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captivating places
Discover captivating places and hidden gems around the world. Each place holds a lesson, and, when we leave, it has a piece of our heart.


The arc of the moral universe travels east from Selma to Montgomery
The Edmund Pettus Bridge, Selma, Alabama (courtesy photo, U.S. Civil Rights Trail) On July 26, 2020, a horse-drawn caisson carrying the flag-draped casket of the late Congressman John Lewis left Brown Chapel AME Church in Selma, Alabama. Surrounded by crowds of mourners, news media, the well-known and the unknown, it traveled a short distance before it crossed the Edmund Pettus Bridge. The bridge was covered with red rose petals for the occasion, signifying the blood that was
cenkci
Apr 7, 202311 min read


A Revelation: unexpected lessons from the Seven Churches of Asia
The Book of Revelation is perhaps known best for the Apocalypse, the “end times,” and destruction of the world. Even non-Christians know...
cenkci
Sep 18, 20226 min read


We can all use a little Holy Wisdom
Looking out from Gulhane Park on the grounds of Topkapi Palace in Istanbul, our view was grand and truly fit for emperors, sultans,...
cenkci
Oct 5, 20208 min read


Hidden gems of Iznik
If you have ever spoken the words “in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,” you have a connection to Iznik, Turkey....
cenkci
Jan 17, 20205 min read


Georgia on my mind: history, nature vie for attention
Back in my early days as an Air Force officer, I was an “intercept controller” in what was then West Germany. We helped maintain radar...
cenkci
Sep 8, 20193 min read


Epic battles at Gallipoli and Troy: Achilles in the Trench
The Gallipoli Campaign and the Trojan War. Two epic battles, forever connected by “Achilles in the Trench.”
cenkci
Sep 4, 20196 min read


For the cats of Istanbul, life isn't always the cat's meow
I have written this blog post in my mind many time. Every time I see, feed, or pet an Istanbul street cat, I feel reinvigorated to tell...
cenkci
Apr 22, 20195 min read


Tulip Festival is a Turkish Delight
When you think of "tulip," what's the first thing that comes to mind? More than likely, your answer is Holland. You know. Holland with...
cenkci
Apr 10, 20194 min read


The Churches of Mardin, Turkey: it's what's inside that counts
After exploring early Biblical sites in and around Urfa (Sanliurfa) and hunter-gatherer wonders at Gobekle Tepe, we headed to Mardin,...
cenkci
Mar 21, 20196 min read


Stone Age sanctuary, Biblical sites are the amazing backdrop for Urfa
Like many people, as my husband and I approach retirement, travel is big on our radar. On a recent trip to Turkey, we decided to visit an...
cenkci
Mar 11, 20194 min read
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