From Joni

Greetings from Turkey!!!!! Today, Diane and I were privileged to experience "Old Adana" with Wendi and the boys. We started our adventure by catching the "dolmush" from The Alley through a furniture manufacturing section into the shopping area of the city of Adana, making numerous stops to pick up passengers. It was amazing to witness first hand all of the things that Wendi has mentioned previously in her blog. The pinching of the boys cheeks, the rubbing of their heads, and the outward displays of affection that the men (primarily) bestowed on the boys.

I hesitate to call this a "shopping" expedition because we did not exactly get off of the "dolmush" at the right stop, so spent some time trying to get our bearings. (I won't insult Wendi and say that we were lost!) But we were! Wendi was truly unbelievable.....she got out her English/Turkish dictionary and approached anyone that appeared sympathetic to our dilema to ask directions. Her Turkish is quite impressive, and people were very eager to offer their help. We did find what we were looking for and ended up in a candy store where the boys could
sample any sweet that they wanted. The owner of the store spoke fluent English and told us where we could catch the "dolmush" back home. I thought it was interesting that the man sitting next to Isaac and myself held out his arms for Isaac to sit in his lap. Isaac did give him a "meerhaba" and even said thank you in Turkish!!

I know that Wendi would never "toot her own horn" so to speak, but Diane and I were so amazed at her. She can make her way through the market, purchasing produce or clothing, if she doesn't know the word, she either looks it up, or asks the person selling the product. She is determined to master the language so that she can go anywhere and do whatever she wants without limitations, and she is well on her way.

Diane and I are so very happy to be able to be here and thank God for this great opportunity to be with the family here. We just want to say, "Way to go, Wendi!!"