Day 8 Israel

Yad Vasham, The Garden Tomb

Shalom! Sadly this is the last day of our venture.

Throughout this great adventure, I have periodically mentioned Eli, our tour guide. He is in the photo to the right with mom and I. He is a reformed (liberal) Jew, is a terrific man, and a wealth of information. He and I will be in touch talking about camp and life...he is the director of the largest Jewish camp in the United States, located in Michigan no less. As I help direct a Church camp in Indiana, as well as have an interest in Israel, Jewish life and culture, which he can provide, he and I have a lot to talk about. He is the best guide I have ever had the privilege to meet and I know that this will not be the last time I will speak to him. His knowledge of history and trivia made the trip very entertaining. This American/Israeli transplant is A++ in my book. Should you take a trip with LeSea Tours (highly recommended) ask for Eli's bus...you won't regret it!!! As for the information presented this week to you, it is just a taste of what I heard and transcribed into note form. This taste has me hungry for more...

Back to the blog...

We have a later morning, and are able to take our time. By 8:00 or so, we are on our way for our last day here...a day that will prove to be the most emotional of the trip. As we head for Yad Vashem holocaust museum, we get to travel through Eli's neighborhood in Jerusalem. He lives in the new part of the city. I don't know how anyone can afford to live in the city- no homes to be found, and apartments cost the price of New York City. When we were paying $4+ for gas, they were paying $8+. Yikes!!!

We finally arrive at our first location. This museum was dedicated "to the survivors, who through their lives bear the memory." (from a sign on site). This remembrance is for those who died, survived and now live so we may never forget what transpired for millions of Jews at the hands of Hitler and his regime. We are greeted by a lovely entrance gate with scripture. This gate, bearing scripture " I will put my breath into you and you shall live again, and I will set you upon your own soil..." (Ezekiel 37:14). In fact we are surrounded by the Bible...another spot going in has the following sobering reminder to all from 1 Joel, 2-3..."Has the like of this happened in your days or in the days of your fathers? Tell your children about it, and let your children tell theirs, and their children the next generation!"I have no photos of in this museum, as none were allowed, for obvious reason. There are also signs posted that babies and children under 10 are not allowed in the building itself. I believe not only due to the graphic nature of photos, but also that there is quiet to remember and ponder what is seen and heard without being disrupted. Once in, we are surrounded with artistic renderings and statues that stand in tribute to the children who died too early, and those who died, were persecuted, or even lived with the memories of those they tried to protect. The most poignant remembrance is that of, what I'll call a room of remembrance. This room is head to floor mirrors (going far above and below us) that reflect candles. These candles are reflected in such a way, it is as if you are walking through the 1 1/2 million children who died. While walking in this dark, circular room, names and hometowns of children and teens who perished at the hands of the German third Reich are read. Walking into the light outside, we then visit the Avenue of the Righteous Among the Nations. Over 20,000 trees are planted for those who saved the life of a Jew, or many Jews, without gain to be sought and under great danger to themselves and those around them. It is here that Oscar and Emilie Schindler have a tree planted for the countless Jews they saved. It is said that one Jew saved is like saving the world, so those who only helped one person receive the same number of trees as someone like Schindler.

