“What do you like best about Turkey so far?” I asked the two oldest Bridger boys after they had been in the country just three weeks.

“The lizards and playgrounds!” they responded without hesitation.

We participated in a lot of lizard spotting during the 10 days we were with the Bridger and Coal families. Jacob Bridger managed to catch one for the boys to look at more closely. It was fun to hear little Joe copy his brothers and excitedly exclaim, “I see one!” as we walked around the neighborhood. We also saw several tortoises in the wild. These outings were a welcome break from the mundane tasks, delays and frustrations that always accompany the process of setting up home in a new country.

Upon our arrival, we were glad to hear that the Bridgers had found a suitable apartment to rent. We eagerly went to view it, being careful not to get paint on our clothes as we dodged the workmen who were preparing the place for their occupancy. The apartment is just a five-minute walk from the Coals’ home, so it is very convenient for the two families to interact. It is also situated just a short walk from two playgrounds, so the boys are very happy!

Both families had been battling illness when we arrived, and the nights were disturbed by the boys’ coughing fits. Illness is not uncommon in the first few weeks after arriving in a new country. The stresses of packing up home, saying farewell to family and friends and arriving in a completely new environment take their toll on the immune system. The sun on our backs felt so good after some days of cool, rainy weather, and the boys were delighted to go to the park. Turkish families looked inquisitively at the newcomers and tried to engage in friendly conversation. How the Bridgers long for more language skills so they can chat easily with their neighbors!

Malachi and Adalia Coal used the Turkish language skills they have acquired so far to help the Bridgers negotiate the maze of setting up home in a new country. We were reminded of the challenges we faced when we moved to Greece eight years ago and were thankful that we also had friends to assist at that time. We had several prayer sessions for the two families, asking God to intervene in various situations. We rejoiced as we saw one hurdle after another overcome. There are still challenges with residence permits, but we know God has called both these families to serve in Turkey, and He will open the doors for them.

As I spent time with the Bridger family, I was filled once more with admiration for people who, compelled by the love of God, are willing to leave the comforts of their homeland and face the stresses of a new culture to share the good news of the gospel with the millions who have yet to hear. Please keep this family, and especially the children, in your prayers as they adjust to a completely different way of life and make friends for Jesus.

What do you like best about Turkey so far?” I asked the two oldest Bridger boys after they had been in the country just three weeks.

“The lizards and playgrounds!” they responded without hesitation.

We participated in a lot of lizard spotting during the 10 days we were with the Bridger and Coal families. Jacob Bridger managed to catch one for the boys to look at more closely. It was fun to hear little Joe copy his brothers and excitedly exclaim, “I see one!” as we walked around the neighborhood. We also saw several tortoises in the wild. These outings were a welcome break from the mundane tasks, delays and frustrations that always accompany the process of setting up home in a new country.

Upon our arrival, we were glad to hear that the Bridgers had found a suitable apartment to rent. We eagerly went to view it, being careful not to get paint on our clothes as we dodged the workmen who were preparing the place for their occupancy. The apartment is just a five-minute walk from the Coals’ home, so it is very convenient for the two families to interact. It is also situated just a short walk from two playgrounds, so the boys are very happy!

Both families had been battling illness when we arrived, and the nights were disturbed by the boys’ coughing fits. Illness is not uncommon in the first few weeks after arriving in a new country. The stresses of packing up home, saying farewell to family and friends and arriving in a completely new environment take their toll on the immune system. The sun on our backs felt so good after some days of cool, rainy weather, and the boys were delighted to go to the park. Turkish families looked inquisitively at the newcomers and tried to engage in friendly conversation. How the Bridgers long for more language skills so they can chat easily with their neighbors!

Malachi and Adalia Coal used the Turkish language skills they have acquired so far to help the Bridgers negotiate the maze of setting up home in a new country. We were reminded of the challenges we faced when we moved to Greece eight years ago and were thankful that we also had friends to assist at that time. We had several prayer sessions for the two families, asking God to intervene in various situations. We rejoiced as we saw one hurdle after another overcome. There are still challenges with residence permits, but we know God has called both these families to serve in Turkey, and He will open the doors for them.

As I spent time with the Bridger family, I was filled once more with admiration for people who, compelled by the love of God, are willing to leave the comforts of their homeland and face the stresses of a new culture to share the good news of the gospel with the millions who have yet to hear. Please keep this family, and especially the children, in your prayers as they adjust to a completely different way of life and make friends for Jesus.

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