Closing Statement

On our last morning in Turkey we met with the Organization that partners with the Holy Dove Foundation to arrange our stay in the country.  Our group put together a statement to share as a group.  Here is what we said-
Eleven curious travelers from the Crossroads of America,
strangers to one another and to our hosts,
journeyed to the Crossroads of the World,
                Where east meets west,
                where bridges span the Bosphorus
                                                the cultures
                                                the history
                where bridges connect lands,
                                the old and the new,
                                people,
                                faiths.
 
And we journey through Turkey, Byzantium, Seljuk, Constantinople, the Ottoman Empire and Ataturk’s Republic.
 
We are led by Kazim, Turna, Rumi, Sultans, conquerors, Gulen, Muhammad, rabbis, priests, tour guides and bus drivers.
 
We shared tea and bread at table,
                laughter and tears,
                hopes and dreams,
                questions and concerns.
 
We learned traditions and culture from medicine, law, journalism, groceries, gold and computers.
And the bridges we build connect us over barriers of language, stereotype, misunderstanding and fear.
 
Now we are linked
                by a love of natural beauty in sky, mountains, sea and straight;
                by a love of family and friends, prayers for our children and care for neighbors and strangers;
                by an appreciation for history and heritage;
                by concern for our environment and our education.
 
We have created a bridge of friendship which carries our loves, our peace and our hope.
 
Indianapolis Group- July 2008