Day 03 - Hot Air Balloon Ride, Hierapolis, Pamukkale, Colossae

Our third day on tour began before sunrise. 73 of us assembled in the lobby and were divided into groups of 18. Each group were sent to a van to drive to nearby Pamukkale (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) for a hot air balloon ride! We stood and watched the men inflate the balloons with fans then propane flames. Soon it was time to climb into the baskets. Silently we ascended into the twilight and marveled at the view of the landscape. We could see below us the ruins of ancient Hieropolis, specifically the theater, where we would be walking later in the day. Then we could see the white travertine terraces of Pamukkale (which means “cotton castle”) holding pools of pale blue mineral-rich thermal water. The ride was over all too soon but will remain a highlight of the trip for all of us! And we are thankful to God who answered prayers and held off the raindrops until the last basket landed.

After dashing back for breakfast, we loaded the buses and returned to Hieropolis, a significant city which was built in the 2nd century BC by the Pergamum empire. Our group sat on the seats of the well-preserved theater and listed to Craig teach from the book of Philemon. In the distance we could see the valley where Paul and Tychicus would have passed in 60 AD as they journeyed from Rome to Corinth to Ephesus. To be able to sit in the area where the scripture happened is powerful! In this short letter, Paul mediates the dispute between two believers – Onesimus (the runaway slave who became a believer) and his owner, Philemon. Criag reminded us that our role as believers is to do the same and to represent God’s desire for unbroken fellowship. The Gospel is intended to reach those who are FAR OFF to bring them NEAR.

After walking through the ruins of Hieropolis, we ended up at the travertine terraces of Pamukkale which we flew over earlier. Our guides gave us a few minutes to remove our socks and shoes and wade into the thermal pools, a fun experience with an incredible view!

We enjoyed a delicious lunch at a unique place, nicknamed by Rich as the “Waterfall Restaurant”, and yes, there is a beautiful waterfall in front of the restaurant. The fireplace in the middle of the room and the quaint décor gave a homey atmosphere. Our choices were grilled chicken or trout alongside roasted vegetables, salad, and the most scrumptious homemade pita bread.

The last stop of the day was Colossae (as in the book of Colossians). This city is not yet excavated, so we climbed the tel (mound) to picture the church here and take in the view. Again, to listen to Craig teach scripture in the location where it happened is amazing! Even in their rural setting, the Colossian church was feeling the pressure from culture, generating a sort of syncrotism - blending the gospel with a little astrology, a few amulets for protection, and a side of folk religion, which one translation calls, “high-sounding nonsense” (Col. 2:8 NLT). Know anyone who does that today?

It was meaningful to see Revelation 3:16 come to life today: to wade through hot thermal pools in the morning then pass the stream of cold, mountain spring water at Colossae in the afternoon. "So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth." Another reminder to BE USEFUL!

It was nice to return to the hotel in time to enjoy its amenities – the thermal pool, sauna, steam room and spa services. Then a little debrief before dinner and quick to bed... we depart at 7am tomorrow!