The trip to Turkey...

So Sunday night I spent as much time with Robbie as I could and then finished packing, and then waited in the living room till it was time for Stephanie to take me to the bus stop. So at 1:45am Stephanie and I left and waited for the bus to get there. She walked me to the bus gave me a hug and wished me off. Once I was on the bus and ready to go I fell asleep till our one break, then went back to sleep to the air port. Well after getting through customes at the airport we sat at the gate because our flight was delayed and then when we got into the plane and were off to New York. I feel asleep all the way to New York also! Well we got off the plane and I was hungry so Madaline and I went to the end of the terminal where I found pizza! Well after eating we boarded our plane and then had to wait to leave because President Obama was landing so all the planes came to a stand still, however I got to see Air Force One which was pretty cool. Well then we were off and I pretty much slept through that flight off and on so it wasn't to bad and I got dinner and breakfast. Then plane ride was pretty cool because we had some guys that were our age who were from Turkey teaching us phrases to say like Hello, Thank You, etc.
Well once I got off that plane I was happy and ready to sleep. However we had to get visas and then get our baggage then get onto the bus. So I sat with Diana and we drove all through the city. We stopped for lunch in the New City of Istanbul. The guide toward us around and actually brought us to the place where there was a Christian Church where a counsel was held to determine what nature Jesus Christ was, either Immortal or Mortal. Well after that we were allowed to explore a couple of the blocks to get what we wanted to eat. I noticed a few things about the people 1st they are very trusting people and have stuff just laying out every where. 2 Alot of people smoke here and all the time! 3rd that they really dont use any spices in the food that I have tried so far. 4th the women are very modest and the people seem to be very nice. We actually ran into this shop where they spoke pretty good english and we learned that you order first go sit down then go and pay after you are done. It was really amazing to see these things. Well after that they took us on another tour of the city going over bridges and so forth and back into the Old City where we went to a market place where thet sell a lot of things. I noticed that Turkey is very much modern and they have almost all the same stores as we do. However we eventually found everything I was really looking for! The true Turkey! I bought this amazing hand painted plate that is gorgeous and a bracelet. We all just walked around just getting to know the culture which is not to far off from ours. However I don't think I can handle the smoking so much. But we will not be in the city that long so it shouldn't be too bad! I am excited to see what tomorrow brings. (Pictures will be added).

Rexburg then off to Turkey and Greece

So being back in the Burg has been great and exciting. I got off the bus to my wonderful boyfriend there to see me. As I looked towards the back of the bus I see his smiling face and I light up. We are reunited and have had a wonderful time together. I think I have learned so much with Robbie. He is completely opposite from me and I really do love that. He is calm, thinks through everything, and always seems to be there just when I need him. He is comforting and probably one of the funniest people I know. Robbie and I can just laugh for hours. But the most important thing is that We are still figuring everything out and we go through times where we don't know but I think that is the point of life is taking chances and hoping that it turns out right. When creating a relationship there is so much to learn, the ups and downs, and manly me figuring out things about myself I never knew. However those choices in life that change our life and set the path to a new adventure are never easy and it's always a "process" it's taking steps in life you never thought you would and taking chances that you have no idea if they will ever work out or not. However it's when we make that choice that the path is set. I have learned that making choices are hard but are so worth it. So going to Turkey and Greece will be ultimately life changing for me, I'm not happy leaving Robbie here however I know this is something I need to do.
So that is what I am doing I leave on probably the most amazing trips, I can take that will help define me and make me who I am. I can't tell you how strong the Holy Ghost is when I read my scriptures, pray, and learning about the New Testament and the things that Paul did. He is inspiring and a true disciple of Jesus Christ he has taught me to not fear the future but to embrace it with righteousness. That as we go through life with righteousness we should not fear. I have so much to look forward to and I know that Heavenly Father has a pretty amazing plan for me as long as I have the desire to do his will. I know this trip will do wonders for me but it makes me even more excited for what is in store for me after that.
One thing I remembered today is this sign my mom had up all when I was growing up. It was a statue of Jesus Christ and a quote that said "I never said it would be easy, I only said it would be worth it". That is something we have to remember all through life is that we will have good and bad times but there is always another chapter awaiting us. There is always something better awaiting us. Brother Call one of my teachers going on the trip with me said Friday "We must learn patience in our Heavenly Father, and have faith in our Savior Jesus Christ". I will hopefully always remember that and what my purpose on this earth is and that is to prove myself to my Heavenly Father.
The big day is Monday when I leave to Turkey!!! We will see what happens!
Love Shanel!!