Cruise - Izmir, Turkey

We joined a semi-private tour to see Ephesus. The Roman ruins there are INSANE. Although, just going to see the peach, fig, olive, and pomegranate trees were worth it all on their own.  The Turkish people are delightful and have the corner on hospitality. They are very open and loving with each other and with foreigners. They have a real desire to serve. You instantly feel a strong family connection with the people in Turkey and that it is more important for them to have your respect than your money. I could very much see us taking a post in Turkey and spending more time with the people there.

The highlight of our tour was sitting in the amphitheater where Paul came to teach the Ephesians. I love that chapter in the scriptures and felt such a love for Paul and the work he did for the Savior. We sat in the seats and imagined what it would have been like to hear Paul bear his testimony to the unbelieving crowds and what it must have felt like to be imprisoned there for doing so. We also got to see where John taught and was eventually martyred. I have been so blessed to have seen so many biblical sites throughout Israel, Jordon, Turkey, etc. It’s really something to see those verses come to life before your eyes and to know what it would have looked like, smelt like, and felt like for many of the original apostles. It was a very moving day for the both of us.

Public toilets -- where deals and gossip where made and shared.

This is the Roman sign for a brothel. 

Making rugs.

Where Paul spoke.

In the background is where John was martyred.