Now what?

Well as you can see from the picture we are well on our way home. It
is going to take eleven hours to get home. My family is probably
still asleep and don't know how excited I am to see them. I was tell
people yesterday that I was ready for a kiss.

This trip has been amazing and I know there will be tons of questions
and curiosities too. I am sure this trip will effect me some how but
hopefully my outlook will be different forever. The scriptures are
seen differently now. The challenges from Mark Moore and Mark Scott
were amazing and much of there words will stick for a long time.
Thanks to them for this experience and thank God for their spirit.

To all the folks I traveled with it's been fun and until the next
time. I hope you have enjoyed this blog and enjoyed the perspective
from my eyes.

But I have some hugs and kisses to attend to...LA

Sober Ending

Today we awoke and drove to the of Vatican or as we have heard it as
Vatican City. Many of you have heard of the Vatican more as the place
of the Pope. We went through the Vatican museum and saw art pieces
from Michelangelo and the other guy that is slipping my mind. They
were pretty neat but honestly sewing art isn't my favorite even this
was historical it was cool.

We next went into the Sistene Chapel which hoses wonderful art pieces
on the ceiling of old testament significance. We then made our way in
St. Peterl's Basilica and saw the seat of the pope as this is his
personal worship place seating capacity 60,000 standing. This was a
beautiful church with many ornate statues to dead popes bodies, quite
interesting.

The next part of the day was definitely a culmination of our entire
trip. We headed to the site of Paul's beheading. At this site was a
small section of the original road where Paul walked as we walking on
this road to enter the church it was very emotional. In the church
there are 3 natural springs which is a sign of where Paul's head had
touched ever since then there were these springs. From here we headed
to St. Paul's basilica and saw the burial place of this amazing martyr.

The sobering moment pictured is of the Catacombs. The catacombs were
a place for Christians to bury there families 'cause most of these
believers didn't have money to formally bury. As we walked through we
can sense the presence of God amongst the tombs. One thing you must
know is that Christians didn't fear death like most of the Romans
because they knew something was better coming.

That is surely true today and we must never forget that something
better is to come. Don't quit fighting the good fight of faith.

LA

Apostle Paul's Roman Imprisonment

I must say that last I talked to my wife and boys and what a breathe
of fresh air. They are wonderful and I owe Becca big time. One thing
is for sure I have grown closer to my family as I have been gone.

Today started out amazing as a picture in my head came alive. Many of
you have seen Gladiator the movie, well we started our day in the
presence of gladiators. The Rome coliseum sat 70,000 people in it's
hay day and games went on for over 100 years. The games were pretty
much a sly move of the emperors of the time to gain them more power.
Apparently during the games it was free entry, free food, and beer.
This was a sure way to swoon the people.

From here we moved over to the parthenon and watch an actual
excavation take place. But as we moved through this royal place we
came to a solemn place on this trip that has hit me in the face from
being on this trip. We came to the place whee Paul and Silas were
locked in prison before Paul was beheaded. Before we entered we read
Philemon and realized that during our ministry we are going to hurt
people and burn bridges. I guess that may be why I am here and because
of the situation in Texas the Fankhausers and myself were asked to
enter the prison first. This was an emotional moment to be in the
actuall place where a man on fire awaited what was next on his
ministry journey. The picture shown is from the dark dungeon prison.

We had lunch in Pantheon square and went to little pizzaria shops and
ate a bruschetta and tomato sandwich. But the dessert was a Gelato
not ice cream as we were corrected by our Italian guide who is
amazing. It was good real good.

Until tomorrow...LA

Pay unto Caesar his due.

We had a scenic view drive today along the coast of the Ionean Sea.
It was very beautiful. Our visit today took us to the city of
Corinth. This city was a place of worship but not what you think.
Corinth was under the watchful eye of the Temple of Aphrodite the sex
God. This town was was very involved in sexual activities, we won't
go into great detail.

Corinth did do some things right when Paul arrived they accepted
people where they are in their lives. The churches today sure could
take some things away from Corinth. We(our Churches) are so stuck in
our traditions that we forget about Jesus' resurrection. We focus on
music, order of worship, decorations an miss the hurting people any
amend out there. In order for us to be like Corinth we need to re-
evaluate our motives.

Check our more if the situation in I & II Corinthians.

We have just a few days left beofre I embrace my family. I am sorry
for the delay in the blogs please understand that paying for Internet
at the Hotels gets expensive. I want so bad to hear your voices or
even just chat. Hopefully tonight.