We arrived to the museum itself, a maze of artifacts of a time gone mad, as well as sweeping video of photos and reels of life as Jews lived from 1938-1945. This was interesting, and heartbreaking at times. The greatest thing and honor I will ever remember happened here. I had the privilege to meet Helen Letterman. She is a Jew who was visiting from Massachusetts. What is so inspiring about Helen is not that she made it here at the young age of 85 with her beautiful family, but that she is one of the last survivors of this time period. Helen was there in the crowds when Hitler was voted in as Chancellor. She remembers it clearly to this day. She said that the German people were crazy to follow, and that all Germans knew what was happening with the death camps. Many were too afraid to speak up and went with the crowds. She was there when Jews were being gathered and sent to ghettos. She was there when she saw books being burned. She noticed my listening in with undivided attention and called me over. "You, young lady, I noticed you have been listening in to me talk (to her family members), come over here, I have something to tell you." I, and several others who realized that this was a once in a lifetime opportunity, gathered around she and her family. She went on to tell her brief, and painful story. It is important for her to teach, so we may never forget. She teaches children her story in schools, and is now teaching us. She, as a teenager, was sent to a Polish ghetto and at 16, was "asked" to clean the ghetto. Because of this job, she was not loaded onto box cars and trucks with the rest of her family. Because of this job, she was spared what was to become of her siblings, save one, and parents. Due to the clean up, there was never time to kill her. Her brother, it turns out, was a writer. He hid his manuscripts and told her where they were so they would not be destroyed by the Germans. After the mess, knowing what happened to her family, she and her only surviving family member, a sister, dug them up and preserved his writing. Today, she is a US citizen with three beautiful daughters and many family members. Her sister lives in Israel and has many children and great-grandchildren of her own. Thank God for sparing this woman's life, and giving us a spark so we all may learn what never to again do. Is she bitter? No. She is sad of what happened, but is thankful that God spared her so she may live. I thanked her for sharing her story so I too may learn and never forget what man can do, and has done. I tried to hurry through more exhibits, as we were out of time, only to find myself in a room that is stunning. This giant domed room is the Room of Names. I don't remember how many names were represented. Above our heads is a glass dome with hundreds and hundreds of photos of those involved in the Holocaust. Aaron and I had a laugh over some of the photos and it struck me that he, I or anyone of us reading this could be in those photos. Along the circular walls in books, were the testimonies of survivors, giving their stories. We couldn't pick the books up, but knowing that history has been preserved of those who lived and died means a lot to me. I am sure I can go online and look this information up when I get home. We slowly made our way through the museum (I only had time for 1/2 of it due to time constraints) and grabbed a bite to eat there. It is fitting that when you come out of the museum, you actually look out over Jerusalem. I am glad we came here, to see the past from a point I have never seen or learned in a classroom. Perhaps, my generation and those following can learn and not make the same mistakes that those before us made.

We then travelled through a nice area of town where the Valley of the Cross is located, to our next and last destination. This (Valley of the Cross) is the traditional place where the wood from Christ's cross was taken. Currently, there stands a 4th century Greek Orthodox church and monastery in this valley. We passed the actual residence of Benjamin Netanyahu, one of Israel's most beloved Prime Ministers from the mid-1990's. He lives in a bustling neighborhood, unassuming except for the outdoor surveillance/video cameras and green fence surrounding his property. This is a neighborhood that it is virtually impossible to find parking in, due to the size of the streets and no garages to park in. We continue to head on by different gates in the wall on the northern most part of Mr. Moriah and the Arab Quarter- the Damascus gate, which leads to Damascus, the Joffa gate, which ultimately leads to Joffa, the Lions gate, built by King Suleiman during the Turkish regime, also known at St. Stephens gate (said to be where Stephen was martyred by being stoned to death), Herod's gate (aka the Flower gate). Here you can see scaffolds up where the wall is being cleaned of vines, as well as siege holes, which were used in battles during the Turkish rule. After a quick stop of shopping, we head out to our last stop of the day...the Garden Tomb.

We arrive, to the loudspeaker system calling the Muslims to prayer. It is interesting, but distracting to me. It seems that anytime I am in a place glorifying and learning about Christ and God, these prayers are called out throughout the city, even if it is only 5 times a day. I wish I could plug my ears, but the prayers seem to drone on and on. Anyone have a bat? Anyway, I'll be good...they have a right to pray as well, so I'll have to ignore it. I guess this is what it is like to be a parent of a kid who won't shut up. Good lesson to take with me for when I am a mom I guess. lol!!!

