Team Shirey: Two Weeks In

Two weeks into this gig and I'd say we're doing really well. I wrote another blog post last week, but it was laden with jet lag and other disconnected thoughts. I sat with it for a while and decided to put it to rest forever. If you are chomping at the bit to know what I wrote, here's a summary: travel went well, Turkey's beautiful, and we're exhausted!

My dad asked me today what has been the biggest surprise about our move to Turkey. The first thing that came to mind is how little English is spoken here. In most of the countries I've lived and traveled in, the majority of people have spoken at least a little English (ie. Welcome to ______! What's your name? Where are you from?) Not here. We've come across a few English speakers, but we mostly use a lot of hand gestures and play pictionary with folks. Thankfully we have our first Turkish language lesson this morning.

As for setting up a home, Jono likens it to a do-it-yourself Home Depot project, where something simple requires five trips to the store. Only multiply that by a bajillion (his rough estimate) and throw in language and cultural barriers. We get a little bit done most days. But it pretty much feels like home already.

Other than the kinks in Lu's sleeping schedule, the kids have adjusted better than we could have imagined. They find all the cheek pinching a little bit annoying (can't blame them there), and Sims clings to me in taxis ("I don't like bumpy taxis, Mama!"). But the ease with which they've settled into their new house, try new foods, and attempt to speak Turkish (G can count to ten) amazes me. Jono and I have both said several times that we can see everyone's prayers at work in our lives just by watching them adjust.

Moving to Turkey has satisfied a deep longing I have felt for the past couple of years. I used to ache when I'd see pictures or hear stories from the Near/Middle East. It is great to be back in the region and we are excited to make our home here.

Pray for us in the weeks ahead as we start studying Turkish, get our kids settled, and get plugged into the community. Pray especially for Jono's health. He's had constant pain and aches in most of his body since Sunday. It's also accompanied by terrible hot flashes that make sleep difficult. We have yet to discover a cause and don't have much of a solution, so we are simply asking God to heal him.

Here are some pictures we've taken. If it is so beautiful that you want to visit, we have room for guests!