AN AMAZING FAREWELL

We are packing our bags in preparation for our early departure.  The wake up call is 4:45 am.  The truth is, though, that we may have little sleep.  Our Caravanserai, our hotel dated 1618, is host to a celebration dinner with guests from nearby countries.  The entire courtyard is filled with hundreds of guests and on a corner stage are regional dancers, whirling dervishes and belly dancers.  It is colorful, exotic and, yep, loud.  The scheduled conclusion of this gala is midnight.  The last song was "Hello  Dolly", though most numbers are Turkish with rapid rhythm and engaging beat.  Great fun.

Today we toured Ephesus.  We are incredibly impressed with how smart the ancients were in their ability to build things that have great longevity.  I find myself constantly wondering what will be left by us and found many years in the future.  The picture below of the library in Ephesus is one of the most familiar and visited sights in Turkey.

As we shared "Aha" moments tonight, we all agree that we have new insight not only about the Apostle Paul, but about Turkey, a country that most of us knew very little about.  We have been warmly welcomed with middle eastern hospitality and blessed with travel mercies.  We will have many stories to share.

I am sorry the blog has not been regular and more frequent.  The last couple of nights are the first that have provided regular connection.  I will post something more complete when I get home.

Keep us in prayer as we journey home.

Blessings,
Mary