Gifts 17501-17600

17501. Decent sleep helping have decent emotions. 

17502. Morning truth to overcome the powerful lies. 

17503. A phone call from Yasemen, excitement to be with her. 

17504. Her messaging with Allison. 

17505. Allison’s willingness to go to the store. 

17506. A surprise package from Kim and the ability to joke with 

            the mailman. 

17507. Ebru pieces finished. 

17508. A GN conversation with these new friends. 

17509. Answers to prayer: Feeling like Yasemen takes care of me, 

            Allison going to the store, the evening was life giving, truth

            was shared easily and naturally, and they left early. 

17510. I didn’t throw up in the night and was able to go back to 

            sleep. 

17511. Allison saying she’s really glad she’s here. 

17512. Depth of meaning and purpose in this life here. 

17513. He helps me push through my feelings and I find life on the

            other side. 

17514. Another sweet time with Yasemen. 

17515. Her thoughtfulness at bringing us a Christmas gift. 

17516. Walking home with Allison much better than doing it alone. 

17517. Dryer guy also looking at the dishwasher and helping me 

            avoid an appointment and a payment. 

17518. The bathroom store guy helping me out again. 

17519. Erdal helping me out when that didn’t work. 

17520. The plumber fixing everything. 

17521. The leak happening before I left rather than coming home to 

            a wet kitchen. 

17522. A bit of chill time with Allison watching Parks N Rec. 

17523. An offer to be with Suiters Christmas Eve and day. 

17524. Yağmur's willingness to come the day I wanted. 

17525. Some special time with Marin and Jude. 

17526. Some sweet time with Beyza. 

17527. A chance to chat for a few with my family. 

17528. Puzzling with Allison and laughter. 

17529. We finished the puzzle! 

17530. My mourning slowly becoming laughter. 

17531. “Your sins which were many are all forgiven, be of good 

            cheer.”

17532. Chatting with my sissy on Christmas morning. 

17533. Much Laughter at 'A Christmas Story. '

17534. A safe trip to Izmir. 

17535. Seeing a bit of snow on Christmas Day. 

17536. A delicious dinner at Midpoint. 

17537. Watching the neicphews and family open presents and it not 

            being so chaotic. 

17538. Entrance into the preferred lounge. 

17539. Smoothness and quickness through PC for all. 

17540. Entrance into the nice Preferred lounge. 

17541. Sushi for lunch. 

17542. A free massage. 

17543. Meditating about how the lounge is like heaven. Unmerited 

            entrance because of who I am with and how by looking at 

            their right I am also allowed entrance and I gain unearned

            gifts. 

17544. Somehow selecting a seat in front of the Suiters. 

17545. Running into Lisa F. at the airport. 

17546. Plenty of leg room. 

17547. The Word commanding me to not be anxious and worship 

            songs reminding me God is on my side and thus peace 

            overcomes an anxious heart, light overcomes the darkness, 

            truth overcomes lies. 

17548. Pork at Pizza Hut. 

17549. Airport shuttle waiting there when I arrived. 

17550. A bff trip with Crystal in Spain. 

17551. Belly hurting crying laughter with Crystal. 

17552. A plate of delicious ham. 

17553. Treated royally at the Crowne Plaza. 

17554. Upgraded room with balcony, breakfast included, and light

            dinner and drinks. 

17555. A helpful travel buddy. 

17556. Good, deep rest last night. 

17557. Showers, hot and with good pressure. 

17558. No questions, no comments at PC in Lisbon, simply 

            because of who I am and where I’m from. 

17559. Able to climb that giant hill. 

17560. Seeing fun architectural sights. 

17561. Seeing Casa Vicens. 

17562. La Sagrada Familia a feast for the eyes. 

17563. A festival of colored lights. 

17564. A delicious dinner. 

17565. Hot showers after long days. 

17566. Train ride Word and reading time. 

17567. A timely toilet. 

17568. Fun Christmas decorations. 

17569. Playing Ticket to Ride on a train. 

17570. Lockers to store luggage. 

17571. A helpful couple when we couldn’t communicate. 

17572. Getting into Casa Batllo early. 

17573. A quiet tour even if we didn’t understand. 

17574. Amazed at Crystal’s Spanish. 

17575. Hailing a taxi. 

17576. Games and laughter with Crystal. 

17577. Insight into where she is and how she is doing. 

17578. Waking up and realizing I have two more hours to sleep. 

17579. Smooth travels. 

17580. A nap on the plane. 

17581. Despite delays the flight wasn’t cancelled. 

17582. Rain giving up his room for me. 

17583. Betty buying groceries for me. 

17584. Being included in some family pics. 

17585. Hugs from the Wolf girls. 

17586. Rest on New Years Eve, the best way to celebrate for me. 

17587. Truth overcoming feelings of loneliness while surrounded 

            by people. 

