A Trip to Remember

  From July 16-27th, my husband and I, along with several other students and adults from our hometown of Eastman, GA, were able to embark on a journey.  We got on a plane bound for Central Asia, making a short layover in Paris along the way.  I will try to put into words what this trip meant for my husband and I in particular, but it's going to be difficult.  There are so many people we met that will change us forever, so many moments that God showed His hand and provision...it's hard to put it all into words.  My hope is that this will give you a glimpse into a little window of our lives and inspire you to go or send others, but most of all, pray to the Lord of the harvest that He will send workers and a great revival will come about.

After a 7 hour or so flight from Atlanta to Paris, we had an intentional long layover so we would have time to explore the city before our next flight.  This was a dream come true for me!  I had studied French in high school, so many of the sites that we were about to visit had been on my radar for quite a while.  I particularly wanted to see the Eiffel Tower.  I couldn't have been a more perfect day in Paris.  The sun was shining, but there was a nice breeze blowing to make all of our moving around the city bearable.  The tower was breathtaking...definitely living up to my expectations! : ) Due to our very limited time, we were only able to look at it from the outside and weren't able to go up.  I guess we'll have to save that for another day!  We took several metro stops ahead, stopping at the Arch de Triumph, Notre Dame, and a palace along the way...we were moving fast so we weren't able to get any pics of the inside.  But I was definitely a happy girl to even get a little taste of Paris.

Next stop...Istanbul, Turkey.  Many of you know our story about why Turkey is a special place in our hearts, but here's a little overview.  Basically last year our family, minus Seth, went on a family trip to Baltimore, MD.  Our last night there Joe took the kids for a swim.  At the pool there was a lifeguard, a young man who was 19 years old, from Turkey.  Joe had a short conversation with him, but an impression was made.  Enough for us to seek him out the next morning and pass him a booklet with Joe's contact information on the back.  Before we made it back to Georgia, our new friend was texting my husband.  This began our journey and connection with Turkey.  Our new friend ended up coming to visit us his last week in the states, and that sealed the deal.  This guy was like part of our family.  There was a connection made that crossed cultural and religious barriers.  Over the course of the year, while he was back home and at college, we stayed in touch.  He introduced us to his family members and friends as his "American family."  At the end of last year we learned that there would be a group trip to Turkey scheduled for 2015 and we immediately wanted to go.  No doubt. Thanks to many friends and family, the means to be on this trip were provided.  Our hearts were already in love with this country, and the people in it, before we arrived.

Our first day in Istanbul we were put into groups and given an "Amazing Race" challenge.  We had to navigate around the city, which included crossing, by ferry, from the Asian side of Turkey to the European side.  We had to get lunch for ourselves, find a place to exchange money, perform tasks like buy and drink one of Turkey's popular beverages that tasted like sour milk, and eat some Turkish delight.  I have to admit, I was a little nervous as I have no sense of direction, but thankfully Joe and some of the others in our group led us in the right direction!  We saw some amazing places and it was also a great way to build our confidence in getting around the city.  Our final meeting up place was at Sultanamet, an area of town that has the impressive Blue Mosque and the Aya Sofia, another religious building. We were later able to tour the inside of the Aya Sofia.  It was amazing.


The Aya Sofia is such an interesting contrast to me.  It was built during the Byzantine Empire as a place to worship and honor the Christian God.  There is artwork, mosaics, and paintings that depict the cross, angels, Jesus, and other people in the Bible.  When the land was conquered by the Turks, the Arabic script was added in several places in the building. You can easily see the large, round discs that were mounted on the side of the main room.  We were told that Muslim art does not include pictures, but just fancy Arabic script from the Koran.  Just as the Aya Sofia represents this religious contrast, so does other places in this country.  All seven of the churches spoken of in the book of Revelation are all located in Turkey.  There were also various missionary journeys taken by Paul in the New Testament, one of which was located in Troas, which is known as Alexandra-Troas in Turkey.  We were actually able to visit this area of the country.

These are some of the ruins at Troas. This stone arch was actually built after the time of Paul, but it is still the area where he was. We drove quite a distance to reach this part of Turkey.  As we drove up, there were no big signs that said, "Here is where Paul was!" We didn't expect that, but it gave us the opportunity to share to some of our Turkish friends why this area was significant to us.  Even though it was only about an hour and a half away from their hometown, they had never been here or heard the story about it.  The ruins were just off the side of the road...no fences or museums.  We were able to explore all around.