Congradulations graduates on your big achievement.

We visit the Colosieum tomorrow, I am pretty excited 'cause of the
warriors that fought there. Hopefully good pictures to come...LA

Night scene

This is a view from Mars Hill at night.

Runners take your mark...

Well if you understand that statement you know that we have arrived in
Athens. Athens is home to Socrates, Plato, Xeno, etc. This a place
of great intelligence, but most confused spiritually. Today we walked
alot but we saw the Parthenon, Athens government central. There were
so many people and you can see the frustration on workers at the
locations. There is so much history on this piece of property. Last
night we walked a few blocks from our hotel and overheard a opera
going on. It was a nice sound ringing out. We even saw centurions
and others in costumes which kind of makes you dream a bit.

We went over to Mars Hill the place where Apostle Paul preached to
these very intelligent, stoic, and misguided people. Have you ever
tried to tell someone about God to a person who is smart, stubborn, or
unsure? It's hard to explain Jesus' resurrection to those people.
Paul on Mars Hill knew this but coming to his pinnicle in his travels
knew it was important to speak truth.

Honestly this is our job still today to tell about Jesus' resurrection
even if we/I are/am afraid.

We read I Corinthians.

After our start this morning we had a day to explore Athens on our
own. So I shopped for...wouldn't you like to know.

Well I am unable to use Internet because it coat quite a bit so I am
waiting until Rome. Sorry for the delay but my money is running short
with the Euro sucking our American dollar (1,45e for ever $1.00 US).
I believe that tomorrow is an exciting day in Rome as Manchester
United play Barcelona, I think we will miss the craziness. This is a
big deal. Pretty exciting huh Thomas Sears.

I am ready to hug my family I hope today has been a great day and am
looking forward to hear how your interview went Becca. I am proud of
you. I love you Becca, Dean, and Maddox. Just few more days.

And we have arrived!

Well tonight we are sitting on Mars Hill in Athens, Greece. What a
site. Today we went to Delphi a city fortified by the hills below and
steep mountains above. We saw some amazing 3D original statues. This
was also a place where some of the first Olympic games took place.
This location was the site for the Temple of Apollos. The remains we
a as were awesome and well preserved.

Day of surpises!

First off let me tell you that after being in bed for a bit we felt an
earthquake. Nothing to be alarmed about just for a split second and
gone. I guess you can say surprise #1.

We headed out of the city of Thesaloniki and on our way to I don't
know except on to Berea or Virgena. On our way we stopped for
surprise #2 this will only interest you if you are history buff. We
stopped at the birthplace of Alexander the Great. Very cool start
except it is hot. We beautiful mosaic floors and huge plots where
homes were and these were big 'cause of the city where royalty lived.
The town was called Perma.
We stopped at the site where Paul preached in the city if Berea again
beautiful mosaics.

Surprise #3 took place after lunch and worth the wait. The site we
saw was not on our itenerary at. So we made our way into the gates,
let me set this up this way. After we left this morning our guide
pointed of the huge mounds which were tombs. These specific tombs
were in regards to the land owners this was an honor. First off this
site was great 'cause we went into one of these mounds again
clueless. Okay enough suspense. We went to the tomb of Emperor...

Phillip II and his wife and son. Do you know who Phillip was? He was
Alexander the great's father. This tomb was found ingredt condition
now we didn't walk in the tomb but this museum had much of the
remnants that were in the tombs. Keep in mind this was royalty. We
saw huge gold boxes gold crowns. Unfortunately we could not take
pictures they were all over us on that one. But the artifacts we saw
were great.

Surprise #4 comes later.

Let me tell you a bit about what we do while we drove some of you
might think we just sit back and sleep, we don't. During all of our
long portions of the treks we have lectures and I am learning alot
from the wisdom of Mark Moore and Mark Scott. The words that thy
share I am like everyone else eating it up. And of course our guide
talks too. Then we sleep some. Today was difficult to sleep only
because we climbed high in the mountains switching back and forth.
This was the first time I ever felt car sick. I got over that
quickly, but aparently I wasn't the only one.

Surprise #4 came after we came down the mountain. We hit the town of
Meteroa again an unplanned visit. We stopped at a place where the
monks and the nuns live even to this day. We stopped at the nunnery
of St. Barbera. This was a place where where the mountains shot up
from the ground to the sky and the monks originally built monastariea
on top of these mountain fingers. Wow wow wow. The view was
awesome. We stopped at an active nunnery to look at the chapel.
Picture above.

