16:46

We're flying to Athens, then on to Rome, and as we cross the Aegean Coast, I feel a twinge of regret that we weren't able to take in those beautiful places along the Turkey's coastline (Izmir, Selcuk, Ephesus). Our original plan was to spend a week down there, but as we started working out the itinerary, realized there was just not enough time to swing it (without spending loads of time traveling). So I make a little vow to get back here someday, without a doubt I'd spend the whole trip in Turkey. It has made quite an impression on us.

Istanbul is easily one of the most beautiful cities I have ever been in - and so rich in heritage. This morning we got to see the inside of the Blue Mosque. Again, the beauty and grandeur are hard to explain. The "blue" describes the interior decor, every wall and the many domes, covered in intricate blue lace-work and calligraphy. It's an active mosque, so people are praying. Women must pray in a certain cordoned off area to the rear of the auditorium.

As we stand there, I ponder what it is about this religion that is obviously attractive to the Turkish people. In fact, they say Islam is one of the fastest growing faiths, besides Christianity. Is it the idea of "belonging" to such an ancient way of life? One senses an attractiveness and vitality to this faith, that somehow it is relevant. I noticed immediately that all the interior objects and even the layout are designed for daily use (namely saying prayers). In the great churches of Rome, it doesn't seem to be so. One gets the impression that the cathedrals are ancient relics and not for practical use, with a kind of coldness that I found absent from the Blue Mosque. Interesting to reflect on.

I recall a sermon that a friend of mine, Cory Block, preached in our church. Some of the things he shared definitely helped me to be in this kind of environment with an open heart verses a closed heart of condemnation. There's definitely always common ground if you look for it, and what a great place to begin building relationship and inroads into this community of people!

Another thing I noticed: these mosques are for certain "houses of prayer". There is participation from the two small boys standing side by side, to the elderly grandmother behind the partition. I found myself admiring the Turkish people and the devotion they have to their faith.