17588. Sharing food with Dwight and Betty. 

17589. A McDonalds bathroom in a time of need. 

17590. Getting closer to Selah. 

17591. Laughter at calling her 'Home Girl.' 

17592. A ride to the airport with the Wolf’s. 

17593. Heath concerned for my bladder. 

17594. Getting to sit by Rain on the bus. 

17595. A couple hours in my room to myself. 

17596. Laughter with GL, Les and Ginger. 

17597. A tight squeeze from Rebecca. 

17598. Deep friendship with GL & Les. 

17599. Catching up with the Morins. 

17600. Heath checking to make sure I was ok in the session. 

Gifts 17401-17500

17401. Lunch and the pazar with Allison. 

17402. A chance to serve Ashton and talk privately. 

17403. A chat with Kelly not leaving me worn out and weary. 

17404. Dinner with the Altays. 

17405. A reminder that the caesars of the world are puppets in 

            Gods hands. 

17406. Somehow my struggles propel Lisa in the gospel. 

17407. My Ebru rose skills improving. 

17408. When I lean not on my feelings and press into the hard I 

            find life. 

17409. Arcelik coming in the stated time window. 

17410. Dryer repair only 250 and only lasting a few days. 

17411. Şeyma coming late making breakfast prep relaxed. 

17412. Doing it with the Campbells. 

17413. Laughter with them. 

17414. Being at home two days in a row when packages came. 

17415. My boots and clothes coming early not late. 

17416. A bit of chill time between hosting. 

17417. Headache going away. 

17418. Finally a meaningful conversation with the E family. 

17419. Christmas decorations. 

17420. A pillow fight with the E family. 

17421. Their early departure. 

17422. Waking early enough to be in the Word for a while, to  

            shower and to still serve. 

17423. An enjoyable evening with Jude. 

17424. A ride home. 

17425. As always encouragement from Katie K and hearing how 

            the Father is working elsewhere. 

17426. A good night’s sleep without aids. 

17427. Sage heeding my mini sermon. 

17428. A day of mostly rest. 

17429. Yummy tostadas. 

17430. A few minutes to catch up with Brooke. 

17431. Headache mostly leaving with sleep. 

17432. A massage helping. 

17433. Dryer repaired and now it's so so quiet. 

17434. Strong, yet loving words for Evi. 

17435. Allison making dinner. 

17436. A good time, as always, with Beyza. 

17437. A break in the clouds, warm sunshine as I waited for the 

            bus. 

17438. A tiny offer to do something with Allison and seeing her 

            whole demeanor change. 

17439. Abundant laughter with Senem about the cigarette voice. 

17440. A fun evening with Yağmur and friends watching a 

            Christmas movie. 

17441. Ayse’s reactions to the movie. 

17442. A request to sing leading to GN sharing. 

17443.  Lisa saying they have been made stronger through my 

             empty weakness. 

17444. Remembering God’s faithfulness to me, through me and my

            faithfulness in a difficult year. 

17445. Heath saying he wants people to know my story. 

17446. Encouragement from them that this year is not a waste. 

17447. A fun, relaxed evening with the cleaning gals. 

17448. Ayşe coming too. 

17449. A two minute snippet to share Good News. 

17450. An early exit from the party. 

17451. An old temptation no longer tempting. 

17452. Seeing the Father’s work in this place. 

17453. F wanting to be sober, O wanting to believe, E spitting out 

            stuff she heard a few days ago. 

17454. A chance to encourage Hans from my place of weakness. 

17455. Dinner and Parks-N-Rec. 

17456. Spain plans finalized. 

17457. Four nights at super nice hotels for $35 and a whole bunch

            of rewards. 

