May has been exciting and full of wonderful experiences. We have had fun with Humanitarian projects and fun personally.
Humanitarian Projects: The shipment of wheelchairs finally arrived. 650 of them. Now we get to help get them distributed to those in need of chairs. We hear that watching the receivers is very emotional and humbling. We are anxious to help with that part. Last week we also went to the most deprived refugee camp we have been to since we arrived. The children were happy and making the most out of playing with dirt and rocks. Today we are working on getting the group called "Days for Girls" arranged so they can get some hygiene products shipped for them. Also, we are searching for a way to get some toys, playground equipment, sewing machines, materials for sewing, primary reading materials, and other things they could use. If possible we are trying to improve their facility, which has damage due to flooding.
It has been a slow month because of Ramadan. During the 5 weeks of Ramadan, Muslims fast from water and food from sun up (about 4:30 AM) until sundown (7:00PM). They begin eating at 7 PM and eat into the night. It truly is a big huge party every night as they eat and visit. Because they are so tired the next morning, stores, malls, shops of any kind, are closed until about noon. Our English teaching classes were cancelled all month because of the nurses being tired and hungry. One nurse invited us to dinner in their home.
During Ramadan they also pray more, give more to the poor, abstain from physical pleasures, and try to do kind deeds for others. It's interesting that a lot of the members of the branch here celebrated Ramadan with their friends and families---it is a huge part of their culture.
So....because Humanitarian Projects slow down in May it was suggested by our mission leader to take a personal vacation. We went to Istanbul and had a wonderful time! The attached photos will speak for themselves!
We also went to an ancient village called Lalish. It is a Yuzidi village. The Yuzidis are the group of people Sadaam tried to wipe out. He killed over 8,000 of them in one area. They have a sacred village up in the mountains of Kurdistan. Everyone has to take off their shoes upon reaching the entrance of the village. You cannot step on the thresh hold of any building. It was interesting and the people were so friendly. Every photo of these people will be a fond memory for us. We didn't have to ask if we could take photos, they invited us to. One family asked us to sit down on their mats on the ground and eat with them and drink tea. We cannot count the times we have to explain why we don't drink tea. It is the oddest concept for them. It's a little difficult to eat food that you can see was cooked in the dirty pans, dirty ovens and hands----however, we pray a lot!! We have been fine and our health is excellent. People try so hard and are so thoughtful to us.
Our family had another wonderful event----Ryan Summers, and wife Brittany, had a new baby girl. Her name is Nila and she is beautiful! She is the granddaughter of Rob and Alicia (Asay) Summers. We are happy for them. Alicia said, "She will be walking by the time you come home!"
Many have asked about our safety. We are safe and not really worried. We were told to keep bags packed and if we needed to be relocated, we will still stay within this same mission. That is why is it so large--Morocco, Egypt, Jordan, Kurdistan Iraq, and now Sudan Africa. Then if we have to leave, we don't need a new mission call. We feel secure in the fact that political problems will be resolved.
We love you all, but love the Lord more. If Iraq is where the Lord wants us to be, then Iraq is where we want to be.
Love, Hugs, Kisses,
Elder and Sister Asay
Ken and Joyce
Mom and Dad
Grandma and Grandpa
Haaga Sophia Mosque
The Blue Mosque
Downtown Istanbul overlooking the Bosphorous Sea
Cute girls learning to crochet in a Barkha refugee camp.
Underground cistern in Istanbul.
Yisidi Village of Lalish. They ask us to have their photo taken with us.
Another sweet family said, "Please take our photo!" Notice shoes off.
A family we sat and ate with. "How can you not have tea with us???!"
New great granddaughter, Nila.
Another beautiful photo of last April's trip to Cairo.
For those of you who know our family---
We just had three grandchildren graduate from High School! Zac Whitehead, Julia Slack and Emily Asay. Both Emily and Zac are on their way to BYU.
Jacob Whitehead and Savannah Sumsion were married the middle of May and are heading off to college. They have some fun decisions about which schools to play basketball for---UVU or Pacific in California. We are waiting for the news.
Brett and his family have just moved from Iowa to Denver. Brett is working with Dan Whitehead (brother in law and husband of Shanel). They are excited for the adventure of change!
Another great grandchild! Nila Summers---we sent photo of her!
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