Phillip and Rebecca Mefford

A quick weekend trip to Istanbul to say farewell to some dear friends. As much as we loved this iconic city, we are happy to escape the traffic and crowds. We are very happy to say Isparta is home.  Almost settled in and ready for our first visitors! Come Grandma and Grandpa, come!

Rebecca's beautiful grandmother, at age 96, passed away yesterday. While there is joy in celebrating her life-- one so full of love, faith, loyalty, and hope-- we say good bye with sorrow. Days like these are hard to be far away from family and the familiar comforts of our native habitat.  Here is a photo of Rebecca's mother, Lincoln Umut, and Grandma Myrtle from earlier this year. 

We have finally made the big move to Turkey's city of roses. Our old furniture has been delivered from storage in İstanbul, our new neighbors are lovely, and, well, we are really happy to have Internet!! Our delinquent blog will hopefully have much more to say now.