It's incredibly rainy today for P day!  We got splashed on few times but luckily we had on P day clothes so nothing nice got wet and they're now hanging up to dry. One of our Elders, Elder Dougherty, plays the violin. Two of the Elders in another area found a violin for $20 and bought it for him. It needed an E string and some rosin so we went out today to find those things. We met the nicest woman at the music store from Lybia, who speaks a little English. We told her we were volunteers (can't say missionary), for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and she said "that is so nice, my  friend's father does the same thing in Syria"! We thought, "hey someone friendly to Christians"!! So, we thought we would think of something else to buy for the little violin, and take the Elders to the store and introduce them. You never know who your next contact will be!
We've been studying the language every day and slowly being able to say things that people can understand. I've never had so many goofy facial expressions returned for my attempts at a word/phrase in Turkish. People have the funniest ways of telling you by their facial expressions that they don't have a clue what you are asking!!
We are being able to contribute a little more to our Branch by being called to be the Sunday School Pres. and Secretary. We are also the new building coordinators! So that, plus YM and YW Pres., we're learning how the Branch operates! Our Branch President, Pres. Cakir has been extremely helpful to us in so many ways. We heard we would be frustrated by him, but I can say we have not seen that at all. Maybe he turned over a new leaf!
I've included some pictures and the first picture is in the Relief Society room where we have cookie night each second Sunday of the month. The Elders behind us are so wonderful! Seriously, they are amazing as I'm sure all Elders are who are that committed. Cari, the Elder behind me is Elder Johnson (the taller one, third from the left). Jean, you'll recognize the Bauers!
We love this mission! We're learning so much about Muslims and their need for the Gospel of Jesus Christ. This is absolutely the greatest work on earth and wherever teaching is being done, people are finally being taught the truth. Thanks for your faith and prayers.
We think of you all often and love you so much!
Elder and Sister Ercanbrack