Tying Vines

The Transformative Journey of Tying Vines in Turkey

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The Transformative Journey of Tying Vines in Turkey
We are thankful to share that the Tying Vines trip to Turkey last fall was successful and powerful. 21 people from various places traveled to Turkey together to offer hope and encouragement to the many Iraqi and Syrian refugees living there. In a group of this size there are many details that need to gel together to make it all work. This is particularly challenging when working cross-culturally. However, we are grateful that everything came together, sometimes at the last minute! Many people were helped by the team. During the 10 days of meet-ups and visits around 70 children were able to participate in kids programs and 110 families were provided with much needed food cards. In addition to the physical help shared, countless words of love and encouragement overcame language barriers to the joy of those who were there.

We asked the trip participants to share about their experiences. All of them shared how they were thankful to have had the opportunity to experience first hand what, until this trip, had felt very far away and unreal.

The Syrian and Iraqi refugees we visited showed us incredible hospitality. These folks have been through so much. They mentioned bombs, homes destroyed and nothing to return to. Depths of despair that are unfathomable. Yet they still had joy. They insisted we accept the desserts they prepared. This whole experience was so impactful for me. My mindset of how I think of these people and their bravery has been turned upside down. Some escape to other countries in Europe and conditions are not much better. Their stories have changed me forever.

Another participant expressed gratitude about how the trip allowed her to put names and faces, stories and needs with real events. She has prayed for that part of the world for many years.

All those who shared their thoughts with us were inspired by and grateful for the people they met, the stories they heard and the strength they witnessed in the face of devastation. “We met 5 Syrian women. These women who fled war-torn Syria, one by one shared their stories of loss: separation from loved ones, loss of livelihood, war sustained injuries, and on-going family struggles. Even so, they still had joy!”

May we be inspired by the faces and the stories of those we haven’t met, but who are very real.
Thank you for your support. Your prayers. And for caring.
God Bless You

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