March 21

March 21

First of all, I think I wrote yesterday’s journal entry too early in the day.  I figured it was going to be an uneventful evening but I wasn’t entirely correct.  Just before dinner I slipped on the glossy marble staircase coming down from our room.  My Bible and my laptop went flying and I bashed my right forearm pretty hard on the bone.  It hurt like heck and I’ve got a bit of a blood blister but aside from that, nothing to report.  My laptop’s okay, which is good enough for me – (“Lord, let me not commit idolatry!”)

Also, I think I figured out the whole donayer thingamabob.  For one, it’s spelled doner and the proper name for the dish is doner kebab which actually refers to the roasted meat that is cooked on a rotating spit and subsequently sliced off and stuffed in a subway bun alongside other topping such as French fries, tomato, etc., thereby becoming a doner sandwich.  The meat varies and can be either lamb, pork, goat, chicken, turkey, beef, or mixed meats.  I actually think the one we had the other day was chicken, not pork.  It’s sort of hard to tell.

Traveled between two continents today.  Crossed the Bosphorus Strait from the Asian side of Istanbul where we’re staying to the European side to check out a few historical sites.  The Bosphorus runs right through the city and basically cuts it in half.  The European side has a different ‘feel.’  It’s seems more Westernized anyways.  There are more recognizable fast food joints.  The streets are narrow and cobblestone covers many of them.  The people seem slightly more urbane and well-dressed with many fashionistas and presentable businessmen hurrying along self-importantly.  At least, this was my impression.  Also, we saw a bunch of tourists.  We didn’t feel so bad snapping pictures since everybody else was doing it. 

We saw some incredible buildings – the Sultan Ahmed Mosque (commonly known as the Blue Mosque) and Hagia Sophia.  We got our first picture together in front of Hagia Sophia.  A friendly, elderly, ignorant, slightly racist British couple who insisted they be identified as ‘Cornish’ and not English kindly offered to take our picture.  We had an interesting conversation in which we discussed traveling in particular.  They mentioned how the blacks were taking over South Africa last time they heard and that it wasn’t really safe for Whites anymore.  I think they said something else about ‘Turks’ that sort of rubbed me the wrong way but I can’t recall exactly what it was.  They also mentioned something about how Canadians disassociate themselves from Americans and when they said American their tones shifted suddenly in to a kind of annoying whine and the word rolled quickly out their mouths with a kind of loathing – who knew we were all in league against the USA?  Not really.  Gotta love my American friends.

Walked down a narrow alleyway (the Istanbul Bazaar) that went on and on for quite a lengthy stretch.  Vendors in shops packed the row on both sides with no space to spare and the walkway itself was so crowded we were all basically shoulder to shoulder.  It was neat though.  I sort of feel a rush when people are jam-packed together like that.  Can’t say why.

On the bus ride back to ISTHOP we talked to two girls about our age.  I guess they were listening in on our conversation.  They seemed pretty curious.  They were whispering to each other and giggling.  Eventually they worked up the nerve and asked us where we’re from.  Turns out they’re students studying Islamic theology at a local university.  They were incredibly kind. 

One thing God has been reminding me lately is that every human being, regardless of their beliefs, is made in the image and likeness of God.  This means that every person is equally capable of goodwill, kindness, wisdom, and morality.  When goodness happens, when an act of kindness is performed, this is simply a beautiful reflection of God’s character.  Still, every moment of our lives is tainted by sin because of our selfishness, rebelliousness, and Godlessness and without Christ we can never hope to be reconciled to God.  But, I need to learn to recognize the goodness in people ‘outside the fold.'