Day 05 - Ephesus, Ephesus Museum, Temple of Artemis

How is it day 5??? Some of the days, sights and experiences are starting to blend right about now. “Was that yesterday we saw that, walked there, ate that?”  Thankfully, our photos have a time stamp on them!  

Today was much anticipated and the site did not disappoint. Ephesus... 

"Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, To the saints who are in Ephesus, and are faithful in Christ Jesus: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ."  Ephesians 1:1-2. 

"To the Angel of the church Ephesus write "the words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand, who walks among the seven golden lampstands" Revelation 2:1 

This site was the largest we had been to and is usually very crowded. The benefit of being here so early in the year is that we don't have to fight crowds to be able to be in these spaces. The quiet of the property and overall sacred space that this spot holds for us was felt even more as we navigated our way around. 

We got a great history lesson from Ozan our tour guide as we walked the streets. What the different columns, and mosaics meant. How the story of Ephesus came to be and how it affected the big picture of sharing the Good News.  

A highlight for all of us was walking one of the roads that Paul walked as he came into the city.  The sunlight was just starting to warm the site, and we walked in silence as we imagined him walking past the columns, shop fronts, and the idols that are on his right and his left. He is going to be bold, bold for the calling on his life. 

We saw the massive and beautiful library of this city and sat on the stones outside the theater and listened to JoJo read out of Acts 19. We sat at the very base of the theater talked about! We could see with our own eyes and imagine with our minds the scenes described in that chapter. 💚

We also got to tour the Ephesus museum! Seeing the artifacts that have been uncovered and preserved was brought to life because of what we had seen before. 

The day wrapped up with shopping! This is the place to shop! "Genuine Fake" merchandise, shoes, watches, purses and wallets. Not to mention the traditional souvenirs that are everywhere. Re-packing tomorrow for most of us is gonna be interesting.  

Please continue to pray over us:

For sleep as we travel very early on Saturday morning. 

Health 

Impact of our last sites 

Continued connection with the Holy Spirit and each other. Till tomorrow...

Iyi Alşamlar