The time with Hannah flew by. What a joy to spend a month with my niece and experience firsthand how she's blossomed into a beautiful young woman with a passion for the environment. Sharing insightfu(yes, she celebrated her 23rd birthday with us) l words of wisdom as a 23 year old with Aleah and Sierra she undeniably left a positive impression on the girls, as well as Mike and I. Memories of yoga in the living room, random dancing (again in the living room, hence our small apartment), coming home to a spa with she and Aleah, and the Hamam with her auntie. Ever had a 300 pound topless woman massage you? Still laughing from that one. I can still hear Hannah's laughter and picture her in the red polka dotted Spanish apron she used to cook her one meal a week. Hannah fully embraced Istanbul, participated as part of the family, and jump-started the Green Teams at MEFIS. She's a mover and shaker....and has a heart wide open. So grateful to have spent this special time together. Here are a few more pics from her trip. Enjoy!!
Our niece Hannah has been here for nearly one month and we have really enjoyed her visit. Its been interesting to have visitors as they can help you appreciate the little things you begin to take for granted. When you go out to explore the city and start to share what you know or what you enjoy it can be like you are seeing it again for the first time.
In addition to exploring new or previously visited locations, Hannah has been a welcome addition to our family. She is a great role model for the girls - a dedicated student with a focus on the future. Hannah has been focusing on the environment and waste practices during her time here and it has helped the girls appreciate the many ways we can be more mindful of our own practices. The girls are currently taking part in a waste challenge where they track how much trash they produce on a daily basis. Even though Turkey has a long way to go when it comes to recycling and reducing waste, it is still very concerning to realize that the United States still holds the record for the most trash generated per person per year out of any country in the world. Given what the girls are learning, I would not be surprised to see them working to tackle environmental issues at some point in the future. Otherwise we are beginning the second semester at school. This past week was devoted to reading at school with assemblies, reading times, book reviews, a book sale and an opportunity for parents to come in to school and read to children in their native tongue. Very cool to walk around school and hear parents reading in Korean, Russian, Arabic, Turkish, Spanish, French and of course English. You can see the latest school news (#11) with some great pictures at: http://www.mefschools.com/aboutus/news/newsletter.asp I have a attached a few recent pictures. The picture of Sierra is at her music and art exhibition that took place last month. Her artwork is the peace sign with her name just above her head. Looking at the picture reminds me how fast she is growing up. Thanks for reading and best wishes from our family to yours. Mike |
AuthorChrista Keppler Archives
July 2015
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