“Wow! Where am I?”
I have asked myself this question at every turn. Preparing for this trip, I couldn’t wait for the day we arrived in Ephesus!It is wild to think I am in the location where Paul walked, talked, and shared the gospel. It was the best time to explore this ancient city. Compared to the other sites, this city was so crowded. It felt like an ancient Disneyland.
While we were in Ephesus, we walked the marble road that led to the popular Library of Celsus. Beyond that, we walked through the remains of a Byzantine church where the early saints would gather and baptize. To conclude our trip around Ephesus, we gazed upon what was one of the 7 wonders of the ancient world, the great Temple of Artemis! It is incredible to think that a building of such magnitude and power was erected for a false god, which had been placed in a museum, while the God of the Universe is still sitting on his throne and residing in our hearts.
As I meander through Turkey, I realize how much of a blessing it is to be in this program. So many times I have been brought low and struggled throughout this program. With 11 days left of this program, I better make the best of every moment with this Joshua family. I have found that the best way to appreciate the small things is the remember where you are, how you got there, and thank God. I can’t believe I am in Turkey!!!
-Ethan Carpenter (Current Student)
