aged to fit a 15-lb turkey in our small oven, and there were 13 of us for dinner. We even had a children's table. Two women brought their favorite dishes; and we had dressing, mashed potatoes, yams, green bean bake, rolls, cranberry jello salad and sauce, and we ended with pumpkin and apple pies. I mastered the Turkish rolling pin to make our family's traditional rolls in our tiny kitchen. We were lucky to have access to the commissary on the small US Air Force base here, so we could buy all the foods we can’t find here on the economy. We had a true American feast, and it was a wonderful day with our friends.The day after Thanksgi
ving, the biggest Turkish holiday, Kurban Bayram or Sacrifice Holiday, began. According to the Koran, Ishmael was the son whom Abraham was commanded to sacrifice, not Isaac as the Old Testament claims. In remembrance of this event, Turks make animal sacrifices on the first day of the holiday. The man of the family will go to the place where animals are sacrificed and will buy a sheep or, with other families, a cow. The animal is then slaughtered. (The slaughter took place on the street near home until a few 
years ago, but now in the cities this is no longer done.) The man of the family may take 1/7th of the meat home, if he desires, and all the rest of the meat is distributed to the poor. At home, the women are preparing a large meal, which may include some of the meat from the sacrifice when the men arrive home. After a day of celebrating with family, the Turks will spend the next three days visiting friends and extended family. Trains and buses are crowded as people travel to visit with family. Very few stores are open during this favorite holiday of the year.Although we missed our family very much on Thanksgiving, we were busy and happy. We were pleased that our latest proj
ect was accomplished just the day before Thanksgiving: we gave winter boots to all the children in a village school, so now they will be able to attend school even when it snows. The supplier of the boots was so impressed with the project that he donated 15 extra pairs as a "sacrifice" in honor of the holiday, so some brothers and sisters will also get new boots. We're having an amazing experience here as humanitarian missionaries!
Hello Bro and Sister Keeler,
ReplyDeleteMy Mom told me about your Blog several months ago, but I haven't checked in for a while to read what wonderful things you have been doing. You are truely having some exciting experiences in Turkey! I've enjoyed reading all the things you do and have done as Humanitarian Missionaries. I'm sure they think Elizabeth is an angel from heaven with her beautiful smile and gentle ways.
Just know that there are those of us that are thinking about you and the work you are doing in that corner of the world. It's wonderful to know all that the Church is doing to help in much poorer contries and stepping in when disasters strike. (All very quietly, I might add.)
May you continue to be blessed with safety and health in your work!
With love,
Robin Ibarra (Helen's daughter)
Brother and Sister Keeler,
ReplyDeleteYou don't know me, but my family and I live in Portland, OR where I work for Nike. I've been asked about our interest in taking an overseas assignment with Nike for about 2-3 years in Istanbul managing the retail partners that we have throughout Turkey. We're intrigued by the opportunity and are doing as much as we can to find out about Turkey, the culture, people, the job, etc. to help inform our decision. Doing some Google searches online, I happened to come across your blog.
From your blog, it looks as if you are based in Ankara, so your territory may not encompass Istanbul, but would be interested in hearing your thoughts about the country. Having served a mission, I know that your time as a missionary is focused on many other, more important tasks and activities, but any even small insight you might be able to provide us would be appreciated.
Matt & Angie Bond
mdbond73@yahoo.com