Country: Ayvacik, Turkey

Dates: 2/24-4/23

Team Name: STCKD

Local Currency: Lira

Local Languages: Turkish

Ministry Partner Name: TRM

Favorite Memory: I got invited over to my friend Rose's house to help her cook for her sons birthday dinner. This is our bakery family that we have grown close to, so we wanted to do something special for his birthday. Rose told us that she would provide a traditional Turkish meal for us, and I went over one night to help prepare a dish with her. We were making manti, a Turkish pasta where you have dough and some meat and then you pinch the meat inside of it. Her neighbor ended up joining us, and we tried to communicate as best as we could but it was a very special moment with them all.

A High Moment (something really good): The Lord has been showing me His relational side and what that looks/means as His child. It has been sweet to experience this and to reflect this onto others. I have loved to grow in relationship with other people and to show them the love that Christ shows me.

A Low Moment (time I felt low): Saying goodbye has been hard for me. My heart aches for the people I have grown close to, and as we leave Turkey, I know that it will be hard for me emotionally.

What God Taught Me: God taught me that every soul is worth fighting for. The sense of urgency has been heavy on my heart and taking moments to interceede has been growing in many ways. He has taught me the love that He has for me and how His heart aches for His children. He taught me how to be present and soak in everything.

A Spiritual Growth: The Lord called me to fast halfway through our time in Turkey. I wanted the Lord to grow me in several ways during the fast. I wanted to grow on my dependence on Him, grow in my prayer life, and to fight off my flesh. I have seen the Lord move in mighty ways during it, both in me and in different ways around me.

Favorite Squad Memory (thus far): We spent a lot of time with DDC, the boys team, and it was very fun to work alongside them. Especially in the construction of the church we were working on. To partner alongside them and to see a building that will one day be a house of worship and prayer.

With all of that being said…

Turkey, you have opened my eyes and my heart. You have been a sweet place for relationships to grow and for intimacy to flourish. Turkey, you will hold a special place in my heart and I pray that you will seek the Father. Thank you for being a breath of fresh air for me.Tanıştığım insanlar için dua edeceğim, hepinizi seviyorum. 

Blessings,

Joana Quintana