These were my guardian angels this week at Tarsus American College. They kept me organized and on task, showing me from class to class, rushing with me from building to building, climbing up and down countless sets of stairs. They kept me fed, making sure I made it to the cafeteria on time, even organizing a “Taste of Home” luncheon for me.
Thank you so much, Pinar, Bade, Elif, Oya, Dilek, and Lara, for all your help this week. I am forever in your debt.
Pinar, whose family we found lives just a few blocks from where I used to live in Istanbul.
Bade, who made some of the most delicious brownies I’ve ever tasted. They practically melted in your mouth.
Elif, who goes camping with her dad and recognized my backpack and much of the equipment I carry in it. Go camping with your dad whenever you can Elif, it means a lot to him.
Oya, who made amazing cupcakes which, according to rumor, included as one of their magic ingredients Bailey’s Irish Cream.
Dilek, whose birthday is 2 January; she made very sure I understood that that particular birthday, hers, is the most important.
Lara, who made a stack of only-god-knows-how-many peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, cut them into quarters, and individually-wrapped every single one. How long that must have taken!