Understanding the Present Perfect, Perfectly...

Here's the cami closest to my house. Say it like, (jah-mee). That's good. Now say it again, you're learning some Turkish! Welcome to my world! Today we learned a big step towards making complete sentences, complete ones with subjects and verbs! We're moving past cave man phrases. I'm really excited. We had dinner last night totally speaking in Turkish at my family's house, per my request. It went pretty well. I can understand a few things, and I can answer with yes and no, maybe spice it up every now and then. But our vocab is ever expanding and things are looking good. One day at a time, so I keep telling myself. And thank you, to all of you who have e-mailed me and encouraged me by telling me the same thing!

Speaking of completing sentences...I had my second English session with my new friend. Raz is what we'll call her so you can remember her. It's close. We spent an hour and a half together and I think she was very pleased. A lesson plan on the board can do wonders to help your nerves and make me look a little prepared. We read the Secret Garden together a little and went over some grammar. If you know much about the Present Perfect tense, please reply to this blog!!! I might have had a minor breakdown Monday over my lack of understanding of this English grammar concept that I use in my speech daily. I had to tell myself, 'you are a smart person, you just went through this grade over ten years ago.' Well, she's not quite there, so I have some time to brush up!

More pictures to come soon. I have to balance when I take pictures, and when I'm really trying to blend in and look like a Turk! I know I did not look like one on Sunday, though. I accidentally rode the bus for free. I know, you are wondering how does one do that? Well, I had every intention of paying. The driver did not help me. I kept waving my lira at him when I got on and he kept on waving me back onto the bus. I did not understand this interaction and there was no verbal communication taking place. Now, if you're reading this...don't think I'm a dishonest person. I'm just learning! So, a friend told me where to put my money and next time I get that type of bus, I'm going to pay for two rides. Hopefully you know I will, if you know me at all! My feelings were so hurt that I accidentally stole a ride! One day at a time, one more bus ride at a time.

Every day I pray that God will put new Turkish friends in my path. Saturday, I'm going to try to have lunch with a girl I met last Sunday. I say try, I am wide open. It will really depend on her schedule. But, I know that language will be key in making these new friends, so patience and persistence are my constant companions.