17458. Laughing with Lisa. 

17459. Tax thing understood and finished. 

17460. A chance to catch up with Caroline. 

17461. Dinner made one night, a piece of pizza, fruit things bought 

            for felly, an offer to order Pide, a trip to the pazar, help with

            cookies, serving tea. 

17462. Aslan is on the move. 

17463. A good sermon for my soul. It’s all for my good. 

17464. A clean kitchen and refrigerator making me happy. 

17465. Yağmur’s good work ethic. 

17466. Year end video being a good reminder of God’s goodness in 

            my life. 

17467. Yummy Turkey sandwiches. 

17468. A bus coming quickly after I barely missed one. 

17469. A double hug from the Campbell boys. 

17470. Reminders of the gift and answer to prayer when it feels 

            hard. 

17471. Brice reminding me that it’s good for me to be here. 

17472. A somewhat productive conversation on weak areas and 

            confirmation that my guesses are pretty accurate. 

17473. Satan’s goal is for me to be sidelined but it’s a failed effort 

            because God comes, a thousand times he comes and holds 

            me fast. 

17474. Forcing myself to operate in spite of my feelings and

            finding life. 

17475. Ease and quickness at the notary. 

17476. Ease and quickness and a favorite face at the tax office. 

17477. A New Years’ gift from our neighbor. 

17478. Introducing Allison to his worker girl. 

17479. The gift of Lisa in my life. Life is better with her. 

17480. Mussels for a good win. 

17481. A sweet time with T. 

17482. The non-rental contract passing. 

17483. Two years, another miracle.

17484. A super sweet time with Beyza. 

17485. She was able to wake up on time, and feel awake and was 

            grateful for a good start to the day and for meeting us. 

17486. Sarah reaching out, sharing and also ministering to me. 

17487. Lisa’s surgery passing ok. 

17488. Laughter about early blunders and stories with Sarah. 

17489. Lisa’s encouragement to me to be with the Lord and 

            kindness to me as I struggle to think rightly about others. 

17490. Hope sharing “Weep with me.” and it being good for my 

            heart. 

17491. Showers always helping. 

17492. A walk in sunshine to get rid of extra energy. 

17493. Running into Haktan’s sisters. 

17494. Lisa’s surprise hug. 

17495. A hug from Brice too. 

17496. Looking for ways I am cared for rather than just expecting 

            that there are none. 

17497. Friendshio with Ryan and Laura. 

17498. Abundant laughter with Suiters, Wolfs, Campbells and 

            Allison. 

17499. Pale blue violet and reddish pink sunset sky. 

17500. A ride home. 

Gifts 17301-17400

17301. Woke early but ample time to be with the Lord. 

17302. A bus coming quickly. 

17303. Sunday’s sermon and songs good for my heart. 

17304. A chance to see Neslihan for a few. 

17305. Games and laughter with the Altays. 

17306. I was able to sleep until 10! 

17307. Going back to sleep took care of my headache. 

17308. I finally finished my giant painting. 

17309. Elliot saying I could be married if I wanted to and I could 

            marry whoever I want. 

17310. A good massage. She found all the trouble spots I didn’t 

            even know I had. 

17311. Wisdom to get out in the sunshine. 

17312. Catching up with Aunt Jamie. 

17313. A ride to Meg’s party. 

17314. Playing Sushi Go with the Suiters. 

17315. Processing a little with them. 

17316. Laughing with them as we watched Community. 

17317. Finding soft, Christmasy, cheap pillow cases at the pazar. 

17318. A chance to serve Elvan Hoca. 

17319. Jim B’s throughtful response to my update. 

17320. Feeling overwhelmed, tired, not wanting to leave my room

            but then reached out and Jude’s prayer gave me the energy I 

            needed. 

17321. Ability to laugh with Senem. 

17322. Energy to be with Altays. 

17323. Navigating the mevlut, able to come a little later. 

17324. Lori visiting. 

17325. Kelly able to talk spur of the moment. 

17326. Carpet shopping fun. 

17327. Lori helping with bookmarks. 

17328. Sweet children’s choir. 

17329. Suiter’s generosity. 

17330. Ashton picking out songs for me. 

17331. Lori’s service to me in cleaning up, making muffins, etc. 

17332. Hans cutting up veggies. 

17333. Evi coming. 

17334. Marin’s sweetness. 

17335. Jude sharing his toast with me and a day of his sweetness. 

17336. Sage making quesadillas. 

17337. Ability to share burdens with Heath and Lisa and pick their

            brain. 

