June 8, 2016.

This morning we had 2 excursions planned.  Kate was going to go with Doug on an accessible tour of Ephesus and I was going on walking tour of Ephesus, the Virgin Mary's home and the tomb of the Apostle John. There was some confusion and I had to leave Doug waiting for Kate, not knowing if he would be on his own.  That made me very nervous.

My trip was amazing.  Apparently according to archeological remains, the apostle John brought Mary, Jesus' mother to Ephesus after Jesus died.  The small house she lived in has been restored and there is a holy well next to the stone house.  It is a beautiful wooded area. It is really an unbelievable feeling to know that I am standing where Mary lived, and was cared for by the Apostle John.  After lighting a candle and praying, I dipped my hands and arms into the water and then bought 2 bottles to bring some back with me.  The water is often associated with healing.

We then went to the the ancient city of Ephesus that is now an archeological sight.  Walking through the old city brought many of the stories from the Bible to life.  We saw where Paul spoke to the 2000 in the amphitheater and where he was jailed.  We saw how rich and sophisticated this ancient culture was in it's design and lifestyle

We then left for St. John's Basilica and while it is now in ruins we were able to pray at the tomb of St. John and imagine his life in the days after he left Jerusalem.

Kate never caught up with Doug and he ended up going on his own with only 2 others on an accessible tour.  All is well that ends well.  Doug made it back safely and was in the company of some very good people.

Message of the day; The lives of a young girl and two very common men, changed the lives of so many and continue to work in our lives, because they were willing to listen to their own calls and respond with yes. This had to have taken a good deal of trust and faith.