Across the road from this archway was an area that students from the University of Ankara were excavating.  This was really neat.  They gave us 15 minutes to go into the area before they closed it up.  The picture on the right was one of the pieces they have uncovered and had put in a big cage to protect from looters.  There were several ornate pieces like this one.  The view from the area was amazing.  It was the first time I was able to go to a place that those in the Bible had walked and visited.  My love of history and social studies combined with my love of God's Word was at a peak that day.

Another fun place we were able to visit was the ancient city of Troy and the ruins there.  Our Turkish friends called it Truva.  This is not the original wooden horse that was used in the story of Troy, but it was definitely a fun replica that we were able to climb inside of.  Here is our group posed in front.  Definitely a good time of fellowship with friends.







A big part of our trip was spent helping those who have been displaced from their home countries due to a variety of circumstances, often by war or because of their religious beliefs.  By helping, I mean we were able to spend time with them, love on them, and even do some English classes.  Some of these children are living in a place that is not their home, they are not able to go to school, and it's even hard for them to know how to communicate.  It was a privilege to be able to push them on the swings, watch them swim in the sea, and play games with them.  They are so smart, hungry for knowledge, and would listen and participate attentively as we were studying in a local park outside under a tree.  If this doesn't offer perspective, I'm not sure what will.  We are so very blessed in our country to have what we do.  We take so much for granted.

For about three days of our trip we were also able to do a youth conference.  This was another great opportunity to minister to a different group of young people (also from another country who were living in Turkey) who have a heart for God and want to learn, along with us, more about Him.  I love that we could hear songs of worship in their language and through translators see our God span cultural and language differences.  He is a God of the nations.  This conference opened my eyes as well.  God is at work in places that we don't even realize.  While we are led to believe that people in some of these countries want to destroy us, God is working behind the scenes to give people life.  I am so glad that He used this time to open my eyes to see what He is truly doing and give me a love for new brothers and sisters in Christ that I may never have met.

And one of the highlights of our trip!  Seeing our dear friend, Tunc (pronounced Toonch), again and meeting his girlfriend (Pinar), sister (Simge--pronounced Sim-yay), and mother.  This picture was taken soon after we met up and there was lots of love going around. I couldn't give them big enough hugs...my heart was bursting.  We had a wonderful two days in their hometown of Canakkale, a beautiful city surrounded by water.  It was very windy there, which gave us the consistent windblown look ; ).  Tunc's family was so hospitable, providing us with a delicious meal cooked by Simge and a nice place to spend the night.  I wish we would've had more time with them, but I'm grateful for the time we had.  Our hope is that this is just the beginning of a beautiful relationship between all of us.  I'm thankful for technology and the ability to stay in touch with them to send them our love from a distance.  I'm hopeful that we will be able to see each other again in the future.

So that's our trip in a nutshell!  I would love to share more details with any of you who are interested in more specific information.  Just contact me personally so we can chat : ).  We thoroughly enjoyed our time and we saw many people, places, and things that will impact us for a lifetime.  Continue to pray for this part of the world and the people who live there.  God bless!

Reviewer's Bookshelf: The Curiosity Keeper by Sarah Ladd

Book Summary (from Goodreads): 

“It is not just a ruby, as you say. It is large as a quail’s egg, still untouched and unpolished. And it is rumored to either bless or curse whomever possesses it.”

Camille Iverness can take care of herself. She’s done so since the day her mother abandoned the family and left Camille to run their shabby curiosity shop on Blinkett Street. But when a violent betrayal leaves her injured with no place to hide, Camille has no choice but to accept help from the mysterious stranger who came to her aid.

Jonathan Gilchrist never wanted to inherit Kettering Hall. As a second son, he was content working as a village apothecary. But when his brother’s death made him heir just as his father’s foolish decisions put the estate at risk, only the sale of a priceless possession—a ruby called the Bevoy—can save the family from ruin. But the gem has disappeared. And all trails lead to Iverness Curiosity Shop—and the beautiful shop girl who may or may not be the answer to his questions.

Curious circumstance throws them together, and an intricate dance of need and suspicion leads the couple from the seedy backwaters of London to the elite neighborhoods of the wealthy to the lush, green Surrey countryside—all in the pursuit of a blood-red gem that collectors will sacrifice anything to possess.

Caught at the intersection of blessings and curses, greed and deceit, two determined souls must unite to protect what they hold dear. But when a passion that shines far brighter than any gem is ignited, each will have to decide how much they are willing to risk for their future, love, and happiness.

My thoughts...

The Curiosity Keeper is the newest book by award winning author, Sarah E. Ladd.  I was very excited to see this new series because I had enjoyed some of Ladd's previous novels.  This book did not disappoint!

