Finally, we went to Ankara to do the audit there. Ankara is the capital of Turkey.
Anitkabir is a must when visiting Anakara. This is where the first president of the Republic of Turkey, Ataturk, is entombed and which has a wonderful museum and huge square that reminded me of Red Square.
It is so impressive--and the soldiers guarding it were absolutely the most amazing soldiers ever--I didn't even see them blink--they were almost like they were made of plastic!
We visited the huge Kocatepe Mosque, the largest and most impressive mosque in Ankara. Believe me, there are so many minarets when you look over the city--it is like seeing all the steeples when you are in Utah!
The Branch President we met with there works for the US Embassy, and his clerk and his wife both work at the University teaching English. They have three children with them there.
We, also, went to the Citadel and Old Quarters, which was really a climb up a huge hill. You could overlook the whole city!
We met a couple of really nice young Muslim girls who wanted pictures with us and even invited us to go to the museum with them. However, we declined because we needed to go to the audit.
One thing we will never forget is a young 14-year-old girl who was scampering over the ruins on that hill like a little goat--with no fear, even though there were no handrails and it looked very dangerous. She kept taking my arm to help me out. So sweet. As we were getting ready to leave, she started looking so sad, and then said to George, "Please take me with you. Please take me away from here!" So sad! I don't know when I've seen George more shaken. When we left, we just couldn't look back!
We were so amazed with the rented building they have--it has pure copper doors--a gentle shout-out to us from our little Cannon Boy, we definitely felt.
The view from the rooftop of the church building was absolutely incredible!
It was finally time to leave for home. After 12 days, we were definitely ready to go. Such fabulous experiences, but we were exhausted.
However, we had already bought train tickets to go to the Leo Tolstoy, who wrote "War and Peace," and "Anna Karenina," house about 2 1/2 hours outside of Moscow with a group of Seniors for our P-Day adventure the next day, so after getting just a few hours of sleep, we were off again.
Well, way too long of a letter. I probably lost half of you half way through! Hah!
We send our love to all!
Gma Laura
PS A shout out to Taylor and Ellie! So happy that you were able to bring little Otteson home! Your love and care has definitely made him thrive! So happy he is doing so well, and so proud of your darling family! At 3 lbs. 12 oz., he still looks so tiny!
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