Today was not only our last day exploring Türkiye, but also the long-awaited Ephesus day. And like my high school volleyball coach used to say, “last one, best one.” I can confidently say—that was exactly true.
We started bright and early with a 5 a.m. breakfast before heading out on the boat. Thanks to Ozan and Dallas, the ride we were supposed to take the night before turned into a sunrise adventure on the peaceful waters of the Aegean Sea. It was such a powerful experience—praying, reading Scripture, and worshipping together on the boat. Truly praising the Lord for the gift that Joshua has been to all of us.
After that, we made the drive to Ephesus. To some, it might seem like just another pile of ruins—but to us, it’s so much more. This is the very place where Paul ministered and where the church he wrote Ephesians to once stood. It was also home to one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, showing that this was once an incredibly populated and extravagant city. And now… it’s ruled almost entirely by stray animals. (Including one adorable puppy that I got to hold.)
Ephesus was known for its extreme paganism, clearly seen in the temples on nearly every street corner and woven into daily life. That made it even more powerful to consider Paul preaching the gospel here and building a church for three years. Visiting the Ephesus Museum deepened that understanding—the intensity of idol worship was undeniable.
I think this is what really hit all of us: the weight of what it means to follow Christ. It would have been easy to conform to the culture around them—it was normal, expected. But true faith is revealed when you stand firm in Christ, even when it’s difficult. Just like Paul—and the believers who followed him—did.
When we returned to the hotel, we were met with crystal blue waters and the chance to make some final, unforgettable memories—soaking in the sun and the joy of being together. It felt like a beautiful closing scene to our time in Türkiye, but even more, to this Joshua season. Backflipping and jumping into the sea are moments I’ll always hold onto as such a gift from the Lord.
Then at 7 p.m., along with some of my Joshua siblings, I chose to be baptized.
I made this decision because the Lord has truly changed my life, and I know this is something He calls His followers to do. I wanted to step into that obedience surrounded by the people who have witnessed everything He has done in me over these past nine months. Honestly, my baptism was one of the most special moments of my life—a true picture of God’s redemptive story. I have never felt so loved, celebrated, and seen by Him. All praise be to Him.
We ended the night with a delicious dinner and one final round of dessert taste-testing with friends. I feel so incredibly blessed to have experienced what I would easily call one of my favorite days, surrounded by people who love me—and love the Lord—in ways I never could have imagined.
I’m going to miss Türkiye, but I’m even more thankful for everything we’ve learned and experienced here. God deserves all the glory for the way He used Paul—and for the way He continues to use us to share His Word to the ends of the earth.
And in case you were wondering… the winner of the dessert taste test was the baklava.
-Leihla (Current Student)