Gifts 15501-15600

15501. Sherry not calling meaning I had time to finish painting and 

            rest my mind. 

15502. A nice time with Sherry and crew. 

15503. Joy picking out good songs. 

15504. Chatting with my bro. 

15505. The bird didn’t land on me. 

15506. Backstage with the Suiters. 

15507. Finding paper and running errands in such a short amount 

            of time. 

15508. Fun celebrating Marin. 

15509. Chatting with the niecphews but still keeping fun secrets. 

15510. Bonding over the mermaid series. 

15511. Three nights of no dreams. 

15512. Meeting the man, the myth, the legend, David S. 

15513. An awkwardly funny proposal. 

15514. Zekiye on my mind and me on hers. 

15515. Lots of replies from my update. 

15516. Surprise bone popping fixing problems in foot and shoulder. 

15517. An evening at home alone. 

15518. Good, long prayer walking. 

15519. Waffles with Joy and Ashton. 

15520. Sweet Cemile. Bringing gifts, getting angry on my behalf, 

            not thinking ill of me, saying my quote “I’m not hungry but 

            I can eat.” And thinking it sweet. 

15521. Murruvet feeling neighborly enough to fill my room with

            her things. 

15522. Lahana sarması beauty in sunlight. 

15523. Headache leaving. 

15524. Serving Sibel by making dinner for her. 

15525. Last breakfast with Joy. 

15526. The ways Turks loved on Joy. 

15527. Buket’s emotions. 

15528. The impact I’m making on Little E. 

15529. A nice time with Heath and the kids driving up to Istanbul. 

15530. Good sturdy hugs from Rebecca. 

15531. Hearing from her life. 

15532. Nothing is wasted. In the cabbage, the thin leaves are used 

            for wrapping rice, the hard parts for pickled cabbage. 

            Nothing is wasted. Not in the cabbage, not with God. 

15533. Heath saying it’s been a fun journey watching the Lord 

            bring and keep me here. 

15534. Megan finding me as an example. 

15535. Remembering the funny Benmoosa family stories with her. 

15536. L’s dream of me saying give yourself grace, grace, grace. 

15537. Seven weeks of Joy. 

15538. Campbells willingness to be all in, serve, be flexible, a gift 

            to me. 

15539. No heart palpitations or racing these days. 

15540. Chill time catching up with Rebecca. 

15541. Sushi and donuts. 

15542. A chance to worship with others in English. 

15543. A lady letting me in after the bathroom. 

15544. A quiet hour in the German coffee house. 

15545. Reading time. 

15546. Ferry rides. 

15547. Jim Gaffigan!

15548. Laughing til I cried at jokes. 

15549. A picture with him. 

15550. More laughter at a fun sushi place. 

15551. Long sleep. 

15552. More donuts. 

15553. Chinese food. 

15554. Brice and Ashton, gifts to us. 

15555. Yaprak’s daughter’s honesty about my artwork and footwear 

            choice. 

15556. Her free spirited dancing. 

15557. Türkü opening up a bit about struggles but also

            remembering the good parts of the day. 

15558. Finishing in time to make it to the movie. 

15559. Wandering slowly around Ozdilek. 

15560. Chicken noodle soup good for my sickness. 

15561. Lisa’s creative ideas of blessing people. Today: thankful 

            flowers. 

15562. Semra missing me. So sweet. 

15563. Chatting with family on Thanksgiving. 

15564. Ivy looking out for me with my sickness. 

15565. Time to get all the baking done. 

15566. A beautiful Thanksgiving meal with Hintons, Suiters and 

            Campbells. 

15567. Painting, mac-n-cheese, cookie dough and a movie with the 

            3 little ladies. 

15568. Sweet pillow fight. 

15569. Joanna saying our pj party was perfect. 

15570. Leyla’s favorite parts of the weekend mostly involved time 

            at my house. 

15571. The world views of the three little girls. 

15572. A clean art space. 

15573. Getting to Ebru early. 

15574. Laughter with Campbells and Şeyma playing fish bowl. 

15575. Elliot’s chicken. 

15576. Jesus has accepted, espoused, bound me. 

15577. Christ is mine forevermore. He is my treasure, his love is 

            my reward. 