Traditionally, the Garden and Calvary are thought to have occurred in this very spot. Our guide Phillip, from the organization that runs this place, explained that this site is traditionally thought to be the site of the tomb and gardens because it is the only site around that lines up with what we are told. The cliff of Calvary (Golgotha) fits in with the name because it 1, looks like a skull in old photos (which is what both Calvary and Golgotha mean). It doesn't look this way today because a bus depot is now built over where the mouth would be in the photo. 2, it goes to the Damascus gate, which passes by this hill, into a very busy, and noisy area. 3. this was an official site of Roman execution. Execution of old would not have happened on top of a hill, as Christians see in books and art, but instead happened at the base of the hill, at eye level of the main road. This is so those passing by could see and smell what was happening- a pleasant thought, I know. It was more likely Christ was crucified this very way, at the bottom of the hill, among the noise, filth, and those desperate in need of a savior. Although the cross was the most demeaning way to die, Christ made it a sign of redemption, and a declaration of Kingship of God. We then walk to one of the greatest sites on earth.

As we walk through this garden, it is a reverent and peaceful feeling that engulfs us, with few sounds except that of the birds and an occasional person. The cool of the air cools us off, as we walk through lush trees and flowers of all types, as well as sitting areas. Another reason why it was believed that this was the true spot of the tomb is that it lines up with what we are told. Findings of this place have found an old cistern and water system. This would have been used to water a garden. A garden is not as we know it to be. A garden here is agricultural. This garden was found to be an agricultural vineyard- a wine press was found to verify this discovery. This cistern is the 3rd largest in Jerusalem, and the property included a tomb, both owned by a wealthy man. It is believed that this was the land of Joseph of Arimathea. The most amazing thing that I found about this, is that Joseph's request of Pilot to have the body of Jesus to bury was strange. You see, when a person was crucified, their body was thrown into the town dump. In asking this of Pilot, he puts his life and reputation in danger.

As we wait for our turn to enter the tomb, we hear a group of Spanish speaking men at top singing hymns of praise and thanksgiving. You can feel God's presence here. My turn comes up. I know he is truly not here, but the thought of walking in a door where a 2 ton stone once stood and was moved, and then finding no body brings an added skip to my heartbeat and spring to my step. When I walked out and looked around from this empty tomb, I saw serious faces of those who have not yet stepped foot in this spot and the faces lit up in smiles of those who see the truth that he is not here, but has risen.

Our day is not yet finished. As we head up to a seating area above the tomb, we all sit together awaiting communion. As we sit, we can hear singing from different groups around the garden, in many different languages. We gather as we sing Amazing Grace and hear songs like El Shadai sung. As we share in communion with all 140 of us, 4 buses of the LeSea tour, I look up and see that two doves have landed in the trees above us. Mom also found a stem from an olive tree, which is a rare find here. God is truly with us, celebrating this moment.

Once the service is completed, Maer (our fabulous and funny driver, his name means, "One who illuminates) takes us back to pack, share one last story and meal together, and say goodbye. Some are leaving this evening, the rest, mom and I included, tomorrow. It is hard to say goodbye. I jokingly said that it feels like a rapture in a way...we are being left behind as everyone goes on to other tours or back home. It is hard to part ways with the new friends we have made...many who will become lifelong.

Albeit brief, and plum full of information, more than I could have ever dreamed of getting on this trip, I am sad that this is good bye to a country that I have grown to appreciate and love. Fond memories of new-found friends and a renewed relationship with my mom will be something that I carry with me from this journey. As for Israel and this timeless city of Jerusalem, this will not be the last time I will see her... Lord willing, you can count on that!

Until later my friend! L'hitraot (leh-hee-trah-oht; See you soon)...Kol Tuv. (kohl toov; Be well.) my beautiful Jerusalem.

Day 7 Israel

Masada National Park, Qumran National Park, Dead Sea

Today happens to be our extra day. A day to spend be-bopping around Jerusalem, travel to Masada, or to go to Palestinian governed, Israeli owned Bethlehem. As you can see by the Dead Sea photo at the right of me and a fellower traveller, Mary, mom and I chose Masada.

