"This is the Start of Something Good...Don't You Agree?"

For some reason that song is in my head...but it only kind of depicts the feelings I have towards my Turkey experience right now. I know things will be magical after the adjustmnet period...but that doesn't make the adjustment period suck any less. Yesterday, Emre's grandmother fussed at me because I didn't make him eat and today Asli was upset I listened to him when he said he wasn't cold and therefore didn't make him wear a jacket. I don't disagree that these are not valid things to reprimand me for it's just that I KNOW if all of their conversations took place in English, I would know what was going on and these petty things would never happen! That's why it's so frustrating! I feel like maybe I'm being perceived as incompetent sometimes when I'm actually quite a competent person! I know that a couple months from now, I'll look back on these first few weeks and laugh at my doubt...it's the story of my relationship with God! But that doesn't mean I know how to get to that point any faster. It is because of this I have been praying for the Lord to send me just little bits of warmth from people to get me through to the point I can reciprocate...obviously, He always delivers...no matter how little we like to admit it. Korcut (Damar's father-who was friends with my aunt and uncle) came over today and asked me to come sit by him on the couch where he preceeded to tell me all kinds of stories about Turkey's history. I must admit to you...I'm a bit emotional these days and had to fight back tears the whole time. I must almost admit that was indeed a humbling moment...never have I been in the position where I knew what it felt like to be touched so greatly by someone simply taking the time to speak to just me (in my own language). "Did you know that Attaturk called my grandfather, 'brother'?" "No I didn't, that must be quite an honor." "Indeed, indeed". And then! We all went out for lunch! My first time leaving the house in two days! Who knew there was snow on the ground?! And after that, Eren (Asli's brother who is visiting with his girlfriend Christine from New York) wanted to take Christine to some historic places so I prepared to head home but Defne wanted to go with Eren so I got to go too! We went to the Grand Bazaar and the Cistern which I had already seen before but it was strange to see it a second time without all those I had seen it with before...I tried not to think about it though because it made me a little sad. Anyway, what was great is that Christine shared some of the same frustrations I did about the language barrier and though we both understood we were outsiders and didn't really have a right to be upset, it felt so nice to hear someone else feel the same way...I just can't tell you. We talked the whole time, walking all over downtown Istanbul and it was like a lift from my soul. I am so thankful. It was also a good time for me to bond with Defne without Emre around so I was also very thankful for that. We came home and I ate with the kids as Asli and Damar were going out again but this time Eren and Christine were staying in so I got to shower! And dry my hair!!! And shave my legs!!!!! It was great. AND when Sherren and Valentina (also nannies kind of..but also cook, clean, laundry, etc.) put Defne to bed, she asked ME to stay in there with her. It was groundbreaking :) AND THEN I got to talk to Mom and Dad on skype since the house is kind of rowdy tonight anyway so really, the whole day was just full of little gifts. It's amazing how God answers prayers huh? I wish I could be more faithful before the fact... Anyway, I'm about to pass out from exhaustion (my day started at 6:45 after going to bed at 3) so I'm hoping, after normal sleep tonight, I'll be done with the jetlag. Love you friends.