July 16, 2008, Umut and I went on our 1st date. Little did I know that night was the beginning of a new season in my life. And little did I know about the adventure awaiting me. What a year this has been!
Before we left İzmir in June, we went retraced our 1st date at Barinak Cafe and retold each of our perspectives of that special night. But yesterday was the actual 1-year anniversary so we had been eager all week to celebrate.
As we have been reflecting on this past year, we both acknowledge there is much to be grateful for. The Lord's kindness and graciousness to us, both individually and as a couple, has been immeasurable. He has held our hand as we have walked through so many barriers...cultural barriers, relationship barriers, language barriers. And each of these barriers continues to teach us about the Lord's faithfulness while increasing our desire for joy in perseverance.
From July through December of last year we Skyped 4 times a week. Then for 5 weeks at the end of 2008, Umut arrived in America and concluded his visit with a beautiful proposal. In March I arrived in Turkey. Today we are just past the half-way mark of our 13-month engagement (January 8, 2010!!!) and the halfway mark of my 1st stint in Turkey.
My conclusion is this: for the last 4 1/2 months I have fallen more in love with Umut, more broken for this country and more in awe of God's immeasurable graciousness to us.
