sept 22

September 22

         Today was my Sunday to read so I was first reader while Molly was second. I really enjoyed this experience of being a reader, and I hope to do it at the San Juan Society. Later on that day a couple whom I had been talking to, from Scotland complimented our beautiful singing. We all truly sound harmonious together.

After church a group of us went to see the house of Virgin Mary. Morning mass was happening when we got there which reminded me of when grandma would take me to morning mass with her every once in a while. We entered into the house, which was a little 2 bedroom brick building with the statue of Virgin Mary in the middle of it along with flowers and candles. It was very spiritual feeling. On the sides were candles which people light while giving a prayer. I lit a candle for my grandma and for the rest of the family. This was a very beautiful memory as I felt grandma right there with me. Down the way is a prayer wall in which people write a prayer and tie it into this wall. There must be millions of prayers in that wall area. I wrote a prayer and tied it into a little blue ribbon, which was already on the wall. I double knotted it so it wouldn’t fall off of the wall. Even though these are Catholic traditions, I felt very connected to God and the love and spirituality in this area. I am so grateful I took the time to visit this piece of Biblical history.

Today was another workday so after our little field trip I sat outside and caught up on work. I got a lot done and will get even more done tomorrow. For dinner a group of girls and I went out to have Korean food. It was so wonderful to have something other than kabobs. To top of dinner we were given a fig for dessert! After dinner we did a little shopping. I played backgammon with Casey at the rug store, and then we headed to our soccer game. About eight of us went to play soccer with some local Turkish men. We all had so much fun, and it was a much better game than the last time. Now Nadine and I are sitting in bed blogging and jouraling about our wonderful adventures. Bye for now!