Turkey to Greece

The last few days I was in Turkey and traveled to Greece. I did not have time to blog at all before now because we had full days from breakfast to 9pm dinners in Turkey. They were long days, but I enjoyed the sites. Our first day we visited the Hagia Sophia. This is a site I have wanted to see since freshman year in high school in my global history class. It was so big inside; I was really surprised by that. Since it was turned into a mosque when the Ottomans took over there was a lot of Arabic graffiti over the paintings and mosaics at times, but some of the original mosaics were restored. This included one of Jesus, which after seeing I realized was the famous one I have see reproduced elsewhere. I just didn't know it was at the Hagia Sophia. That was a highlight for that day. We also visited the Blue Mosque and an archaeological museum. The next day we flew to Ismir and took a bus to Ephesus. We did not have much time for reflection at Ephesus which was a bummer to me. However, I was delighted to see the city that Paul spent three years in. The site is huge! After being in the smaller archaeological sites in Israel, this was very impressive. Marble was everywhere. Later after I recharge my battery I will upload some pictures of this site. We ended at the Church of Saint Mary where the third Ecumenical council took place. Here Nestorianism was condemned. I have seen in Istanbul and Ephesus the site of four of the seven ecumenical councils! After spending so much time in school learning about these councils and their importance to Christianity today, it was a privilege to see these locations. Our last day in Turkey we went to the Chora Museum, an old church with lots and lots of mosaics. It was beautiful. I have lots of pictures of them which I will share later, but they do not convey the mosaics beauty very well unfortunately. We ended that day with a boat ride on the strait connecting the Black Sea to the Aegean Sea. We straddled the continental line of Asia and Europe. We also dolphins jumping alongside our boat! After such busy days, it was really, really nice to have that time to relax and enjoy the skyscape of Istanbul.

Yesterday we took a five hour bus ride from Istanbul to Greece. My passport now has the stamps of three countries. We are staying in a camp. We are right on the Aegean Sea. Last night, we swam in it. I have had the opportunity on this trip to swim in so many famous bodies of water. I did not used to be a huge water person, but this trip has made me one. After being sweaty all day long, swimming in the cool water is so desirable. I think I love Greece already. As we drove up to this camp I saw mountains on my right and the sea on my left. It is so green and there lots of flowers. It is just perfect! The only downer is the humidity and mosquitoes! Today is our free day. I plan after this to go swim and sunbathe! Tomorrow we go to Philippi which will be another exciting experience.



Thank you for your prayers. I miss you all and will enjoy being home after this trip, but I am also loving my time here with all the great Wheaties on this trip. We have really grown close together. Thank you for praying for that.