15578. Sitting with Semra for a few. 

15579. Altays always welcoming. 

15580. DG making hamsi for me. 

15581. Abundant laughter playing games. 

15582. Surprised by beautiful eyes and a sweet personality. 

15583. Feeling like a normal person hanging out in a group setting. 

15584. Being called kanki. 

15585. The ability to play Taboo and other games in Turkish. 

15586. Staying in on a rainy day. 

15587. Lisa and Ashton coming over to show solidarity. 

15588. Fun convos at the pazar. 

15589. M who works with Sherry. His kindness and his humor. 

15590. A shirt hemmed in 5 minutes and costing only 5 TL. 

15591. Understanding Turkish recipe instructions. 

15592. Funny videos. 

15593. God recalibrating my me-centered heart. Getting me back 

            on the rails. 

15594. Prayer walking in my home. 

15595. Time for art and a sermon reenergizing me. 

15596. Delicious liver dinner with Evi’ler. 

15597. Türkü’s sweet laughter. 

15598. Evi’s ability to forgive stemming from being forgiven. 

15599. Brooks’ sweet email and how you have taken his bitterness. 

15600. Colorful leaves lasting long. 

Gifts 15401-15500

15401. Laughter with Bunyamin. 

15402. Gifts and big discounts because friendship is more valuable

            than money. 

15403. A place at the table, or in our case on the balloon. 

15404. Giant balloons, fans, hot air, fairy chimneys, gentle floating,

            time lapse videos, rays of sun, perfect weather, down in the 

            valley, soaring high, a perfect landing, and an unexpected 

            medal - a gold star day for sure. 

15405. A ride to the bus station. 

15406. Worship in the shower. 

15407. Jude’s voice message. 

15408. Lori providing the hotel for us. 

15409. And a discount for her. 

15410. Family alive to talk to. 

15411. Sad news bringing things into focus. 

15412. Softness in Shelby and her family. 

15413. Altays: fun-loving, joking, comfortable enough to hang 

            around for dinner, not trying to marry me off. 

15414. Orhan Abi’s sermons. 

15415. Evi’s softness and genuine desire. 

15416. Decision made. Tickets bought. 

15417. Daddy grinning from ear to ear. 

15418. A nice evening with Şerife. 

15419. Reward points mean basically a free trip. 

15420. Food to eat at breakfast. 

15421. The ability to walk. 

15422. A nap. 

15423. Sultan’s healing massages. 

15424. A healthy dinner. 

15425. Warm showers. 

15426. Ten hours of sleep to help with fatigue. 

15427. The reminder to walk with you. That faithfulness means 

            both rowing the kayak hard and resting in you to lead the 

            kayak. 

15428. Joy bringing delight and joy to my soul. 

15429. Ashton to help with sushi. 

15430. Zekiye initiating with me. 

15431. An unexpected free evening. 

15432. Unexpected grace on my end, not on his, because he already 

            knew he would give me rest. 

15433. Chatting with family. 

15434. My art bringing Jessica Higdon joy. 

15435. Feeling like a whole new person after rest. 

15436. Time for creativity in Christmas card making. 

15437. Touching Cemile by remembering her. 

15438. Campbells, partnership with them and their presence 

            creating space for conversation. 

15439. Mr. E defending us over and over. For O’s shock at how

            we interact. 

15440. B&E wanting to sleep earlier than expected. 

15441. Life-on-life discipling happening pre-regeneration. 

15442. Movie breaks. 

15443. Good massage. 

15444. Meals with sisters. 

15445. Richness in the Valley of Vision. 

15446. Hudson calling out the shoe-wearer for me. 

15447. Zekiye pursuing. 

15448. Kerem calling me teyze and paşam. 

15449. Yummy börek. 

15450. Çay sipping on the balcony with Funda. 

