Then I was off to Istanbul, Turkey for a few days of pre-mission-wide-conference vacation and refreshment. My travel from Entebbe, Uganda to Istanbul, Turkey was riddled with troubles, frustrations, and delays. It took my three days to reach Istanbul! By the time I reached I was deflated and defeated after waiting in lines for over 20 hours and sleeping on airport floors two nights in a row. Trying to get Ethiopian Airlines to be helpful was a lost cause.
At one point I was escorted out of the Cairo airport by the police and was told, in a very thick, not-so-good English accent, “You no go Istanbul, you go Cairo.” This was not because I was mean or violent in any way, but because Ethiopian Airlines messed up my rebooking and the ticket they issued me from Cairo to Istanbul was not valid. Rather than being helpful in the process, Ethiopian Airlines was unkind, unconcerned, and downright mean at times. I could tell multiple more stories about further frustrations, but I will leave it at this - NEVER travel with Ethiopian Airlines!
I eventually landed in Istanbul, and it was WONDERFUL! I am already looking forward to going back to Turkey someday! Two days in Istanbul and a day spent in Ephesus have left me longing for more Turkish food, hospitality, and beauty. It was great!
Then I set sail for two Greek islands, Santorini and Naxos. Santorini was breath taking. Every view was like looking at a postcard. The beauty of the sea juxtaposed against steep cliffs and sheer-white buildings trimmed in blue was unparalleled. The highlight was riding stubborn donkeys decked out in bright colors and bells up a very steep embankment that overlooked the sea.
Naxos was much less touristy and incredible in it’s own, unique way. The inland mountains were majestic and the little towns were idealistic in their old-traditional settings. We rented 4-wheelers and zipped all over the island, drinking coffee, eating baklava, and trying to take in the stunning views of mountains, churches, and the sea. Truly wonderful.
Next off to Athens, Greece for the World Harvest Mission triennial mission wide retreat. It was a good time of reconnecting with friends and finally meeting so many people from all over the world whom I have heard off, but never met face-to-face. The worship was wonderful, and the conference was helpful in trying to figure out exactly “who” World Harvest Mission is. Highlights included all you can eat buffets, the Uganda and Sudan teams performing a combined African dance routine, and conversations around the pool.
I am now back in Sudan and ready to begin the summer, pressing forward in language learning and relationship building. Three male interns arrive next week and as we eagerly await their arrival we are also busy planning the logistics and schedule.
I will write more about my experiences thus far in Sudan in a future posts, but wanted to thank those that have asked about and prayed for my health. The last six weeks of my time in Sudan, prior to my European adventure, were marred with skin infections, hives, weight loss, fatigue, and other minor health issues. I am happy to report that I am feeling much better now and eager to delve back into life here. I am slightly anxious that some of the health concerns could return, but optimistic that those problems lay in my past not to resurface anytime soon.
I am thankful to be back in Sudan and look forward to a busy, yet fun summer. Sudan is not always an easy place to be, especially as I am still trying to make this my home. I am thankful for God’s wisdom and timing, though I so often don’t understand His plan. But I do trust that He is watching over me, and I am content in knowing this:
For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
-Jeremiah 29:11
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