What I will be doing in Turkey

Another week, another posting!  I finally have some updated information about what I'll be doing in Turkey.  If you are new to this blog, you might want to read the initial posting that explains about the trip and why I'm going.

While we don't know our final itinerary yet, it looks like we'll be spending the majority of our time in Western Turkey, in and around Istanbul.  The map over to your right is helpful for getting a sense at how BIG Turkey is---we'll only be in a small portion of the country.  Of particular interest to me is a visit (hopefully!) to the ancient ruins of Ephesus, an important economic and cultic center in Asia Minor in the ancient world---and a place where St. Paul visited.  Istanbul is in the top left, and Ephesus is located in red near the coast of the Aegean Sea.  I am also really interested in visiting the region of Cappadocia, home of the 4th century Cappadocian Fathers---very important to the history of early Christianity (though I admit, I don't know much about them!)

As far as what we'll be doing, for sure on the schedule are visits to locations that specialize in women's and children's interests.  I am realizing how little I know about these issues in the United States, much less about them in a country like Turkey.  I am looking forward to seeing how another culture, and one whose main religious adherents are Muslim, interpret, deal with, and solve problems, including poverty, among women and children.

I am still happily accepting donations to help offset the cost of this trip!  This summer I am dedicated to writing my dissertation, so work has been on the back burner a little bit.  (At least, paid work.  Writing a dissertation, it turns out, is a LOT of work!)  If you have been thinking about contributing, now is a great time!  Any and all amounts are appreciated---even small amounts like $5 add up!  Any contributions may be sent to:

Office of Disciples Women
130 E Washington St.
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Attn: Beverly Ledwon

Memo: for Katy Valentine WWW Trip
It is essential that my name be added to the memo line!

A big THANK YOU to all those who have contributed.  I appreciate it so much, and can't wait to communicate with you about the trip.

Last question: for those of you who have done long, international trip living out of a suitcase, what was the most valuable thing that you packed?