15451. Senem calling cargo places for me. 

15452. The privilege to vote. 

15453. Finally time to do art. 

15454. A fun, funny, and entertaining choral concert. 

15455. Ice cream with Joy. 

15456. Hanging with Ivy. 

15457. A fun new haircut. 

15458. Hanging with the Altays. 

15459. A day at home! 

15460. Prayer wall/system in place. 

15461. Catching up with Jenni. 

15462. Evi wanting to spend time with me. 

15463. Time to watercolor. 

15464. Osman being nicer. 

15465. Village folks inviting us out. 

15466. Havva’s curiosity. 

15467. Girls laughing at the concert silliness. 

15468. God always keeps his promises. He fulfills what he says he 

            will do in spite of our faithlessness. 

15469. Wisdom to take my irritated thoughts captive and find 

            peace. 

15470. Good worship time together. 

15471. Everyone’s double take at my bangs. 

15472. Laughter with U-town folks. 

15473. Rain singing along too. 

15474. Update sent. 

15475. Crystal and I wearing our HP shirts. 

15476. A chill day, mostly at home. 

15477. A good Ebru class. 

15478. Joy going to the store with me. 

15479. My parents liking the Christmas card. 

15480. Emails cleaned. 

15481. Blogs posted. 

15482. Asking for wisdom for a new prez and getting news of one

            selected two days later. 

15483. Lifting up Z’s then hearing the deep mature faith of M. 

15484. A day with believers. Suiters wanting time with me.  

15485. Insight into Shay’s life. 

15486. Senem wanting to catch up with me. 

15487. Yummy salsa and tortilla chips. 

15488. Brooks’ sweet email. 

15489. My mom’s boldness these days. 

15490. A few nights with no dreams. 

15491. My neighbor saying they’re all happy to have me here. 

15492. A nice day at Festiva. 

15493. “Emily’s” unique new views on things. 

15494. Chili Frito Pie and a ride in the rain. 

15495. Laughing with Brooke about The Office. 

15496. Felly postponed to later.

15497. Prayer bringing peace, some needs have to be let go. 

15498. The ability to discuss politics and religion in my second

            language. 

15499. New insight into Mr. E’s thinking. 

15500. Painting goal producing nice art work. 

Gifts 15301-15400

15301. Deep conversations with Selcuk and Sabina. 

15302. A ride to the Suiters. 

15303. Hudson’s understanding of human depravity is spot on. 

15304. Jude and I dealing with the problem of evil. 

15305. Kids all coming over to the Suiter’s house. 

15306. A chance to get to know Azize a bit more. 

15307. Easy bed time. 

15308. White noise allowing sleep. 

15309. A night without dreams, or very few dreams. 

15310. Warm sunshine on my back. 

15311. Good chicken at Pasaport Pizza. 

15312. Apologizing yielding apologies. 

15313. Rest helping everyone. 

15314. Truth yielding better attitudes. 

15315. Quiet morning watercoloring. 

15316. Salami and blueberries gift. 

15317. Funda coming early but getting deep cleaning out of the 

            deal. 

15318. Her going above and beyond. 

15319. Truth sharing with Senem. 

15320. A worship video from Didem. 

15321. Good messaging with her. 

15322. Sunshine in my room. 

15323. Campbells inviting us to dinner. 

15324. Rest in the Word is better than free dinner. 

15325. Senem having a good lesson prepared for Joy. 

15326. A chill evening. 

15327. Running into Cemile, a reminder that she has not forgotten 

            me. 

15328. Beautiful sunsets at the back of my house. 

15329. Strong prayers that mountains be moved. 

15330. Di doing a bit better. 

15331. Ice cream with T. 

15332. Evi shopping at Cando’s dükkan. 

15333. Zekey’s sweetness when he remembered I was at his 

            birthday party. 

