Trip to Turkey: Day 6 Always on the bus!

Today we started out going to Hierapolis dash Pamukale. I was told not to take my camera because we were in water so I will take pictures from other people later. It was awesome to walk in the hot springs. Seriously it was a beautiful place and the only place in the world of its kind. There was also a necropolis there which was the biggest ancient cemetery in Asia. Crazy! It just looked like ancient ruins. Up next, a very very very long bus ride! Nap time :) Parts of the bus trip.

1) We found a grocery store! I haven't seen one of those for weeks. I had forgotten how much gas stations rip you off.

2) Lunch--It was the best meal we have had in days. Better than that it was edible. An added bonus: no mystery meat! (Side note: This week our meals usually consist of rice, stewed eggplant, mystery sausage looking meat, lentil soup, and bread. Dessert is usually watermelon but occasionally cake drenched in something sweet that tastes like pure sugar. Oh how I miss usual food! Breakfast is different as well. There is bread and jam with cheeses and lots of different types of olives. Also cereal with milk, is the milk cold? Not always.)

3) We went to Thyatira. Rev 1:11

4) Apparently this week there was a bomb in Turkey? Ya, they don't tell us much.

5) Our bus driver is crazy! Today he was passing a bus and a motorcycle was coming right at us. The motorcycle had to use the shoulder to keep from getting hit. The craziest part: that isn't unusual! People here just aren't all that cautious when driving. Luckily I haven't gotten car sick!

6) If you can deal with squaters you can avoid many a bathroom lines. Thank you Philmont for teaching me sweet skills.

7) Bro. Harper is for sure going to be an apostle. He is so amazing! I am lucky to be in his class!

8) I have gotten some unusual nicknames since leaving Utah. One of which is Wendy. Many girls call me that. Story: One day when I was in the old city one of the shop keepers who had asked my name said "My good friend Wendy!" So now I am Wendy. But, you must say it in an Arabic accent! Another reason I am Wendy is because there are two Whitney's here. As we both have brown hair and are medium height the way people distinguished is the white Whitney and the Asian Whitney. Thus, to avoid sounding racist I can be called Wendy. I used to hate the name Wendy because in movies it is always the name of the other woman. Now I feel like it is a term of endearment. Crazy how things change! Also, another nick name from one of the guys here is Chuckles. Apparently I am always smiling or laughing. How kind!

During the bus drive our teacher answered gospel questions. One interesting thing I learned was that there could be other saviors under God. I know that I am under the portion that is under Jesus Christs stewardship. I know that He is my savior. However, we don't know how many of Heavenly Fathers children were put under Christs stewardship. Mind blowing isn't it. Thoughts would be appreciated!

This hotel was fabulous! Absolutely delightful. They even had conditioner! WOW! At night time I played a game of polo-ish in the swimming pool. The girls were the riders and the boys were the horses. We used a watermelon as the ball It was crazy and super fun!

When we got to the hotel we had sacrament meeting in one or the meeting rooms and it was great. We were all in our regular clothes. After talking on the bus about our relationship with our Heavenly Parents I could already feel the spirit so strong. Our opening hymn was "I am a child of God." It made me very homesick. Not only was I ready to go back to the place where Jesus once walked but I also was ready to be with Jesus where he now walks. I miss my Heavenly home as well as my earthly home. I miss the unconditional love. Luckily I know that I can talk to all of my parents easily. How great this gospel is!