The Importance of Community
While we waited out the rough weather of Winter in Marmaris, Turkey, we’ve enjoyed good fun with the small community of cruisers and members of the greater town community. We’ve had many celebrations, walks, talks, moments to stop and socialize. Sometimes I forget how important being part of a community is. I noticed over time I spent more time being involved with the people around me and have not added to the blog for those in the other communities I have been involved with in the past. So sorry, life can get very involving. Since leaving Marmaris in May to accompany some friends down the Danube (my second time), I’ve come to recognize the great benefit of communities and what they do for us.
We’ve celebrated many birthdays, holidays and many spontaneous adventures. A few of us joined together to become the hikers, originally “The Dead End Hiking Gang”. It seemed we made a few wrong turns when first exploring the area, but we soon found some pretty exciting views. We also joined other cruiser families and it was a joy to have the kids along.
Many of us ladies enjoyed getting together for coffees and exploring around town visiting the art and cultural centers. In the picture below, some of us are in front of a cultural center where women are encouraged to learn and practice traditional methods of weaving fabrics (rugs, clothing and other household items). They could then sell them at this site, if they wished.
Marmaris has many events that are open to the greater populace to enjoy. We attended a musical dance presentation at the fountain center, where we enjoyed the local dances and the Turkish doughnut holes that where given away. There were seasonal presentations of traditional musical that we enjoyed.
Sometimes when there is a special holiday being celebrated lighted candles were sent up into the air. It is a touching sight to see.
Through all these encounters with friends and community I’ve come to realize that community is very important for our growth. It supports emotionally and gives us strength for encounters ahead. We have shared joyful moments and tearful ones. These shared moments have brought us closer together to express our love and care for each other and to understand each others strengths and needs. This brings its own peace.
I think about St. Francis and how he grew with the help of his followers that he called brothers. He shared their struggles and became wiser, humbler and at peace. I wish you all a good adventure in discovering this peace.
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