15334. Light reflected in beauty on the wall. 

15335. Seeing Aylin again. 

15336. Ashton offering for me to go to Italy with them. 

15337. Laughing with Mrs E. 

15338. Fake crying surprising Elliot into good behavior. 

15339. Fried rice with the Campbells. 

15340. Organic GN convos with Essie. 

15341. A prayer for seed sown in weakness to be raised in power. 

15342. Several chances this week to magnify God’s glory. 

15343. More comfortable praying in Turkish. 

15344. When He calls none can resist him. 

15345. Abundant Laughter with E gals. 

15346. Ability to laugh at myself. 

15347. Mrs E taking the book. 

15348. Resources for when my words fail me. 

15349. Girls did not stay the night. 

15350. Enjoying oysters. 

15351. Catching up with my sissy. 

15352. A quiet morning. 

15353. Suddenly coming to myself and not feeling so tired. 

15354. Worship time feeling richer. 

15355. At least some can hear GN because a few of us are here. 

15356. Time to rest my tired brain. 

15357. Getting some art done too. 

15358. Funda coming in the afternoon. 

15359. Joy encouraging me to go and learning IB is no longer at 

            Sherry’s workplace. 

15360. Making it in time for the servis, even if it was crowded, it 

            got me out of the rain and home sooner. 

15361. A modge podge meal of deliciousness. 

15362. Breezes on the bus. 

15363. Prayer time with others. 

15364. A chance to meet and bless Emel. 

15365. Funda and Ayşe’s welcoming. 

15366. Eylül’s awesome dancing. 

15367. Prayer that blessings come to this family far as the curse is 

            found. The curse is everywhere but he can overtake the 

            darkness. 

15368. Rain creating an exit point. 

15369. A break from the hot bus. 

15370. No problems at checkpoints. Not today not ever. 

15371. No problems at ATMs for a long time. 

15372. Asian gibi food

15373. Triple Chocolate Cookie. 

15374. Catching up with Lori. 

15375. Good rest. 

15376. Nice shower. 

15377. Yummy breakfast, especially the boiled eggs. 

15378. Painting fall colors. 

15379. Cultures represented even in artwork. 

15380. A bathroom before the bus. 

15381. Laughter and provoking thoughts from the movie PK. 

15382. A cooler bus. 

15383. Cappadocia awe. 

15384. Kind shop owners Bunyamin and Sibel. 

15385. Hot air balloon giddiness. 

15386. Showing my family Cappadocia. 

15387. A breakfast fit for a king. 

15388. Life-giving conversations on colorful Turkish pillows. 

15389. Rest, open worship, torn curtain, free favor!

15390. Making Asians laugh as I made funny Cappadocia videos. 

15391. The bright sparkling green sequin jacket. 

15392. The umbrella hat. 

15393. McDonald’s fries. 

15394. Kindness of a new coke to replace the spilled one. 

15395. Spinning pottery for the first time. With the potter nearby 

            there are no worries of my failings. 

15396. A timely servis. 

15397. The teyze falling from the truck video yielding much 

            laughter. 

15398. Rest. 

15399. Showing Cappadocian beauty to my dad and Zekey. 

15400. Delicious Musaka. 

Gifts 15201-15300

15201. Seeing AB and other old neighbors. 

15202. AB asking if I found me a beau while I was away. 

15203. Getting bus tickets and money from an ATM with no 

            problems. 

15204. Getting to chat with Caroline. 

15205. Packed somehow in my backpack. 

15206. Heath looking out for me and agreeing with my only using 

            1 personal day. 

15207. Jennifer picking me up at the otogar. 

15208. Good convos with her. 

15209. Earlier to bed. 

15210. Blue waters. 

15211. A quiet cafe, cheesecake and godward thoughts. 

15212. Learning how to better deal with the persistent pick up 

            lines. 

15213. A great sushi lunch. 

15214. Conrad’s joy at the birthday party. 

15215. The kid who beat the daylights out of the piñata. 

15216. Good time with the Mickeys. 

15217. Stains gone. 

15218. A chance to wash dirty clothes. 

15219. Yummy gelato. 

15220. Having fun playing with Conrad and his magnets. 

15221. Making it to airport in time to get a coffee and use the 

            bathroom. 

15222. A taxi ride, much less stressful. 

15223. Finding familiar faces. 

15224. Sweet Esra and her boldness. 

15225. 76 heard. 

