Things are really getting busy now. There's only a few days until I leave and I still have a lot to do. What can I say? I'm king of procrastinators! I am really looking forward to Monday. But before that I need to finish my little task list, which seems to grow faster than I can complete the tasks. Best get to work then....
...maybe later.
This past Monday I visited Ephesus with some friends (as can be seen by the picture below). What an incredible place to visit. It's so interesting to be in a place straight from the bible. Trying to image what it was like when Paul visited. Getting a new perspective on his letter to the church in Ephesus and to the accounts of his visit in Acts. Being there definitely brings the story to life. Anyone who visits Turkey should definitely make a stop in Selcuk and visit Ephesus.
Thursday, April 27, 2006
Wednesday, April 26, 2006
A visit to Ephesus
I thought it prudent to pay a visit to Ephesus, since it is so close to me. The remains of this once great city are a beautiful reminder of a past lifestyle. To walk these streets, where Paul once walked, and to visit the Theatres and Market places, where he once argued for what he believed in, is an experience not to be missed. 
Friday, April 14, 2006
Learning and Listening
I have spent a lot of time reflecting on my stay here in Turkey. A lot of time thinking about my decisions and the progress I've made. I realise now that there has definitely been a difference between how I have viewed my stay here and how others have.
For most other people here the most important thing is to learn the language well. You want to be able to communicate with local people and build good relationships. I agree that learning the local language is very important, but I realise that my focus has been somewhat different. My focus has been on trying to find a long term solution for staying here. And this is where the views differ.
From the learning perspective it would appear that I'm cutting my stay shorter than it needs to be. In truth I could stay at the university until the middle of June. For "learning the language" focus this would seem the best option. But as I mentioned that has not been my focus.
I have viewed my stay here as a test. The test was to see whether an opening would be revealed for me to stay longer. From my perspective I have been listening for direction from God. The test lay in the residence permit. I have realised through this process that it would be very difficult for me to stay here and do the things I feel I need to do. In truth, I could stay. But the methods for staying would place me in a position where I would not be able to pursue my dreams. This is not acceptable to me and not the way I see God working.
From the listening perspective then I feel my decision makes sense. There is no point in my continuing with something just for the sake of continuing. Especially when there are other options available to me.
It is time for me to stop the "training" now and get down to some "real" work!
For most other people here the most important thing is to learn the language well. You want to be able to communicate with local people and build good relationships. I agree that learning the local language is very important, but I realise that my focus has been somewhat different. My focus has been on trying to find a long term solution for staying here. And this is where the views differ.
From the learning perspective it would appear that I'm cutting my stay shorter than it needs to be. In truth I could stay at the university until the middle of June. For "learning the language" focus this would seem the best option. But as I mentioned that has not been my focus.
I have viewed my stay here as a test. The test was to see whether an opening would be revealed for me to stay longer. From my perspective I have been listening for direction from God. The test lay in the residence permit. I have realised through this process that it would be very difficult for me to stay here and do the things I feel I need to do. In truth, I could stay. But the methods for staying would place me in a position where I would not be able to pursue my dreams. This is not acceptable to me and not the way I see God working.
From the listening perspective then I feel my decision makes sense. There is no point in my continuing with something just for the sake of continuing. Especially when there are other options available to me.
It is time for me to stop the "training" now and get down to some "real" work!
Friday, April 07, 2006
Torn
As I start preparing for my trip home I continue to be torn by two very different feelings.
On one side I am really sad at having to leave. There is a lingering doubt about my decision. A small part that says I'm taking the easy way out. That says I should be persevering and not giving in. The needs in the country are just as great as they are back home. My ideas for the future could just as easily be applied here. There is also the feeling of letting people down. I did make a long term commitment to the people here. Now I am cutting it short. I'm sure this is a disappointment for them.
And then on the other side is a wonderful feeling of happiness at going home. To see my friends and my family again. To share with them some of what I have experienced here. Also there is the excitement of starting a new challenge. Something new to put my mind to. To test myself against.
So I am torn between sorrow and happiness. Between disappointment and excitement. Torn between Turkey and South Africa.
On one side I am really sad at having to leave. There is a lingering doubt about my decision. A small part that says I'm taking the easy way out. That says I should be persevering and not giving in. The needs in the country are just as great as they are back home. My ideas for the future could just as easily be applied here. There is also the feeling of letting people down. I did make a long term commitment to the people here. Now I am cutting it short. I'm sure this is a disappointment for them.
And then on the other side is a wonderful feeling of happiness at going home. To see my friends and my family again. To share with them some of what I have experienced here. Also there is the excitement of starting a new challenge. Something new to put my mind to. To test myself against.
So I am torn between sorrow and happiness. Between disappointment and excitement. Torn between Turkey and South Africa.
Wednesday, April 05, 2006
St John Cafe Shop
Friends of mine opened this coffee shop in Selcuk (close to Ephesus), in Turkey. Great place, great people! Apart from coffee they also provide a gallery of locally made items for sale.
Monday, April 03, 2006
Just can't keep up
Sad! I though I could keep this Blog up to date now that I have ADSL. WRONG! It seems I'm as slow to update as ever!
Anyway, it's been an interesting month. Lots of changes at hand.
I've announced my decision to leave Turkey and return to South Africa. This has been met with mixed responses. The folk here obviously don't want me to leave. The folk back home are happy to see me return. It's just too hard to get that all important residence permit, which would allow me to stay. I feel that my time here has been worthwhile and productive, but that other things are awaiting me.
Speaking of other things...
I'm hoping to start providing IT type support to non-profit organizations in South Africa. This fits right in with my specific skills. I may also look into the whole aspect of providing Computer skills training in under-privleged areas. Again, this is something that fits my own skills and I can see myself actually being useful to people through it.
I'll update as things progress.
Pics (from my recent trip inland) to follow.
Anyway, it's been an interesting month. Lots of changes at hand.
I've announced my decision to leave Turkey and return to South Africa. This has been met with mixed responses. The folk here obviously don't want me to leave. The folk back home are happy to see me return. It's just too hard to get that all important residence permit, which would allow me to stay. I feel that my time here has been worthwhile and productive, but that other things are awaiting me.
Speaking of other things...
I'm hoping to start providing IT type support to non-profit organizations in South Africa. This fits right in with my specific skills. I may also look into the whole aspect of providing Computer skills training in under-privleged areas. Again, this is something that fits my own skills and I can see myself actually being useful to people through it.
I'll update as things progress.
Pics (from my recent trip inland) to follow.
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