After we left there we went to an Icon factory a place where they
reproduce icons from inside the Greek Orthodox Church. It was okay my
thought a tourist trap.

We are now at our hotel and making our way to...stay tuned to tomorrow.

I was disappointed last night that we didn't have access to a server
but tonight we do. So catch up on two days worth.

Becca I love you an pray that you interview and day tomorrow goes
good. I miss you all and can't wait to kiss your faces.

Tune in tomorrow...LA

Walked literally on biblical history.

As the night ended last night we walked in the Agean Sea but some swam
and some avoided sea urchants. Probably a good idea, peeing in
someone didn't sound fun.
The hotel we stayed in last night was top of the list from the view,
shower, and food. Keeping in mind today was the Sabbath day we headed
to a place that for me topped everything so far and we haven't evev
made it to Rome yet. Today we saw the prison where Paul and Silas
were. Read Acts 16 for a reference point. We saw the Roman bema or
magistrates office where Paul and Silas were beaten, I got a little
choked up. Have you figures out yet that we were in Philippi. The
stories the scriptures are so alive it's amazing. We then drove over
to see the place where the demon possessed woman Lydia was baptized.
Here we sat and worshipped, broke bread, and learned from God's word.
From here we ate lunch on the warf in Kavala fresh was amazing I had
red mullet that's right mullet. I saw others eat huge sardines,
octopus, chicken and hamburgers.
Well we are now in our hotel after visiting Thessoloniki. We saw from
a distance the location of Jason's house (acts 17). We did visit a
Greek orthodox church tonight and sat through some of the service very
interesting. This active basilica actually brought to life the
crumbled churches we have seen especially in Philippi. The city of
Thesaloniki is huge there are buildings and people everywhere. The
ancient city is still here but everything we see is built on top of
the city this is why our sightseeing is limited. Our chunk of the day
was in Philippi today and tomorrow we head to Berea.

Well Becca at this moment you have just gotten home from church and I
am sure you are enjoying then peace. It was wonderful to talk to you
last night. I sense my heart becoming sad but when I heard your voice
I instantly felt your presence. I love you oh so much and pray for
our hearts to grow only stronger. To my boys I love you very much and
to maddox I love you and don't worry daddy will be home soon. Dean
you are an amazing boy and I am loving coaching baseball but just
enjoying who you are, i love you my boy.

Oh let me end with this to get your curiosity, there is a surprise for
us in the morning, Mark was pretty excited so it must be good so stay
tuned.

LZ

From Troy to Greece. Bye Turkey.

We started our day out with a beautiful view of the Agean Sea and
breakfast on the open aired deck. We ventured to the site of Troy and
well it was beautiful but not much to really look at. Our guide told
a great reprise of the Odyssey and that honestly brought the site alive.
We caught the 10am ferry and crossed the Straight. It was awesome to
see all the squid and jellyfish. We left and headed to a local
grocery store to say goodbye to Tansu but to say hello to the next leg
of the trip. But first we had to stop and eat a whopper and fries.
We headed to the border and crossed into Greece without any problems
always a good thing. Now we are at Hotel Lucu overlooking once again
the Agean Sea. This is the nicest of places this far the crystal
clear water is amazing. We wlare only 15 yards away from the beach.
We are to end our night with dinner and then a walk to see the sight
of Pauls shipwreck. This has honestly been a pretty last day. We
read Acts 16 and Philippians.

To my wife enjoy your peaceful house and sleep in and of course
relax. I hope camping was great and stress-free. I love you tons and
cannot wait to get to our hotel each night just to see what you ate up
too. Dean & Maddox I love you tons be good for mommy maybe I will
bring you home something special.

Till tomorrow...LA

A day of fresh stuff.