15226. Early to bed. 

15227. Headache passing. 

15228. Good rest. 

15229. Getting to know Sheryl at breakfast. 

15230. The crow left me alone. 

15231. Praying through Psalm 27. 

15232. Bathing the day in prayer. 

15233. Strength to make it up the hill and friends who wait. 

15234. A park bench, a perfect chance to give folks rest and share 

            hope. 

15235. 19 folks heard there. 

15236. Perfect çiğ kofte and ayran lunch. 

15237. Riding the horse carriage again with Elizabeth. 

15238. 57 heard with fewer story tellers. 

15239. Getting to talk about my art. 

15240. Early to bed. 

15241. Getting to ride up the hill. 

15242. Not sweaty for the first time in days. 

15243. Women coming back for more, hearing the woman at the

            well too. 

15244. The niece whose eyes lit up at the story. 

15245. The two ladies noticing something different about us in the 

            way we gave up our seats. 

15246. The Greek lady’s joy at the story. 

15247. The Catholic cleaner saying we are different, we work hard 

            and have love. 

15248. A long break after sharing hard. 

15249. Hearing all the ladies whispering beautiful truths down the 

            path. 

15250. Elona coming to my rescue. 

15251. Bekah eating my aşure. 

15252. Sprint finished!

15253. Laughter and no drama with the ladies. 

15254. Johanna, Jen and Abigail praying for U-town. 

15255. Matt providing breakfast. 

15256. A chance to hang with Sarah at Starbucks. 

15257. Surviving the crazy taxi ride and making it to the bus on 

            time. 

15258. An introverted bus ride. 

15259. Just enough bathroom breaks. 

15260. The argumentative women sent the young girls to argue but 

            they heard as well. 

15261. Hearing from Sheryl that she too struggled with dreams. 

15262. A good long sleep in my own bed. 

15263. Good weather for henna days. 

15264. In some lonely moments on the island, you reminding me 

            you’re the unseen one beside me. 

15265. 264+76+57=397

15266. All T ch-s and lots of US ones lifting up our time. 

15267. A sweet simple evening with the Suiters. 

15268. Early to bed. 

15269. Altays saying they were thinking of me and wondering 

            where I was. 

15270. Running into Buket. 

15271. Selma saying she’s glad I’m not leaving. 

15272. Laughing with Türkü and Evi on the street. 

15273. Another early-to-bed night. 

15274. Finding ripe avocados on sale. 

15275. Easiness with the E family. 

15276. Little E saying my stomach was smaller, confirming my

            thought that my clothes felt looser. 

15277. Gilbert and Anne drawing out things in my heart. God 

            whispering to me that He is the greater Gilbert and waits 

            patiently to have my whole heart. 

15278. Listenjng to “All the Way My Savior Leads Me” and

            remembering again how I am being wooed to my eternal 

            Bridegroom. 

15279. Joy is here!

15280. A chill morning. Finally ceasing. Reading, praying, and

            painting. 

15281. Tacos with team. 

15282. Group Skype with the fam, a great idea. 

15283. Early to bed. 

15284. “Indeed the hero has already won, and it is in the wake of 

            his victory that we labor.” -Velvet Ashes 

15285. Sweet prayer time. 

15286. Hope, a new idea. Christ has so pervasively changed us that 

            we don’t recognize the value of our hope. 

15287. My God brings nations’ plans to nothing. He frustrates plans 

            that do not suit his purposes. His decrees and ways stand 

            forever. His purposes cannot be thwarted. (Ps 33:10-11)

15288. This makes him a good good father. 

15289. Sunshine, laughter, the ability to walk. 

15290. The ceramic store guy’s enthusiasm. 

15291. The E family gift. 

15292. A desire to read uplifting things. 

15293. Early to bed. 

15294. Waking from bad dreams. 

15295. Calvary broke the dragon’s head and I contend with a 

            vanquished foe. 

15296. Warm sunshine on my foot. 

15297. “In His grip.”

15298. Sharing a tea with Selim and family. 

15299. Reminder that watching kids is my ministry for the 

            weekend. 

15300. If his plans cannot be thwarted then no one can resist his 

            call.