Finishing Her Degree

January 2020

The Hill family visited Ephesus while on vacation from their home in Istanbul, Turkey.

Elizabeth “Liz” Hill, a mother of six children between the ages of 5 and 17, is currently living in Istanbul, Turkey, where her husband works for the U.S. Department of State. “Before Istanbul, we were in Beijing, China, for 27 months,” says Liz. “BYU-Pathway has been perfect for that lifestyle.”

Elizabeth “Liz” Hill, a mother of six children currently living in Istanbul, Turkey, is now working to get a bachelor’s degree in applied management after having completed PathwayConnect. She is also presently serving as a Seminary Teacher.

Liz had postponed her plans for more education while her children were young. “When we came to Istanbul, I felt prompted to enroll in BYU-Pathway,” says Liz. “All my kids were now in school.” Liz is now working to get a bachelor’s degree in applied management after having completed PathwayConnect.

Members of Liz’s gathering group were from Poland, Ukraine, Croatia, Albania, Turkey, and the Czech Republic. Despite the distance, Liz’s fears about feeling the Spirit in a virtual group quickly left. “Right away you could feel the Spirit,” says Liz. “It was amazing to gather online and still have the Spirit touch us powerfully. It’s been amazing.”

Another unexpected blessing for Liz was the lesson in gratitude. “I quickly realized how fortunate we are. We have a warm home with warm water, electricity, internet, and even food and clothing. For some of these students, these basic things are a struggle, and that’s why they’re in Pathway,” says Liz. “Many of them are new converts who served missions. I was just in awe of their faithfulness and diligence.”

The Hill family visited the Great Wall of China when they lived in Beijing, China, before moving to their present home in Istanbul, Turkey.

Liz has been overjoyed at the love and support poured out by her family while she continues to study through BYU-Pathway Worldwide.

Two weeks after Liz signed up for BYU-Pathway, she was called to be a seminary teacher to nine students from all over Turkey. In this picture, Liz and her family enjoyed a beautiful mustard field in Turkey.

Hagia Sophia is a great architectural beauty and important monument for both the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires. The Hill family recently visited the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, Turkey.