I'm over half way through 2 year term, I'm incredibly excited for this coming year, especially as I reflect back to where I was about a year ago. I had just gotten off of a plane in this foreign country, not knowing what to expect, not knowing a soul, having little knowledge of the city, culture, food, and I barely could even say "hello" in their language. I had no idea what football would be like, and I wasn't in good game shape. The biggest unknown, though, was how Turks would respond to me, and more importantly, to the Gospel message.
A year later I have come to know and love this city and its people. Daily tasks like getting around, buying groceries, or ordering food have become so second nature they might as well be done in English. I've gotten in football game shape, knocked the rust off my game, and gotten my Turkish rookie year out of the way and enter year two as a team leader. I've not only learned how to say "hello" (Merhaba! :) ), but, while I'm not yet anywhere close to fluent and have much to learn still, I can have full conversations with people in Turkish, and when the opportunity presents itself, share a basic Gospel message in their own language. Best of all, I have formed many friendships, on the football team and in the community, and have seen Turks respond positively to me and the God who lives within me.
Last year I was able to form a foundation, and share Jesus some along the way as opportunities arose. Now, I believe I am entering a season where the majority of my time and energy will be able to be focused not on learning life and language in Turkey, but on loving and pursuing Turks, and I sense God telling me it is time to really be bold in sharing the Good News. My prayer is that God will give me the honor and joy of seeing many people come to know freedom through Jesus, and I trust God has good things in store for me this year, whatever it may be.