17338. Ability to make dinner requests of them. 

17339. Laughing together with them. 

17340. A ride home and prayer. 

17341. A sweet, drama-free day of fellowship. 

17342. Adana tickets bought. 

17343. Laughter with Crystal about Mr. Camp and c-o-d-e cold and 

            other memories. 

17344. A few Barcelona plans made. 

17345. Seat warmers. 

17346. Sunshine on my feet. 

17347. Singing Oceans with Meg. 

17348. Veggie filled lunch/dinner. 

17349. Mom doing better. 

17350. Early to bed and slept 10.5 hours. 

17351. Bisquitte with the Suiters. 

17352. Always the seat warmers. 

17353. Thanksgiving pazaring with Lisa. 

17354. Easy and delicious bazlama pizza. 

17355. An empty bus coming quickly. 

17356. Campbell boy cuddles. 

17357. A ride home. 

17358. So much CLC stuff finished. 

17359. Another decent night’s sleep. 

17360. A God, unlike the Queen, who’s door is always open. 

17361. Good convo with Senem. 

17362. 16 BCC contacts this month. 

17363. Betsy’s friend’s favorite Tolstoy quotes actually from the

            NT. 

17364. The Usak gals making a pretty good thanksgiving meal 

            team. 

17365. Danny’lar and their partnership and encouragement. 

17366. Danny’s hopeful outlook on the work and ability to inspire. 

17367. My shower being a sacred space. 

17368. Getting to chat with my sissy for a few. 

17369. Awake from 4-6 praying for Hans and others and learning 

            that Hans requested for prayer during those hours. 

17370. Fall leaves on trees and splashes of green. 

17371. Sun breaking through rain clouds on giant hazy purple 

            mountains. 

17372. Worship time with Mildred and Lisa. 

17373. A short nap to help me get through. 

17374. Papa John’s pizza giving joy. 

17375. Actually enjoying the engagement party. 

17376. Surprised, a little embarrassed and mostly amused by Lisa’s 

            advertisement of my singleness. 

17377. Able to go back to sleep. 

17378. A nice breakfast with Mildred, Joelle and Allison. 

17379. A nice walk remembering what God is doing. 

17380. Sunshine in the park with good friends. 

17381. Thanksgiving part 2: sushi. 

17382. The gift of Mildred and Ozkal and their love for our city. 

17383. Surprised by joy a few times in the past few days. 

17384. Surprised that Leslie is in town, what a gift. 

17385. Krispy Kreme Donuts. 

17386. Ten hours of sleep with no bad dreams and no long 

            wake-ups. 

17387. A chance to process, read, paint, catch up with the gals. 

17388. Three girls reading three books, quiet and a fire place 

            background. 

17389. Another night of almost 10 hours of sleep. 

17390. Sunshine painting. 

17391. Catching up with Jenni. 

17392. More sleep. 

17393. Evren, a miracle baby. 

17394. Worshiping with Pelin, GL and Pelin’s mom. 

17395. Sushi for the second time in a few days. 

17396. Sushi for breakfast. 

17397. A smooth day of travel. 

17398. Came home to dinner being made. 

17399. A chance to chat with my mom. 

17400. Another early to bed night and almost ten hours of sleep. 

Gifts 17201-17300

17201. My foot healed!

17202. Lisa calling to check in and apologize for not messaging. 

17203. 5 nationalities represented. 

17204. Hans saying I am our “forvet,” our striker, forward, 

            powerhouse. 

17205. Mildred and Ozkal’s joy at our gifts. 

17206. E’s text being about songs. 

17207. Jayne and Sooyun’s help in the kitchen. 

17208. A quiet morning/afternoon in my home. 

17209. Painting being therapy and fuel for my soul. 

17210. A chance to talk to my grandpa on his birthday. 

17211. Best sleep in a long time. 

17212. Finding small pumpkins at the pazar. 

17213. Yummy karnıyarık. 

17214. Ahmet’s snuggles. 

17215. Pumpkin painting filling me. 

17216. Another good night’s rest. 

17217. An unexpected free day. 

17218. Quiet, warmth, sunshine in the park. 

17219. An evening at home, alone. 

17220. H saying I’m worth it. 

17221. God persevered me through a tough season and helped me 

            find help and life here rather than in the States. 