Driving along, I am amazed at the beauty and starkness of the desert wilderness. Someday, I would love to travel as a nomad in these lonely parts. It boggles my mind that Jesus was sent to a desert wilderness such as this to be tempted for 40 days. With occasional run-ins from other desert travelers, you can go weeks without seeing a single soul. It is a beautiful place with unforgiving and unrelenting floods (Isaiah 35) and sheer cliffs that can make desert passage dangerous. It is also a place of captivating beauty as the early morning sun sets the cliffs to hughes of oranges, reds and browns. It really is an amazing place, one that I pray I will be able to come back to to experience more fully...maybe on the back of a camel! ha!!!

As we drive past the Dead Sea Cliffs to our right and Edom Mountains in Jordan to our left, with a large body of water serving as a border between two countries down below us, we wind our way past areas smelling of sulfur. This is from the Dead Sea. Birds who fly over this body of water thinking it is fresh water, are killed as they become overcome in the noxious fumes. Nothing lives in the Dead Sea, except recently found bacteria, save salt. In fact, this lake has the highest content found anywhere in the world, including the salt flats of Utah. It contains 34% salt content! What I also find interesting is that this place is the lowest lake and point of dry land in the world. As we drive to the last stand of the Jews from Roman rule (Masada) we pass spas that use the minerals from the sea to heal and make cosmetics. We pass desert oasis', places that pop up green out of nowhere, including the place where Lot and his family met their fates...across from the foothills of Sodom in southern Israel to the Oasis of Ein Geti. We drive by a herd of camels and Acacia trees (trees used to build Noah's ark) to find ourselves in front of a massive structure of rock standing on its own from the range around it- Masada.

Masada is an interesting place, even more interesting for those who are afraid of heights...like me. But I survived the climb via a cable car. It was easier, considering I was surrounded by many others from my bus. Looking down and out, we pass over hikers taking the cliff stairs to the top and bottom. If we had time, I too would be making this trek...fears aside...it is really breathtaking! We arrive to the top to be greeted by the remains of another of Herod's great accomplishments- the hanging palace. The first question most of us have is how could anyone live here? The answer has been determined through the finds of giant water cisterns located on the sides of the mountain, where Herod built to collect water from the giant floods that took place. Granted this is only desert and they can get only 2" of rain at the most, this rain has nothing to soak it up into the ground and creates flash flooding and death for anyone unprepared in its way- it happens that quickly. Women then brought water from the sides of the mountain cliffs up to a cistern in the city. These cisterns were found to be able to hold 10 years worth of water. Between that and possibly gardening on top, the Jewish community could hold out against anyone, including the Romans who attacked this place in 73 ad in Israel's last stand against the Roman empire.

As I look around, I again ask myself why build here? It is a strategic location against not only the Romans, but also the Edomites who gave King Herod grief from across the Dead Sea. Interestingly, this fortress is one of 7 that he built in the mountains to use as signals to his other posts and here, a place of community including bathhouse, storage houses, and swim pool. If anyone has seen the Lord of the Rings last movie, a signalling system such as this one was used.
As we look around, many people of all types come to this place. Children have Bat Mitzvah here. School groups and military groups come to learn about the land in this part of Israel. It is the second most visited place in Israel, next to the Western Wall in Jerusalem. Due to it's historical prevalence and the respect for those who fought off the Romans here, the military would swear its new recruits in here. If one reads the work of Josephus and the downfall of this place in 73ad, they will wonder if all had happened as he told it. According to the records found here through excavation, every bit is true, right down to the remaining 3 store houses that were not burned. This was not just a Jewish place, but also a pagan place, where Romans would come to visit Herod and use the bathhouses and community to pamper themselves in many different ways. Rabbis would request that their Jewish people not venture the direction of the bathhouses...for obvious reasons- Roman life was very seductive. Many Jews began to study Roman life and Greek philosophy and became part of the culture (Helenized Jews).