Today was a day of driving but we had a few surprises along the way. We'll come to that in a bit. Last night I did laundry in the hotel sink and becca I must admit mixed lights and darks not shocked are you. Laundry washing was good thanks to he Haiti trip except nothing was dry so we will try again tonight. We set out early this morning for our first visit at thyatira (pronounced Tea-A-Teara) not much to see but the neat thing was that this was the only church of the seven that was in the plains all the other churches were in the mountains. Read revelation 2:18-29. We left from Thyatira and began our treck up the mountains to Pergamum (which by the way means what Elizabeth King in German=parchment=paper).
On the way to Pergamum we pulled off to the side of the road at a vendor and bought fresh of the tree cherries, oh yeah sooo good. We were asked to read Acts 19 & 20 on the way. A true description of what we are seeing in all the cities is found in Revelation 2&3, specifically for Pergamum 2:12-17. We climbed the mountains and one of the things I find interesting is how advanced everything has been especially with aquaduct systems, pretty clever. We parked and headed into the site and stopped first at Zeus' temple check out what verse v.13 says in ch. 2 what a clear description. The temple was in the shape of a horseshoe mainly signifying a seat or throne. We enters the theater next and what a view, this is the steepest theater with some awesome features in it. One was the fact they reused the rock face as seats and this was the first site to have a portable stage. Let me explain. When they needed the wooden stage they pulled it in and when it was not in use moved it to use as a sitting place to view the country-side. Cool huh? Because of this place being on a hill side and relying so much on the original rock they had to build retianing walls and with came support arches below it was amazingly beautiful.
Hopped back on the bus for our 2nd surprise of the day lunch at a rug factory. Denise you'll like pictures. We entered into the factory and watched a man sturring a pit of what looked like white mothballs any guesses to what it was; it was silk worn cacoons. In a hot pot he would loosen the silk pulling it all together and then winding it up, we got video. We saw there silk worm farm and we saw fresh drying dyed wool. We entered into another secret room like a mueseum or more or less a sales shop of carpets of all sizes. Here is where I thought of you Denise. We went into a room and sat around and watch an Amway sales picth on buy these carpets we were proba my shown hundreds of different shapes, sizes, and textures of carpets. All in the while enjoying Turkish pizza yes you read it right pizza on freshly made pits bread, best pizza ever sorry Papa John, all this plus drink for $3.00 or 5 Turkish Lira. After enjoying pizza we were then hounded to buy, some did sorry I didn't the cheapest pieces were $40 and those were purses. Now the most expensive piece was $3,200 all of silk.
We were expecting to make it Troy today bit arrived at our hotel at 9:30 and ate dinner in an open air Resturaunt overlooking the Adriatic Sea. Meal was awesome I had fresh salad, fried cheese roll, meat plate(lamb, meatballs, steak, and rice finished off with baklava). In the morning we head to Troy and take a ferry ride to Greece how exciting.

Some have asked so I will answer by feet are doing great enough starting stopping going on. Becca enjoy your boyless weekend and remember to do things you like. Don't watch slumdog millionaire I want to watch it with you, it is an awesome movie. I Love You.

Till tomorrow in Greece...LA

"Great us Artemis if the Ephesians!"

Started our day out on top of the Heiropolis and visited the famous
hot baths.

We then drove 3 hours to Ephesus. Absolutely amazing!

Jet lag is catching up with me. Oh well I didn't come this to be tired. So we stopped at St. John's church and saw chunks of pieces of the church. We saw the synagogue man it was big. I got to see Apostle John's grave wow. Got to step down into the baptismal at the church it is a site. We drove from there to the 2nd site of Ephesus. To remind you pictures are on facebook. We actually got to see a city at it's natural site. Seeing the market place, fountains marble work, the library, the large 24,000 seat theater. Words can't describe what I saw but it was emotionally breathtaking. Today we read and would encourage you to do the same colossians and Ephesians. After we left there mind you this isn't just a stroll we were here for over 3 hours taking it all in and we didn't even notice. Oh yeah we went Jesus' mothers house you know Mary. We went into her house except it is now church and an actual service was taking place two nuns and a priest (be a good time for a joke) reading or quoting Latin scripture.

Let me tell you our hotel overlooks the Agean sea oh yeah balcony hangout time tonight. Except we have a change of plans for tomorrow we are going to the city of Troy remember Homers book. This is pretty exciting.

It's now 10pm and I'm tired and hoping the family is doing okay. God give rebecca peace and a breath of patience tonight or should I say in this moment. Well to all who read. My hope is that am bringing Paul and the cities to life for you.

Until tomorrow LZ

Lunch in Philadelphia

Let set some things up for you here, we started our day Izmir or Smyrna. We walked a few blocks to the church but were unable to enter because it is still active. Active meaning worship still happens there and also nuns reside there. For reference for the church of Smyrna check out revelation 2:8-11. This really the only positive comments of the seven churches. This was also the area of Polycarps death as a martyr. Awesome history this far. I mentioned sardis which was the next location we hit, we left and ate lunch in Philadelphia good stuff fresh out of the oven warm pita bread can you taste it. We ate and left to visit the site of the church, nothing left of the church except basement. What was truly amazing was the walls they were huge gated pillars which if you remember the city were the location of trade, market, courts, beggars, etc. Read revelation 3:7-13. We had a 2 hour bus ride next to laodica. This truly amazng, it only has been uncovered for a few years, this is a live excavation. Laodiceais between two important points Colosea (cold water flowed from here because hi mountain location) and heiropolis (hot water flowed from this location, such is famous for hot water baths, the only other location like this is yellow stone) and this is where we are staying in Pamukkle. Read revelation 3:14-23, this now brings things alive especially in this scripture where it talks of lukewarm water.

