I can't believe that I only have three and a half more weeks left here! I just know that those few weeks are going to fly by. Since the last time I posted I feel like a ton has happened. The first noteworthy thing was the Hamam (Turkish bath). About 8 of us went about two weeks ago and I was in for a surprise. The Hamam was explained to me in a way that suggested something very similar to a steam room or sauna. To be fair, this is an accurate description of half of your experience...the other involves another man essentially massaging/bathing you with nothing but a little towel for protection. I wish I could say I hated it. I wish I could say it didn't feel good. I wish I could say it wasn't worth what I paid for it. I wish I didn't feel so dirty afterwards. I wish I hadn't felt so clean.
All in all I must say the Hamam was not too bad. You get your towel and leave your clothes then head to this steam room. There your sit douse yourself with water until you are ready to go the the sauna. The sauna stays at a cool 165. After a few minutes in there you go out and that's when things get uncomfortable/great feeling. A guy rubs down the vast majority of you with a glove that feels like sand paper. He then proceeds to lay you down on a heated marble slab and lather you up/massage you. Like I said it was weird and I will probably go back.
Other things have happened as well. One of our roommates went home and we had a game. The game went great even though I was just exhausted. I haven't played iron man football in a long time. Our team won 22-18 and we had a great time. It was a beautiful day and great to see the work we have done pay off. We are supposed to finish our season this Sunday afternoon. Hopefully we will end it with a bang.
Beyond those two events, things have been going great. Friday we went to the Black Sea to celebrate the birthday of one of our American friends. Șile is the beach we went to and it was really fun minus the wind, glacial water, and thunderstorm that formed right above our heads while we were trying to roast smores. I have been trying to enjoy my time in Turkey while also trying to find a job when I get back to the States. It is hard finding a teaching job when you aren't certified and you are halfway around the world. I have been able to spend a good deal of time with some of my friends here and have had some great opportunities to share Truth. It is so encouraging to know that He is working through us here.
