Things and places are becoming a bit of a blur now, we have seen so many ruins that we are not too sure where we are or have been. So we are sorry if we get a little mixed up. Let me work backwards yesterday.

We arrived at our motel Lycus river motel, 5 stars absolutely beautiful! Jean had the unique experience of a Turkish bath costing 100 Turkish lera, an absolutely wonderful thing!

Swimming in the giant pool and enjoying diner seated beside the pool, what an experience.

We stopped on the way to the motel at the lime stone mountains at Heiropolis, part of Laodicea where we had a picture opportunity, but in the morning this will be our first stop with an opportunity to paddle in Cleopatra's pool.

In the 42 degree heat we stopped at the ruins of Laodicea. This is the biggest set of ruins we have seen to date.

How magnificent it was! There we walked the main street amazing in themselves, with drainage underneath & wide enough for several chariots or carts. Alongside were many shops and also the roman baths and then the temple.

Right at the end of the street that has been uncovered so far, was the place where the early church met: it was a room about 6x6 meters. As I stood there I remembered the words of Jesus to this congregation:-
To the Church in Laodicea
14 "To the angel of the church in Laodicea write: These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God's creation.
15 I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other!
16 So, because you are lukewarm-neither hot nor cold-I am about to spit you out of my mouth.
17 You say, 'I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.' But you do not realise that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked.
18 I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so that you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so that you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so that you can see.
19 Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest, and repent.
20 Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.
21 To him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I overcame and sat down with my Father on his throne.
22 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches."

Our guide had explained that this town (the acropolis) was very wealth and self sufficient and did not need anyone to help them.

Water was brought into the city via 2 aquaducts one from the very high mountains which was cold, and one from the limestone terraces which was hot. But he explained that because it was so far that both the cold and hot water became lukewarm by the time it arrived and not refreshing nor healing. Hence Jesus' use of this symbolism to describe the these people.

This is the only city in the ancient world that had two stadiums, showing the richness of the town. In fact the limestone Terraces were the north shore of Laodicea.

It was an extraordinary adventure today, a big day with plenty of walking and much to see and experience. God our Father was very close, guiding us and reassuring us of his amazing love and grace each step of the way.