Then we shopped buying more for the family handmade clothing and useable. We now are able to rest early as we start our day early in the morning. To my boys I love you and hope that I can impact you spiritually forever only instilling in you the importance of living out your faith. To my wife I am sorry for any of the times I have crushed your spirit. You are just as beautiful to me today as the first day I met you.

Until tomorrow. LA

Mosaic tile floor in synagogue

Some facts here were that the gymnasium was a place of education and of course athletics. Again the synagogue was a mochary to this sight because of the paganistic things of this time. You can see the beauty here.

Jewish synagogue in Sardis

Pool at gymnasium

More gymnasium

Gymnasium in Sardis

What's left of the temple to the Prophetess Artimas

This was a Tempe built to honor of Artimas in Sardis. This temple was never completed, this is proven the fact that the pillars don't have the complete fluting down the column only a few were started and partially left standing. What I found most interesting was the fact that there was a church built on the same sight as a "mochary" to Artimas. This church was an Orthodox church. However pagan this sight may have been this was our first sight church ruins. Completely beautiful. To put scripture with this read Revelation 3:1-6.

Fresh honey

We figured out why Pooh was so happy, this is so good.

I figures out the picture situation

More are on facebook. This is for Matthew, isn't the iPhone just great. Enjoy.

I figuer

Blue Mosque

Egyptian gift as part of the Hippodrome

Spice Market

God is good even when your not paying attention.

Started the morning off with a great breakfast except for the bright neon juices like the kiwi juice was green like grass. Our selection for breakfast consisted of of course cheese, olives, and tomatoes. But we had a variety of pastries, sausage, eggs, yogurt, and cereal. I tell you though the cappucino's are amazing. Enough of that talk.

For pictures please check out my facebook.

Today we started out at the world famous spice market. This was the place to buy eztravagant teas and spices like saphran. The teas smelled awesome. There were meats, cheeses, baklava, Turkish delights, and lots of pottery and fabrics. We unloaded the bus in the middle of the hippodrome (the civic center of Roman Constantinople). Chariots raced around this U-shaped stadium on wicker baskets with wheels of course with 2-8 or more horses pulling at high speeds. On this walk we entered a famous mosque called the blue mosque. This of course was my first time to enter a "live" mosque. We had to take our shoes off in respects to the people not their God. It was quite beautiful. We observed their prayer time. We saw a few boys dressed in elaborate dress in preparation for their entry into manhood as they awaited their circumcision. Ouch! We left the blue mosque and headed across the street to enter the haggia sophia (divine wisdom). So stunning after being rebuilt because of the earthquakes in the ninth and tenth centuries became a model for Christian churches in Greece and Italy. After lunch of chicken, rice, and meatballs we left to head for the church of Chora. This church was built in the fourth century with awesome tile art and fresca paintings which were covered over in time but was ordered to be unmasked in the eleventh century. The pictures were nothing I have ever seen and can't be described, but the description is lots if gold tiles and amazing precision of placement which took six months for a piece that was six feet tall and three feet wide. Again pictures to come later view on facebook now though.

We have now flown 45minutes north to Izmir(Smyrna) where we are staying the night and at 7:30 am tomorrow will start heading to the seven churches of revelation.

Oh I mentioned good God is, here is what he revealed to me this morning. Paul is reminding (this is May 19th of our journey) Timothy in 1 Timothy 6:11-14, "There will be times when you will have to say no; you will want to say yes, and everybody around you wants you to say yes. There will be times when it will be embarassing to admit you are a Christian, but remember Jesus. He set the good example; he was 'the faithful witness' (Revelation 1:5) to the truth."

What are your thoughts here how does this speak to you? Comment and let me know. This spoke volumes to me today and quite fitting for this to be from Paul to a Timothy (someone called to do service for Him).

Goodnight for now, I was happy to talk to Becca and Dean, Maddox was sleeping probably safer that way. Oh how much I love my family.

