Walking On Sunshine

Today, the weather proved to be absolutely wonderful which proved to be absolutely wonderful for my mood. We went for a 'picnic' (or something like it) after church. We headed down to the lake to eat some gözleme. Thin bread-like tortillas with spicy potatoes and cheese or your choice of inside good stuff made by women straight from the village 5 minutes away that we walked through to get there. Hence, the chickens and view. I've been running down by the lake getting ready for the Tarsus 5K this month...yes, if I successfully whip myself into what I consider good or just good enough shape, then of course, I will post pictures of the run...most likely before pictures, give me a break here. I was going to try and run the half-marathon, but that was the day when I forgot who I was and the last time I had exercised...when I came back to myself, I realized that I could not train for a half-marathon in 2 and a half months (I cannot, I said). So, I decided to start running/jogging again. I run by this lake and it just has become a highlight of my day. The weather has warmed up a bit and I just feel so free, so un-oppressed by the world around me when I see that creation and claim that I am made in the image of it's Creator. So, today we headed down for some sunshine and fun and we had some of both at the lake. Some of us made a marathon of it and headed to the mall after lunch and as I was on the bus--one of my favorite thinking places when I have a seat--I just felt so, I don't know how to describe it other than just happy. Blissfully happy. Lately, I've been struggling with knowing my return is so far away and yet, so close at the same time. Both of the ideas can make me cry or laugh with excitement on any given day. But, today I am absolutely perfect right where I am. That's where I am on the scale. I'm totally excited about being right here with these friends and new ones that keep on finding their way into my life for the next 8 months. I thought about my friends I was with, the gorgeous weather and the fact that the Light of this very world stepped down into darkness to rescue me and them and that we've been redeemed. Our lives have been redeemed from the pit. Their lives in a world of darkness that I never comprehended before have been redeemed. I just found myself praising Him right there on the bus for being so good to open their eyes, to open our eyes. I sometimes have trouble with the balance of being overwhelmed and being overwhelmed with gratefulness because of who I walk among daily. But, today, I just found myself so grateful for the hope that has been revealed to me and to these precious friends of mine.