The story begins with high energy, danger, mystery, and excitement.  I couldn't turn the pages fast enough as Camille and Jonathan's paths began to cross in the midst of Camille being assaulted and robbed.  Camille is not a stranger to hardship, and bears it well, but some betrayals are too difficult to bear alone.  Camille has to basically turn to the only man she can trust, even though she barely knows him....Jonathan Gilchrist.

The pacing of the story mirrors it's locations.  The scenes in London are intense, with danger at every turn, and high energy.  The city is also a place where survival skills are a necessity.  Even those who are wealthy must learn to apply their wits, manage their resources well, and stay in society's good graces to maintain their way of life.  When Camille and Jonathan travel to the countryside, the pace of the novel slows dramatically.  Camille and Jonathan both find peace in their surroundings.  Then the pace picks back up again at the end of the novel.  While this book did have some of the traditional elements of a story set in this place and time, there were many surprises in the book. This definitely kept the story engaging, even when the pace became a little slower. 

Camille was an interesting character, forced to grow up too soon due to her mother's disappearance and her father's neglect.  She's smart and independent, but there seems to be a longing inside of her to be taken care of.  Jonathan stands out from his family as he doesn't have the haughty, deserving attitude of his father and sister.  He has a heart for helping others and wants to try to help his family even though he truly desires to separate himself from their lifestyle.  

I would definitely recommend The Curiosity Keeper.  It will keep you guessing and take you on a journey of love and mystery.

**I received a free copy of this novel from the publisher to give an unbiased review**

A book review with my daughter Sophie

I'd like to introduce my wonderful daughter, Sophie, who is 8 years old (going on 16 ;-)).  Sophie LOVES to draw and read. In fact, she could spend a good part of the day writing notes to all of us, drawing in her journal or note pad, and is basically a very relaxed gal.  When I found out I had the opportunity to get a copy of this book "Laugh Out Loud Pocket Doodles for Girls," I knew it would be perfect for her!  Oh...and even more perfect...it has a funny kid's joke on each page.  Another bonus!  Sophie loves to tell jokes and now she has plenty to add to her collection ; ).

Each page of this book has a kid appropriate joke with a partially drawn doodle that goes along with it.  Your child has to complete the doodle but add their own creativity to it.  This was great for my girl because while she loves to draw on her own, the partial doodle gave her some good ideas.  Here is one of the pages from the book and Sophie's completed doodle on the left.  I asked her, "How did you like doing this doodle, Sophie?"  She said, "One word: LOVE!" : )

I thought it would be fun to do a few interview questions and see what else she liked about this book.

1. Which joke in the book is your favorite so far?
Sophie: The pig joke! --What do you call the story of the three little pigs?  A pigtail.

2.  Do you feel like the doodles are easy or hard?
Sophie: Very easy.

3. Have you been able to practice your drawing skill with this book?
Sophie: It's very easy to do.

4. Would you recommend this book to other girls?
Sophie: YES!

5.  What do you think of this book?
Sophie: It is very great! I like the doodling pictures and the jokes.  I would tell my friends the jokes in the book.

Thank you, Sophie, for joining me today.  

We would definitely recommend this fun book!  

**I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in order to give an unbiased review**

Reviewer's Bookshelf: To Capture Her Heart by Rebecca DeMarino

Book Summary (from Goodreads):

It is 1653 and Heather Flower, a princess of the Montauk tribe, is enjoying her wedding feast when her groom is killed and she is kidnapped by a rival tribe and held for ransom. Though her ransom is paid by an Englishman, she is nonetheless left to die in a Connecticut forest--until she finds herself rescued by handsome Dutch Lieutenant Dirk Van Buren. Torn between her affection for Dirk and her long friendship with family friend Benjamin Horton, Heather Flower must make a difficult choice--stay true to her friend or follow her heart.

My thoughts: 

This is a difficult review for me to write because I wanted to love this book!  The cover and summary had my expectations very high.  I love books that include Native Americans, some of their history, and clean romance.  In some ways this book met those expectations, but in others it fell short.  Let me begin with the positives.

There was a good bit of history that was unknown to me that I did learn about in this novel.  I didn't know much about the relationship between the Dutch and the English in early American history, and this story did offer that.  I also liked that the love story was not completely predictable.  There was a little bit of a twist at the end and I wasn't completely sure what was going to happen.

In the story's defense, it may have been helpful for me to read the first book in the series.  I believe this novel was meant to be stand alone, but there were SO many characters in this story. Maybe if I had some background I could've kept up with all of them.  Unfortunately, I kind of got lost in the references to so many people coming in and out of the storyline that I was often distracted.

