GREETINGS FROM TURKEY...DAY 4

Jumping right back into the agenda, we won't waste anymore time talking about the Twilight Zone hotel...more olives, more strange vibes...moving on. We set out bright and early again for a full day of exploring/traveling. We began our day at Hierapolis, a cultural heritage city. It. Was. Massive. We started on one end, walking through the cemetery's many, many tombs and ended several HOURS later at the hot mineral springs. It was raining non-stop and very chilly. Some of us (read, *ALL*) didn't really come prepared for cold weather, as the forecast said 50-60 all week. Yikers. It's been particularly difficult, in that respect, but we just keep sloshing forward. :/  Regardless, this city was impressive, even in it's archaeological state. Ruins of temples, bathhouses, theatre, water systems, and on and on. We even trekked to the tippy-top of the hills to the tomb of Phillip, the apostle. They've recently also discovered a church built surrounding the grave. It was treacherous climbing to the top, given the rain/mud/rocks, but it was definitely worth it. Like I said, we ended our time at Hierapolis at the hot springs, where Isaac, Ally, and Ty took off their shoes and socks (remember the wet and super cold weather) and waded into the water. Yea. Full send, as the kids say. 

After we thawed a bit, we headed to ancient city of Laodicea, another of the 7 churches in Revelation. This church received one of the most chilling rebukes from Jesus, that you can see below, but it was even more compelling after visiting Hierapolis, from where the hot water flowed! By the time it reached Laodicea, it was lukewarm...so the people definitely understood these words from John. It was also very obvious how wealthy the city had been so that condemnation wasn't lost on them.

Revelation 3:14-22 And to the angel of the church in Laodicea write: ‘The words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of God's creation. I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth. For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked. I counsel you to buy from me gold refined by fire, so that you may be rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself and the shame of your nakedness may not be seen, and salve to anoint your eyes, so that you may see. Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline, so be zealous and repent. Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me. The one who conquers, I will grant him to sit with me on my throne, as I also conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’

The church was one of our favorite places on the trip so far...it was truly a site to behold! It was also cool to see the Council of Laodikeia (AD. 343-381). From there, we traveled on to the Colossae Antique City. One word...bummer. Although we discovered a cool dog and somebody "living in a camper down by Colossae," we saw no such city. They've discovered some random artifacts in the area and used historical maps and descriptions to identify it's location, but the city is still buried under a large mound of earth. SO...we didn't get to dig in (no pun intended...because we literally could have dug in and found SOMEthing!) and sink our teeth into that church history. We did read the book of Colossians, in its entirety, before arriving...we'd all encourage you to do the same! It's very manageable, with just 4 chapters, and will be a great window into this city's historical, Biblical, and spiritual significance! 

We made another long trip to our hotel for two evenings, Movenpick Hotel Izmir, next to Kumhuriyet Square. Suffice it to say, it's absolutely heavenly after our stint in the Twilight Zone! :)  Also, while the food was good at the local seafood restaurant, the best part were the peddlers continually trying to get the Americans to make a purchase. We're talking full-blown paintings, tickets, giant balloons, roses, and light-up wiggling fish, to name a few. :0 And no, there will NOT be a light-up fish in Zane's room, this time next week. Draw the line, people.

Tomorrow is another full day of traveling and visiting the churches of Revelations!