Last week our family was on vacation and visited the ancient town of Epheses. While Turkey was not - what I thought - would be the highlight of my trip, I was once again reminded that we need to be open to whatever path our life takes. We were on a cruise in the Mediterranean and decided to take a half-day trip to Turkey instead of staying on board and letting the kids swim (which was the more appealing thought, rather than trapse a 5- and 7-year-old through ancient ruins). For had I bypassed the town of Kusadasi, Turkey, I would have missed an amazing and moving experience.

Our first stop was a mountain top home site where the Blessed Mother, Mary, was reported to have lived after the Crucifixion of Christ. Wow. That alone was worth the trip. The home is a replication of the actual house in which she lived and died. And the area itself has become a bit of a shrine to Our Lady. Thankfully, however, it has not become commercial or touristy-tacky. It remains a holy and serene place. After walking through Mary’s modest home, my 7-year-old commented, “That’s a pretty neat house!” I thought so, but I was touched to know that he understood the significance as well.

Our next stop was the ancient town of Epheses, which I will admit I did not understand the significance until we were about 1/3 the way through our audio tour. The site of the town - over 2000 years old, but with well-intact ruins - is about two miles long, with original cobble stone (marble, actually) roads. As we were looking at the 24,000-seat stone arena, I listened to how St. Paul preached here… to the Ephesians. Then it dawned on me: This is the location where Paul read his letter to the Ephesians! We were walking through a truly historical city, one that was visited by future saints, popes, Antony and Cleopatra, and probably the Blessed Mother. As I leaned down to my 5-year-old to tell him that perhaps Jesus too had walked these streets, he replied, “Mom can we visit where Jesus lived?”
Again, I was touched by his thoughtfulness and was reminded to never underestimate the inquiring mind of a child. Just as I should never underestimate the path down which my life will travel. It is a journey I continue to enjoy and from which I continue to learn.

I am still reflecting on and processing this most holy place, and feel blessed to have had this time there with my family.