Another issue I had with the story is that, for me, it lacked the romantic tension that I was expecting.  The romantic aspect of the story was often in the background, while the everyday going about life for the characters was the focal point.  One character basically proclaimed his love for the heroine after meeting her in the first few pages of the book.  No angst.  I was pretty detached from the love story that was supposed to be happening.  

As a reviewer I feel obligated to give an honest review.  While DeMarino did offer some history and some very clean, short, romantic moments, this story just fell flat for me.  I was expecting an epic love triangle, and it seemed to me like at least half of the story was about the lives of other characters in the novel.  It was a big disconnect.  That's not to say that some of you might like this style and story.

**I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review, which I gave.**

Reviewer's Bookshelf: "A Worthy Pursuit" by Karen Witemeyer

Book summary (from Goodreads): Stone Hammond is the best tracker in Texas. He never comes home empty-handed. So when a wealthy railroad investor hires him to find his abducted granddaughter, Stone eagerly accepts.

Charlotte Atherton, former headmistress of Sullivan’s Academy for Exceptional Youths, will do anything to keep her charges safe, especially the little girl entrusted to her care after her mother’s death. Charlotte promised Lily’s mother she’d keep the girl away from her unscrupulous grandfather, and nothing will stop Charlotte from fulfilling that pledge. Not even the handsome bounty hunter with surprisingly honest eyes who comes looking for them.

When the teacher he’s after produces documentation that shows she’s the little girl’s legal guardian, Stone must reevaluate everything he’s been led to believe. Is Miss Atherton villain or victim? She acts more like a loving mother than an abductress, and the children in her care clearly adore her. Should Stone break his perfect record?

Then a new danger threatens, and Charlotte is forced to trust the man sent to destroy her. Stone becomes determined to protect what he once sought to tear apart. Besides, he’s ready to start a new pursuit: winning Charlotte’s heart.

My thoughts....
Another great story by Karen Witemeyer!  This story, for me, is special because of the great contrasts that are throughout the novel, but is made even better by the common desires of our two main characters.  

The cover has a whimsical feel to it, like several other covers of Witemeyer's books, and there are some fun moments in the story.  But I took away even more from the more serious aspects of the novel.  Charlotte and Stone have suffered in their past, which causes them both to have emotional walls built up.  Although both have been wounded, they are also resilient, showing courage in different ways.  Charlotte isn't afraid to stand up to Stone, even though he could physically overpower her.  Stone is taken back by this prim, yet strong little woman who doesn't seem to be afraid of him.  

Stone shows up in Charlotte's life as basically a bounty hunter, believing he's serving justice and doing right by bringing her in.  But as he gets to know her, sees how she loves the young children she's basically adopted, he realizes there is more to the story than he was told.  Stone is hard and tough, Charlotte is prim and proper, but these two opposites find common ground in their mutual desire to have true justice served.  I loved watching the progression of their firmly constructed emotional walls being torn down.  Stone lives up to his name as he is a rock for Charlotte physically and emotionally, but Charlotte was able to break through and get to the soft parts of Stone's hardened heart.  Good stuff!

And last, but not least, I loved the children in the story!  They were each given amazing talents and gifts and those gifts each played a part in the story.  Charlotte loved each child for who they were but she also encouraged their giftedness and helped develop it.  As a gifted person herself, Charlotte was able to rediscover her own love of her special gift through the people she loved in the story.  I appreciated that aspect of the novel just as much as the romantic parts.  

I always recommend Karen Witemeyer's books because they are all excellent!  I have written several reviews of her books and Karen was also the first author I interviewed on my blog!  Go here to read it and even find out what one of Karen's favorite recipes is! : )

*I received a copy of this book from the publisher in order to give an unbiased review, which I did.*

Reviewer's Bookshelf: "Hearts Made Whole" by Jody Hedlund

Book Summary (from Goodreads): After her father’s death, Caroline Taylor has grown confident running the Windmill Point Lighthouse. But in 1865 Michigan, women aren’t supposed to have such roles, so it’s only a matter of time before the lighthouse inspector appoints a new keeper–even though Caroline has nowhere else to go and no other job available to her.

Ryan Chambers is a Civil War veteran still haunted by the horrors of battle. He’s been given the post as lighthouse keeper, and the isolation where he can drown in drink and hide from his past is appealing. He’s not expecting the current keeper to be a feisty and beautiful woman who’s none-too-pleased to be giving up her position. They both quickly realize he’s in no shape to run the lighthouse, but Ryan’s unwilling to let anyone close, ravaged by memories and guilt. Caroline’s drawn to this wounded soul, but with both of them relying on that single position, can they look past their loss to a future filled with hope…and possibly love?

