Special Surprise #2

After dinner with our host families, we were brought to a 600 year old building that was used as a school and for special events.  The local association provided a wonderful spread with fresh cherries, watermelon, mixed nuts and water.  Then we got to see the whirling dervishes spin and pray.  After that we heard three local middle school boys perform some traditional Turkish songs.  They did an amazing job.  (I will try to load video upon my return). It was fun to see some of the people around the courtyard singing the words under their breath as the boys performed.

Eve, Annie, Lutfia and hostess.

Hostess, Katie and David

Local dervishes (training is now 2 months, not 1001 days).  They offer up prayers as they spin.  They are spinning on prayer rugs. They have a hand up receiving blessing from God and a hand out - giving blessing to the world.

Middle schooler performing traditional Turkish music for us.

Eyyup and our host offering greetings.  At the end of the evening, the Americans were asked to share a little bit about what they have enjoyed in Turkey.  We all had something different to say.  I am most moved by the fact that so many of the people that we have met have been so generous in their approach to life (not just to us, but to those in need in the world).  There is clear recognition that if you have been given more than you need in life that you have an obligation to give to others and help them have a better life.  This is embodied in all of the schools that we have visited and in the culture itself.