Workdays

September 17

         Today we had a workday to catch up on various projects, work on our timelines, and started our “get to know the locals” project. I was in the project with Meredith and Dallen. We went into town and began our project by asking a shop owner to draw us something that he liked about Turkey. He proceeded by telling us a story about his daughter who drew a mosque because she was asked the question, “What is happiness?” This gave us a lead on how we would continue our project. We asked five people to draw what made them happy. We received answers anywhere from sunshine to raki, which is a Turkish alcoholic drink. We recorded them on my gopro and later edited the video, which we will present to our class on Wednesday evening.

         Afterwards I went on a swim and laid out in the sun while I worked on my timeline. After dinner, which we had a spanakopita type food, the entire class went to an onyx shop to receive a presentation on how they carve this beautiful, iridescent stone. He made the most beautiful candleholder, but would not give it to any of us because he knew we would all want it. So instead we shopped in the store. I got a few things, and when most everyone left I asked the owner if he would sell me the one he had just made. He let me buy it if I promised not to tell anyone that he gave it to me. I am so excited for this beautiful piece of art. Oh, and another great part of my day is I found a fig tree in the courtyard of the hotel! Only a few were ripe, but they tasted so good. After the rock presentation I did a little workout with Tory and she, Thanda, and I watched a quick tv show before I fell asleep  12.

September 18

         Today is another workday. We had our usual breakfast and metaphysical this morning. After breakfast Nadine, Lauren, Molly and I went on a run through town and down the street. We ran about a mile and a half to two miles followed by stretches and some sprints up a hill near our hotel. It felt so wonderful to put on my running shoes and explore a bit more of Priene! Burning hot we jumped in the pool to cool off. The refreshing pool was followed by lying in the hot sun and practicing reading the lesson with Molly for our service this Sunday. 

        This Sunday will be my first time being first reader, and it makes me want to do a reading at San Juan Society when I return. Now I am finishing up my blog and getting ready to do some artwork. Tonight we are going to have dinner followed by our Wednesday night service (I heard it will be in the old, abandoned church with just our onyx candle holders and headlamps). I am looking forward to this service lead by Elissa on the topic of dreams-- how fitting. After church we are going to play a game of soccer that we planned with some of the locals! I am so excited to play again! Oh, and I can hear rummy cubes clanking around in the distance J