This begins a series of updates from Pastor Wolff while on his sabbatical. Check back for frequent highlights.
4.24.14 Kathie & I are sitting in Amsterdam with a delayed connection to Istanbul. Our flight last night in economy, reminded us why Ed Williams Jr. told us to ask for an upgrade, which we did & were denied. Instead we were packed in like being smashed into an 'el' train for 7hrs. Pleased to get off we ate delicious omelets at a Dutch kitchen. It was a great breakfast, but we were surprised to discover it cost us $40....but Kathie reminds me someone else is paying for it. We'll see how long they continue to pay? We are looking to get jammed onto a small full plane to Istanbul. Glad we ate! I have been wearing my 'priest collar.' I tend to get better respect, but forget what I am wearing. A person encountered me in the airport unexpectedly and asked if I was headed to Rome for the papal delegation. 'What' I said. No I am headed to Turkey! 'Oh, thought you'd be going to Rome!' Slow to get it, I explained I was Protestant but loved the pope. Looks like we are boarding..... lost our boarding passes...but recovered new ones with the attendant...think my collar may have assisted. I'll take whatever 'helps' I can get! Hopefully our bags make it to Istanbul! We will see what awaits us there! 4.25.14. WHAT A FIRST DAY! Our Turkish guide Funda showed up to get us at 9;30 this morning. What was peculiar is that she led us to a mini bus that seats 25 people and WE WERE IT! Topki Palace where the sultans ruled since conquering by the Ottomans in about 1000 ad. The sultans ruled in opulence and also were noted for their collection of women. We spent time at the Hippo Dome where the Romans held races and contests. There we saw a pillar taken from Egypt that dates back to the Time of Moses and the Israelites. From there we visited the BLUE MOSQUE and were impressed with the Muslims dedication to prayer. Then we visited the Hagia Sophia- that was originally built as a church and then the sultans transformed it to a mosque- but the Christian icons still remain. We learned much history. THEN THINGS GOT QUITE FACSINATING & out of our control, after we said good bye to our tour guide things started to happen. Our guide took us to a Turkish rug store. Well, after Turkish coffee, tea and wine together we walked out buying four Turkish rugs...to be shipped back to the states ..... If we spend money like that everyday we will spend over $250k for this trip....Lilly did not include rugs in the budget! Our guide/driver dropped us off at the arena where Cappie Pondexter was playing in the first game of the Turkish women’s finals. We were treated to VIP seating. I promptly went downstairs to see what benefits that may entitle me to..... I found some well-dressed businessman who where helping themselves to food and snacks and tried to fit in with my collar and white self. It worked out ...I got bottles of water, hot dogs, chips....and made my way back to the seats with every intention of coming back to fill up again. Which at half-time I tried, only this time to be stopped by security who said I was not a business man! The game was exciting and LOUD. Turks scream when the opposing team has the ball much like football fans do to the opposition when the other team has the ball. Crazy. Cappie's team lost....by a nail biter so they must now win the next 3 out of 4 games. We sat providentially by a young man named Ed...who was friends with Cappie's roommate Angel. Turned out he led us to where Cappie comes out side and we could talk and greet each other. Tomorrow is another day of touring but we hope to go to the hotel and have dinner with Cappie.
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