Travels Galore

In late August and early September, Dan and I embarked on two separate journeys that would keep us apart for nearly two weeks. We were both very blessed--with safe travel, loving family, new experiences, God's beautiful creation, and the joy of being reunited.

Dan had the incredible opportunity to travel to Turkey with his dad and Aunts Mary Esther and Ruthie. He travelled to multiple cities, including Midyat, Instanbul and the ruins of Ephesus. He researched and discovered amazing things about his great ancestors, and was able to stand in the very places where some of those ancestors were martyred. He saw beautiful churches, landscapes and architecture. He stood in the Tigris river and ate Turkish delicacies right on the river's banks. He survived crazy travel experiences, major time differences and lingering jet lag....but it was more than worth it.

These pictures don't do the trip justice, but they give a little taste...

Grace family--visiting with the Farley's

Shmayaa Hotel, where Dan's great-grandmother was martyred in the early 20th century

John's favorite part of the trip ;) the food!

The "Site" -- where hundreds were martyred and where Dan, John and his aunts gathered to pray

Bethel Church--Dan's great-great grandfather was involved in starting/building this church

Minaret after minaret line the city skyline, but this steeple at Bethel Church stands at the highest elevation in the city--cool!

Another shot of the Shmayaa Hotel

Hagia Sophia--one of the largest churches in the world, later converted into a mosque

While Dan was exploring his Turkish roots, Luke, Ellie, Adalyn and I joined Mimi and Papa in Hilton Head. We had a wonderful time, and were incredibly blessed by Mimi and Papa. They generously provided a flight for me and Adalyn, a roomy condo to stay in for a week and a half, yummy food, late morning sleep-ins (woohoo!), and lots of fun activites. Papa even taught Luke how to dive!

 

We had a lot of fun--Luke can now swim without floaties! Luke and Ellie successfully shared a bedroom while we were there, and Adalyn continued to use her signs and learn new words. Most days we spent the morning at the swimming pool and the evenings at the beach. Mimi and Papa took the kids on lots of bike rides and Papa even paid Luke and Ellie for helping him find golf balls on the golf course behind their condo.