LZ

Istanbul, Turkey

Well where to start, some of you probably just said the begining. Ok! The beginning, we loaded our Alitalia flight in Chicago at 3pm Chicago time. I decided that I would take some Tylenol PM to help me sleep hard. In flight we flew up and over into Canada to head to Rome. The flight wasn't totally full which made for a more comfortable flight. Remember I took that Tylonol PM well they are magical. I slept hard until about 7 and it was time for dinner which was pretty good: fruit, meat tray, cheese, pasta, beef and veggies. Once that was done I don't remember much after that, it sleepy time again. We landed in Rome 7:42 (11:42 Indiana). We waited about an hour for hour next flight to Istanbul. This flight was great I was like my boys in the car out like a light before we left the parking lot and pretty well slept until the plain hit the ground.
We went through passport control and collected our bags with no issues which is good with a group of 37. We now meet Tansu (taun-sew) who right off the bat is a ball of energy, which makes for a great trip with someone who is excited about what they are showing. We had a change of schedule originally we were to start out with seeing the Blue Mosque, instead today we went to the Sultons Palace. Tomorrow is a national holiday celebrating children. So we travel straight from the airport to the palace. Some exciting things we saw was the original prtective walls to emperor Constantines palace, they were pretty pretty solid still. Of course as we to the left we see that soft but the view the other way was awesome too. We saw ships waiting there turn to pass from the Aegean Sea to the Black Sea. Seeing the fresh fish market was awesome to. The Sultons palace was a sight to from seeing things that I couldn't take pictures of like his clothing, swords, jewlry, and most of you womens favorite thing an 86 karat diamond, yeah wow. One of the interesting things we saw from a distance was the Prophet Muhammad's clothing stored in a gold case as well as the original Koran stored of course behind many layers of glass and gaurds. Traveling further along in a room off to the side there are men 24hours a day reading aloud the Koran, or singing. I do have pictures (yes I shot pictures) but will have figure out how to upload them later.

We arrived at the Kent hotel which is awesome (becca thanks for the washclothes) and unloaded our stuff and checked in and went straight up for dinner. Dinner consists of two salads and a fried cheese(yummy), rice and chicken with mashes potatoes on top. Dessert was baked rice pudding. Also, there was a trinket at the table look up "evil eye". After dinner took a short walk to get bottled water. Now it's time for bed early morning and full day ahead starting at 7am. Oh how I love mornings.

Hi dean and maddox I hope you are being good for mommy. I am looking for some fun toys to bring home I saw one a really cool one today. Hopefully I will see them again. I love you Becca and will hopefully chat at you soon.

Till the next update LZ

Kent Hotel Istanbul, Turkey

Three things to learn from Mark Scott

Three things to get out of this trip are:

Think of this trip as a pilgrimage not a tourist trip. 2 Corinthians
2:5

Be a disciple (learner, pupil, etc.). Ephesians 4:20

To be a witness, remember to represent his name.
1 Corinthians 11:1

Fitting Start

As a citizen of Indiana I guess the appropriate saying is definitely
"start your engines". As I start this adventure many emotions are
inside of me worry, fear, sadness, excitement, and most definitely
anticipation.
Well to all of you who follow this adventure I hope you enjoy. I hope
that everyday I can fill you in on my thoughts and what I saw that day.
To my wife: I Love You and can't thank you enough for this chance.
To my boys: daddy loves you very much and hopes one day your dreams
will come true like mine are. The three of are definitely apart of my
fairy tale. Becca thanks for being my princess.
Well for now I say see ya.
LZ

Elzy Family Addition

I will have to stop you right there in your steps, last night our 47 chicks started to hatch. It was pretty exciting all except for the peeping. They are cute and the boys are enjoying them hatching. God is so cool.

Rebeca hopes they are gone before I leave of course.

Family Day

Today has been a great day as you can see by the picture. Today we
had family day as we went to the Childrens Museum and now we are
headed to get haircuts for both shaggy boys and the the boys will get
to play on the four wheeler they got Tuesday (thanks Linda).

Last night was definitely a biitersweet night with our graduation
banquet, we said farewell to 7 students. For me this group has been
one of the solid foundations and I am sad to see them go. However, in
that same breathe am looking forward to seeing differnt students begin
to step up and we are excited fir the new 7th graders to come in.

Well I am anxiously beginning to not be able to sleep as I have 2 full
days left until the "Trip". Pretty low key couple of days to come.

