great time!
My old roomie came for the weekend and it was so good for me to have some time with her. I miss her a lot, but am so thankful for the 5 months we had to live together when we first moved overseas!