Smithler: A Work in Progress

Our dear friends, Callie (r) and Lindsey (l), came to visit last week. I just wanted to share a little about these amazing girls. We are so blessed to have them in our lives, even if we now live in different countries.

Lindsey came to Turkey in the fall of 2005 and was immediately part of our family. Even though we had only known her for a few months at the time, I remember thinking while we were in the hospital having Adeline that I couldn't wait for Lindsey to come see our new baby girl. She was family and I wanted her to be there and celebrate with us. Of course, she came - and even brought banana bread - which she knew was the exact thing that I needed! She is so loyal and loving - to her friends, to her family and most importantly, to the Lord. She is compassionate, wise beyond her years and knows and loves the Word tremendously! The Lord has blessed us beyond measure by allowing Lindsey to be part of our lives. Thank you, LP!

We have known Callie for almost three years now! Wow, time has flown by. One of our first conversations was about softball (she played in college) and how we would love it if we had the opportunity to play it in Turkey. Little did we know that just a few short weeks later, we would be meeting some amazing girls and guys who really wanted to learn softball - in Turkey of all places!!! The most important thing in Callie's life is her relationship with the Lord, and telling others about Him. The second is her family, especially her nieces and nephews. Her nephew Xander got cancer at the age of 2 1/2, just a few months before she left the states for Turkey. It was hard, but Callie was so faithful to ask people to pray for Xander - and they did! He is doing well, and although there are struggles, he is a fighter, and Callie is now able to love on him, and her entire family, in person. We are so thankful for her faithfulness and friendship!