When Herod dies, the prosperity of this place turns to poverty. The people of this land blame the Romans for their oppression. Finally in 70 ad, Romans destroyed Jerusalem and her temple. 960 refugees come to Masada. By 73 ad, Romans finally made it to this place to take over the people here. They built 8 army camps around the mountain, several still can be seen from the air. Within the span of 4 months, they had built a ramp to the lowest part of the community and set the entrance on fire to gain entry to the fortress. When they finally reached the top, all that could be found were a couple of buildings untouched by fire (which the Jewish Zealots did themselves) and a few surviving women and children. It is said from survivor accounts that the men, led by Eleazar, drew lots (with names written on them) to determine who was to kill their families first and then to determine which of the men were to kill the other men down to the last ten men. The last man would then kill himself. This story is difficult to swallow for devout Jews as it is Taboo to kill oneself. However, the people here are revered as national heroes for their stance. In 1948, during the time of Israels independence, the people held tight to these inspirational stories of old to help them fight for their freedom. We leave this fascinating place, not able to visit all of it due to time, and head for Qumran.

Along the path to Qumran, we were treated to 3 jet fighters flying near us over the Dead Sea. The Israelis were doing manoeuvres. It really was a wake up call that things do happen here. We then visit a factory called Ahava, which is world famous for creating cosmetics and skin care products from the healing minerals in the Dead Sea. After a brief video, which I missed due to searching the skies for more jet fighters that I could hear, but not see, we shopped and then headed for lunch at Qumran national park. This place is interesting. I wish we could hire the national park service for a night to take us to some of these caves in the hills to live for one night. This is a no-no, but would be a blast doing. Qumran is the place where the Dead Sea scrolls were found by a 17 year-old sheep herder when one of his goats was lost in a cave. He went back to collect three of them, and tried to sell the scrolls to locals in Bethlehem. When no one bit, he took them to a shoe maker to have shoes made out of them. The shoemaker suspected that these were of importance and paid the boy a few coins and took them to a local church and the rest is history, as was the shoemakers poor bank account, which had millions in it from the find. The boy you may ask...did he get anything from this find? Not a penny. In fact, when he couldn't get $5 for treatment from a doctor, a treatment that could have cured him, the shoe maker wouldn't give him a penny. The boy, named Mohammad, died at 65 suffering from sickness he never recovered from, feeling that his life was nothing from bad luck when he opened a scroll vase to unlock a genie. The shoe maker??? When Bedouin nomads living here found out how much the scrolls were worth, they went back and started cutting them up believing they could get twice as much. A mediator was brought in- the shoemaker to help serve as a go-between. The scrolls were thus saved. He ended up becoming rich, owning hotels and properties throughout the region. Although he was wronged, Mohammad never wanted any harm come to the shoemaker. His belief was that it is not for man to judge man, but for God to judge. This story ends on an interesting note. Right after Mohammad dies, the shoemaker dies. The scrolls are now found at the Israeli Museum and Rockefeller Museum, both in Jerusalem.

From here, hot and tired, we anxiously drive to the Dead Sea for a dip. Because of the buoyancy of the salt water, nothing sinks to the bottom. We suited up and ran down to the shore for a few moments of play. Once in, we all felt like kids again. we could bob like bobbers, fly like superman, and even sit Indian-style in the water without drowning. It was funny to see people start spinning and not be able to stop because they kept going in circles at the top. I, as several others, were told to not get your face in or near the water, or if you had a cut of any kind, to be careful...let's just say that next time I won't splash myself. My left eye and lips will never be the same....oooohhhh the sting!!! After recovering, several of us covered ourselves in the mud we have heard so much about. It was oozy and gooey and squirted between our fingers and toes. Some of us even found sink holes in the water and sank to our knees and hips in it. Thankfully we weren't wearing shoes, or we would have lost them due to the suction of the mud. The mud, filled with supposed healing properties from the mineral content, is good for your skin and joints. So we took a mud bath, as you can see from today's posted picture of Mary and I (I am on the left in black). Once rinsed off, my skin had never felt so smooth or soft. It felt as though someone had taken a big bottle of oil and pored it over me. We all joked that we glowed from the spa treatment we gave to ourselves.