My thoughts....
This is the third book I've read in which one of the main characters is a war veteran and dealing with PTSD.  Each character dealt with it in his/her own way.  With Ryan Chambers, it was to drown his nightmares away with drink and pills.  When he arrived at the lighthouse, Caroline saw a broken man.  But Ryan wasn't the only broken person in the lighthouse.

The vulnerability of each of the main characters in this novel really draws you in to their story.  Caroline has been forced into the role of mother and father, she works hard to try and be a good leader and influence in her little family, but it's a heavy load to bear.  Ryan is so broken physically and mentally that he can barely take care of himself.  They are both at a point of such high need that it draws them to each other for not just romantic reasons but for physical and emotional survival.

Hedlund is a master at creating wonderful romantic moments for her characters.  I know that when I read one of her books I'm going to have those butterflies-in-my-stomach moments and this book was no exception!  Tastefully done and creates a delightful page-turning experience!

Some of the romantic moments came together as part of the suspense aspect of the plot.  Someone was trying their best to harm and cause trouble for Caroline and her family.  There was also some tension between Caroline and another family member. The plot twists that came from both of those situations also made for a fantastic read.

Definitely recommend this book!

*I received a free e-copy of this novel from the publisher in exchange for an honest review, which I gave.*

Reviewer's Bookshelf: "Now & Forever" by Mary Connealy

Book Summary (from Goodreads): Matthew Tucker survives a grizzly attack by jumping over a cliff into a rushing river. Unexpectedly, Shannon Wilde takes the plunge with him. Going through a series of waterfalls and rapids turns into a bonding experience.

By the time they battle their way back to civilization, Shannon has been thoroughly compromised, and only a wedding will do. A mountain man who loves to wander in the wilderness far from other people finds himself hitched to a young woman with a passel of relatives, a homestead, and a flock of sheep to care for.

As they learn to live with each other, strange things begin to happen on Shannon’s land. Someone evil clearly wants to drive them off, but whoever it is apparently didn’t count on Tucker. Trying to scare Matthew Tucker just makes him mad–and trying to hurt the woman he’s falling in love with sets off something even Matthew never expected.

My thoughts...

The wild ride starts on the first page of this book and doesn't stop til the end.  When Matthew Tucker is being chased by a bear and Shannon saves him by throwing him over a cliff into "Slaughter River", it begins the fast-paced action and romance that can only be expected from a Mary Connealy novel. It's only appropriate that our heroine, Shannon, has the last name of Wilde ; ). 

I mentioned the fast pace from the start because that's what I love about Connealy's books.  It's what makes them page-turners because you want to know...what's going to happen!?  Of the three Wilde sisters, Shannon seems to be the most gentle.  But this novel also shows Shannon's tough side as she not only throws Matt over the cliff, but also how she keeps him afloat, and saves him from certain death in the rapids.  There was a great contrast, though, because Shannon was forced to be tough through her experiences in the Civil War, but deep down, when she was most vulnerable, she was gentle and tender-hearted.  I really loved getting to know her character more and seeing these different sides.

I also love the wit that Connealy writes for her characters.  This sometimes comes out in dialogue, but other times it's just what they're thinking.  It makes me laugh inside...and sometimes out loud...and causes the characters to be all the more endearing.  It adds levity to tough situations, but it also serves to show some of her character's deep feelings.  Here's a passage from the beginning of the book:

"Somehow Shannon had gotten them ashore--he was real sure he hadn't done it.  He fumbled at his shirt, reasonably dry now.  So they'd been landed for hours.  What a woman.  Tucker smiled as he considered all she'd done and all that was left to do to get them out of here.  He hoped she didn't kick up too much of a fuss when, after all she'd done to save them, Tucker took charge, because he didn't like a fuss."

I will also say that with all the humor and lighthearted moments in the novel, Connealy sure can write nasty bad guys!  In this book the villian is cunning, evil, and a little scary.  He's great at fooling everyone as to just how smart he really is, which catches them off guard.  This makes for some very exciting moments in the story.

Overall, I really loved this book.  The humor, wit, fast-paced action, and great characters made a great novel.  It's also the second in the Wild at Heart series and I would recommend the first novel as well, called "Tried and True."  I will say that the resolution was a little predictable, as there were a few hints during the course of the novel.  But it didn't affect my overall enjoyment of the book.

Happy reading!

*I received a free copy of this novel from the publisher, Bethany House, in exchange for an honest review, which I gave."