It Gives Me Pause...

It is past 1 AM in Turkey now.  I have spent the last hour trying to reach my blog-site, and nearly unable to do so.  A kind man at the front desk of the hotel assisted me.  My login screen turn into Turkish right before my eyes, a language I cannot begin to understand.  It would not let me sign in and so, there I was, unable to move through the internet at all.  It has been an exceptionally long day - they all have been so on this trip - but so very rich, each day with wonderful experiences.  My commitment to chronicle pieces of the trip seemed a simple concept, however, there was much I had not considered: the time change and the exceptionally long and tiring days, very weak internet connections in hotel rooms, my computer and the internet suddenly thinking that I speak Turkish, other factors that are simply uncontrollable.  Isn't this a lesson in life, we never can really plan for it all, nor are we often in control.  So, I will do my best to recount a few things from today, and a bit more about yesterday...

The 500 Year Jewish Museum was fascinating, it told the story of the Ottoman Sulatn opening Turkey's borders to the Jews in the 1400's when they were being driven out of Spain and other places in Europe - a truly inspiring story of gracious welcome!  The Military Museum was another reminder to me that we as humans must find better ways to solve our differences and resolve our conflicts, but the concert by the traditional music band of the ancient army was inspiring and beautiful.  Dinner in the home of dear new friends, their gracious hospitality, the arrival of the Mayor of the community in Istanbul where we were dining, and our discussions about Turkish / American relations was inspirational and very hopeful, the Turkish people see the strengthening relationship between our two countries as so very important, so do we.  Now, today...

We started the day at the relief organization, "Kimse Yok Mu" which translates, "Is there anybody there?"  This magnificent organization answers with 80 staff members and 200,000 volunteers in 67 different countries where they provide every kind of aid imaginable with, "yes, we are here!"  They are the third largest relief organization in Turkey, and a blessing to the tens of thousands they serve.  Dave Krepcho of Second Harvest Food Bank, along with the rest of us, was inspired by their wonderful organization of care.

So much happened today, and one great highlight came at days end, when we were taken to a worship service of Sufi Dance (Sufi Dance is a great method often know as Whirling Dervish Dancing).  It was magnificently beautiful and inspiring, I truly worshiped as they danced... such beauty!

The worshipers prepare to dance following prayer preparations

The worshipers dance, one hand lifted to Allah (God) one hand reaching out to humanity in love

"Tea is Served" ...always!

And of course, after worship, tea - in fact, after anything, tea - it is the charming and delightful tradition of the Turkish people to pause for tea often during the day.  It is served in clear crystal fluted glasses with sugar and is quickly refilled until you can take no more.  It is a sign of hospitality, grace, and civility.  The kind gentleman in the picture to the left, dressed in a traditional garb, served us with such kindness and decorum.

We have been treated like visiting dignitaries with such graciousness.  The Turkish people - and I have met many by now, both by intention, and by accident - are a kind and gracious people.  A reminder to each of us of the true heart of Islam.  What an honor to be among such good and gracious friends.  We have much to learn from our friends in Turkey.  It is a new day in this country: progressive, hopeful, prosperous, and energized.  What a joy to see and experience these wonderful people and their beautiful homeland.