. . .and a little child. . .

"Where are you from?" the school children visiting the Topkapi Palace ask us.

"The United States of America," we reply. "Illinois, in the middle of the country." The children smile broadly at us.

"My name is Memet," he tells us. A dozen or more of the school children -- boys and girls alike -- eagerly share their names with us. We smile and nod and shake hands. We share our names as well, and then ask, "Where are you from?"

Blank stares, until Memet pipes up, "No English." We smile broadly right back at them.

Is it really that simple? Does it all start with just our names and a smile? Why do we make making friends so very difficult?

Hos Geldiniz

A month ago I was in Turkey. If you had asked me this time last year -- or even asked me six months ago -- where I would travel to this year, I could not have told you it would be Turkey. And yet. . .the right time, the right place. . .and -- hey, we're in Turkey (that calls for a high five)!

Through a student group on Campus (the Intercultural Student Dialogue Association on the SIUC campus), who works with a foundation in Chicago, who works with a foundation in Turkey -- come. . .they said to us. Come, see wonderful historical site, eat great food, hear the call to prayer, share meals around tables (and even the floor) with Turkish Muslims who truly want to get to know westerners and work for peace. . .well, you would say yes too, wouldn't you?

A doctoral student and her art teacher brother, three professors, two spouses, a PCUSA lay pastor, a PCUSA pastor, and our guides -- a professor, his doctoral student wife and three year old daughter, all Turkish -- and ten days of travel.

Truly remarkable. . .and yet I am often found speechless. Thoughts, photos, reflections to follow. . .

Hos geldiniz -- welcome. . .