Pray for peaceful sleep over the next few days and keep Becca and the
boys top of that prayer list. It is starting to hit me that I am
leaving and so that emotion is starting to stir. I will miss my
family fifteen days is definitely along time away from my family.

11 Days to Turkey, Greece, and Italy

I started packing today. I will have to say that packing for 15 days is quite difficult, but doable. I started checking more and more off my lists today and even began to straighten the ole office. I am looking forward to learning tons of new things maybe things that I have already learned but putting a picture with those lessons. I guess there are a few things to pick up between now and then packing little is really hard. My schedule between tomorrow and the 17th: Birthday party tomorrow, T-Ball game Saturday, church (celebrate Mother's Day) all day Sunday, Monday staff meeting and finish or tidy up video for Graduation banquet, Tuesday FREE (for now), Wednesday Youth Minister's meeting then Graduation banquet, Thursday spend day with family at the Zoo (that's the plan) then meeting that night, Saturday T-Ball game, and then we fly Sunday.

Wow right! Currently fighting a cold sore you can guess why, so much to do. Prayer is for God to make it through each day diligently but honorably. Keep us all well.

LZ

May 31st (Day 15): Rome/Chicago/Indianapolis

Transfer to Rome International Airport for your return flight to Chicago, arriving in the afternoon local time. Then on to Indianapolis to anticipate seeing my family.

LZ

May 30th (Day 14): Rome

After breakfast, in the morning tour some of the city's past splendor and pass by legendary monuments, palaces, ruins, squares and fountains. You will also visit the Catacombs of Santa Domitilla where the early Christians held their forbidden services and buried their dead. Drive to visit The Basilica of St. Paul. Outside the Walls which was founded by the Roman Emperor Constantine I over what was believed to be the burial place of St. Paul, where it was said that, after the Apostle's execution, his grave. This first edifice a memorial, called a cella memoriae, over his grave. This first edifice was expanded under Valentinian I. Continue to visit the Church of St. Paul of the Three Fountains, located just outside Rome. It is said to be built on the spot where St. Paul was beheaded by order of Nero. There are two other churches also located on the grounds.

LZ

May 29th (Day 13): Rome, The Eternal City

This morning enjoy a city tour of Rome. Visit the Vatican Museums with the Sistine Chapel and Michaelangelo's frescoes, St. Peter's Basilica. Visit the Colosseum, the Forum and the Mamertine Prison.

LZ

May 28th (Day 12): Athens/Corinth/Rome

Depart this morning for a sightseeing tour of ancient Corinth, seeing the Archaeological Museum, the Bema, and the Market Place and Temples. Corinth was home to St. Paul for 18 months. From the Bema at Corinth, Paul spoke to the Corinthians about Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. On the way to Corinth, we will stop for a few minutes at the Corinth Canal, which separates Peloponnese from the Greek Mainland and connects the two Seas (Ionian and Aegean).

LZ

May 27th (Day 11): Athens

Morning city sightseeing of Athens which will include a visit to the world renowned Acropolis, with the ruins of the Parthenon, Erectheum and Propylea. Thereafter we will ascend Mars Hill, where Paul preached. Also, visit the Agora (ancient market place, and former center of Anthenian public life), the House of Parliament, the Tomb of the Unkown Soldier and the Palace, now called the Presidential Palace.

LZ

May 26th (Day 10): Kalambaka/Delphi/Athens

This morning drive to visit Delphi the most important sanctuary, was the absolute guiding power to the Greeks. Visit The Temple of Apollo, the Treasury of the Athenians the Theatre of the sanctuary and much more. Drive to Athens with a stop at Levadia.

LZ

May 25th (Day 9): Thessaloniki/Veria/Meteora

Enjoy this morning tour of Thessaloniki where Paul preached during the winter of 49-50 AD and wrote two epistles to the ancient Thessalonians. See the ramparts of the city, the triumphal Arch of Galerius straddling the Via Egnatia, once a strategic artery of the Roman Empire. Depart for Meteora Monasteries stopping on the way at Veria. In ancient times this town was known as Berea or Beroea. Paul and Silas preached here and there is a monument dedicated to Paul.