17222. Time to work on a puzzle. 

17223. God-given detail mind so I can do ERs without errors. 

17224. Remembering that Jesus became poor so I can become rich 

            and that helping me to pour myself out for others. 

17225. Pazaring with Lisa. 

17226. Hans’ bloodwork coming back clean. 

17227. A nice evening with Esra. 

17228. Ashton’s tortilla soup. 

17229. Home earlier than expected. 

17230. Allison feeling better after rest. 

17231. Senem feeling peace in our home. 

17232. Getting to discuss the word with Lisa and Beyza. An 

            encourager heart even in a second language. 

17233. A chance to catch up with GL and Les. 

17234. Sunshine warmth. 

17235. Spinach Pide. 

17236. Eylül drawn to my artwork especially the scripture one. 

17237. Lisa recognizing my fatigue and being understanding. 

17238. Gods strength made perfect in my sleep deprived weakness. 

            I didn’t feel tired at all today. 

17239. A chance to encourage Gökhan about dreams and fighting 

            back with Satan. 

17240. Heath’s headache passing enough for him to teach. 

17241. A chance to serve the Suiters. 

17242. Good convos with Crissy. 

17243. A ride home. 

17244. A good movie with Allison. 

17245. Laughter with my parents in spite of a hard situation. 

17246. Slept 10 hours last night without a sleep aid and without 

            waking in the middle of the night. 

17247. A day of rest and time to work on my big painting. 

17248. Laughing with Brooke and Cedar on the donut eating game. 

17249. Christina’s faithfulness to ask how I am. 

17250. Another full night’s sleep. 

17251. The ATM not causing drama. 

17252. A five minute rest before going again. 

17253. Laughter with teammates. 

17254. Beth P’s perspective, amazing update and wonderful 

            problems. 

17255. Getting to go to Festiva with Buket and Ekin. 

17256. Seeing Ahmet’s two tiny teeth. 

17257. A strong prayer time for those around me. 

17258. Heath sending me a reminder of something I’d written 4

            years ago. God is fiercely loving, long suffering and sees

            potential where I see inefficiency. I am grateful. 

17259. Yağmur’s eyes filling in response to my kindness. 

17260. Getting the neighbor discount on the shower hose. 

17261. Beyza opening up about struggles. 

17262. Chatting with Jenni. 

17263. Sushi with the Suiters. 

17264. Crystal finally purchased a ticket! 

17265. Elvan giving me a big squeeze. 

17266. Good rest is always a gift. 

17267. Time to work on my Christmas card. 

17268. The first time in my neighbor’s home. 

17269. This time her complaining was kind, sweet, respectful and 

            legitimate. 

17270. She said she is glad we are neighbors. 

17271. A nice time at Migros celebrating Sage’s life. 

17272. Pide and yummy pizza with the Altays. 

17273. A drama free worship time. 

17274. All 5 came!

17275. Kyle and Peyton to encourage and pray for us. 

17276. A ride to the post office. 

17277. Some chilling out time. 

17278. Ability to be alone in my home again. 

17279. Deepening conversations with Yağmur. 

17280. Christmas card finished. 

17281. Four hugs from Marin on her birthday. 

17282. Sweet Campbell boy cuddles. 

17283. A bit of good news from the DeBusks. 

17284. Working together with Lisa and Ashton, remembering that 

            writing negative descriptor words is ok because we will 

            pray and see what might happen in a year. 

17285. Şeyma mostly welcoming after so many months of not 

            seeing her. 

17286. A chance to serve her and her mom. 

17287. Christmas cards printed. 

17288. Remembering Erdal with the cat and all the laughter it 

            brought. 

17289. Chicken and dumplings oh so savory. 

17290. A sweet time with Yasemen. 

17291. Fall foliage on the ground. 

17292. Yasemen talking so fast because she had missed me. 

17293. Donuts at Alsancak Unlu Mamuleri. 

17294. Sultan the massieuse. 

17295. A good convo with Senem. 

17296. Plans cancelled and heaviness decreasing. 

17297. Chatting with Azize for a while. 

17298. Blueberries! 

17299. Good chats with my brother. 

17300. Allison making a nice dinner.