On our way to visit the Blue Mosque, I was reminded of God's creativity weaved throughout different cultures. People make up cultures and God moves through people to impact those cultures!
After the conference in Antalya, several groups stopped in Istanbul for the weekend. The four of us stuck together and made our way through the old city. We learned much about the city's history, Muslim culture, how to navigate, bargain for a good price, and insights about our own faith.
From our hotel terrace, my friend and I munched fresh strawberries and looked out over the Bospherous on our first evening. Traveling with an MK (Missionary Kid) was insightful as she led us through a foreign city that was also new to her! I learned much about navigation and figuring out public transportation!
Visiting Topkopi Palace, the home of the ruling sultan's during the Ottoman Empire, we saw beautiful tulips in full bloom! Locals and tourists were both enjoying the blooms and taking pictures of their family members in the flowers.
The history of Istanbul is rather turbulent, yet full of beautiful artistry. The geometric designs inside of the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia were astounding! It is humbling how God's creativity seeps out of our lives and gives Him glory, even unknown to us at times! I found Rick Steve's guidebook on Istanbul at the BFA library, so my main job was researching sites to check out along with restaurants! I am standing where the empress' throne stood with my nose in the guidebook. Felt familiar:)
Walking around Turkish culture, we gathered some rather interesting attention from the male population. Being the minority with pale complexions and Scandinavian origins, we gathered a few pick-up lines as they wanted to make sales. We quickly learned to walk by, ignoring the whistles and lines! I do have to give some credit for creativity though! Here are a few. "Want to buy something...Spice Girls?" while we were shopping in the Spice Market. When walking through the Grand Bazaar, we heard "I make special price for ladies with good attitude". We were also constantly asked if we were Dutch, Canadian, or German.
Another piece of Muslim culture were the calls to prayer. I was reminded of Paul in 1 Thesselonians 5:16-18, "Rejoice always, PRAY WITHOUT CEASING, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." We heard the call to prayer several times throughout our weekend. Like a train that passes through town every 5 minutes, the call to prayer can become routine and ignored. Instead, it was a beautiful reminder of our need to pray, continually! I am posting a small sample of what we heard:) Enjoy!
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