LZ

May 24th (Day 8): Kavala/Philippi/Thessaloniki

Tour Philippi, where Paul delivered his first sermon in Europe, sowing the seeds of Christianity. Here Paul baptized "a certain woman named Lydia" the first Christian convert in Europe. The Roman Forum, completely excavated, is from after Paul's time. Among the ruins, located on the rocky ledge above the town's main road, is the "prison" where Paul and Silas were thrown. In the rocks you will find inscriptions and carved reliefs of deities. It was in Philippi that Octavian and Anthony defeated Brutus and Cassius, last defenders of the Roman Republic in 42 BC. Continue to Thessaloniki, the former capital of Macedonia. Paul preached there during the winters of 49-50 AD and wrote the two epistles to the ancient Thessalonians. See the ramparts of the city, the Triumphal Arch of Galerius straddling the Via Egnatia, once a strategic artery of the Roman Empire.

LZ

May 23rd (Day 7): canakkale/Kavala, Greece

Cross Dardanels strait from Asia to Europe, drive thru the Gallipoli War 1915 battlefields over Gelibolu and Kesan. Reach Greek Border at noon and cross to Greece. Continue into the modern port city of Kavala, ancient Neapolis, where Paul accompanied by Silas, Luke and Timothy, first set foot in Eurpoe. Aside from the great panoramas of Kavala, the city has a Byzantine castle, aqueduct, and visit the museum containing finds from ancient Amphipolis and Philippi.

LZ

May 22nd (Day 6): Kusadasi/Thyatira/Pergamum/Canakkale

Depart in the morning north and visit Thyatira (Kaiser), which was famous for purple dyes, and Jezebel. View the ancient Temple. Continue to Pergamum, here was another one of the Seven churches. Visit Acropol, see the Altar of Zeus, Citadel, Trajan temple, amphitheater. Later Aesculapium which was the earliest healing Center. In the afternoon continue north, pass by in a distance Assos where Paul met Barnabas and walked to Alexander Troas where they sailed to Philippi.

LZ

May 21st (Day 5): Pamukkale/Heirapolis/Ephesus/Kusadasi

In the morning visit ancient Hierapolis, the ancient thermal center. See the ruins and the calcium deposits, natural lake-warm pools. Continue to Ephesus. First visit the Church of St. John, it is the best preserved and the leading of the Seven Churches where St. John was buried. Walk thru the ancient city of Ephesus once a port town gateway. See the spectacular ruins and the Grand Theater where St. Paul preached. Visit the House of Mary where she spent her last days. Allow time for shopping.

LZ

May 20th (Day 4): Izmir/Sardes/Philadelphia/Laoddicea/Colosea/Pamukkale

In the morning drive thru Izmir, site of Polycarp's death and the church. Start for a day of exploration of the Seven churches. Drive eastward to Sardes visit the Temple of Artemis (Diana), the Byzantine church, restored Synagogue and Gymnasium. Continue our drive to Alasehir (Philadelphia) visit the remains of the church. In the afternoon continue to Colossea, where one of the Seven Churches existed. Then visit Laodicea from 3rd Century. View the Church and the theater.

LZ

May 18th (Day 2): Istanbul, Turkey

Upon arrival in Istanbul, Turkey's largest city, our guide will meet us and transfer us to our hotel. In the afternoon discover the city and visit Church of Chora and Spice Market.

LZ

May 19th (Day 3): Istanbul/Izmir

Full day tour of Istanbul. In the morning drive to the old town and visit Hipodrome and the famous Blue Mosque, visit Topkapi Palace Museum, see the Sultan's Treasury and Porcelain collections. In the afternoon visit St. Sophia Church and The Grand Bazaar. Transfer to the airport in time to connect with our flight at the end of the day to Izmir (ancient Smyrna).

LZ

May 17th (Day 1): Indianapolis/Chicago/Rome/Turkey

Boarding our overnight flight, we are off on the adventure of a lifetime to Istabul, Turkey.

LZ

Will apologize now!

I can't apologize for how my grammar will be. This is for those of you who are teachers, Claire, and of course Matt.

LZ

12 days

I guess at this point I am getting quite anxious. Really unsure of what to Expect, but really do know God has some big things in store for, I just feel it. I am excited to meet new people from all over the US and learn about there personal journey's to get to where they are now. I keep wondering what this blog thing will bring to anyone out there, but know that my prayer is for it to be encouraging. I want my fears, my excitements, the ah ha moments, and best of all the God moments. So as you begin to journey with me pray maybe for the first time or the 100th time. Pray that God will open thine eyes(King James) with bringing the word of God alive. Secondly, pray that my family (Becca, Dean, Maddox)will be safe, protected, and guarded from the world around them. They are my world and thank Becca for allowing me to take this opportunity to experience this journey. So join me as we travel alongside Jesus.

LZ