So we now end our day, but not without a visit to town. Three new friends, all around the same age and energy level, took a taxi to one of the districts downtown to do some last minute shopping. We bartered for deals, relaxed for the first time on our trip at our pace, listened to live music of all styles (violin, guitar, harp and saxophone throughout the entire street), ate American food from McDs and BK (my fish sandwich cost $10 in US- Seriously! No fries or drink---just a sandwich). Eli mentioned that at BK, it is pronounced Vopper, not Wopper, as the Hebrew language does not have a W. So Michelle had a Vopper Jr. lol!!! We were all so sick of the food and water...just wanted something from home...it was the best sandwich many of us could remember having! ha!!! The guys did their thing for a bit as we went up the street briefly to shop at some other shops. When we came out of one shop, Michelle and I looked for them and we could not figure out where the guys went. We weren't too worried though...there were officers and others who could help us out if needed. We
wandered looking at shops and finding even better deals until we could locate them. These guys know how to power shop!!! It ended up us waiting on the guys and searching them out! We finally literally ran into one another around a corner and together continued hitting shops around this street. Michelle and I will laugh about this one for quite some time.

Aaron did discover something interesting in a shop we were in that really sunk home that we were not in the states. He found a note with 3 bolts taped to it. Those bolts were part of a bomb that went off in the street in front of this shop set off by a suicide bomber a while ago. The bolts and other shrapnel set off came in through the windows and barely missed those working in the store. As I looked outside, it was full of teens playing around, shoppers of all types and nationalities going about their business, and three Americans standing looking at this little note, it struck me that this could happen anywhere to anyone at anytime. Welcome to the world today. It was a sobering thought.

Craig ended up teaching us all a lesson or two in getting a great price for an item. He taught Aaron how to do this for the first time, and Aaron came out with some great deals! Craig proved to be one of the best barterers I have ever met. I just hope that I remember not to do this in the US...they will either think I am crazy or have me arrested. ha!!! To me, it was one of the best ways to end a trip, surrounded by fun new friends, feeling, smelling and seeing Israel come to life around me, at a pace that we set for ourselves.

Night all! Need to get some rest for tomorrow- sniff...our last day.

Day 6 Israel

The Temple Mount, Dead Sea Scrolls

Welcome to Day 5. Our 7:00 start took us to a place we didn't expect to see today. We were given permission to enter the Temple Mount (place where the original temple stood in the time of Jesus).

Welcome to Mount Moriah. We walk through the Dung Gate, named for it's use, where Jesus would have entered the city and was met by this fabulous mural painted on the end of what was part of the street going in and what happened on this street in the time of Jesus. We started up a tunnel to into the walls of the Temple Mount and had a birds-eye view of the men and women praying in their separate areas below at the Western Wall. More on the wall to come in this blog. As we cross over a security checkpoint and through the Morocco Gate, we are met with a fabulous view of two domes (mosques). The most magnificent is that of the Golden Rock. This mosque is the best known landmark when looking at the city of Jerusalem. It gives the exact location of the temple. Standing on the court of the Gentiles, we see people of all cultures milling around, as well as many Muslims going about their business on this holy ground. As we talk about this site, a cool thing played out before our eyes. A group of Franciscan monks, wearing traditional brown robes, showed up for a tour of their own. Fun to see here. Now if you are wondering what is so special about this mountain, let me tell you. David of the Old Testament bought a threshing floor here, where the mosque now stands, and left it to Solomon, his son, to build the first temple there. Prior to David, Abraham was known to come here and sacrifice Isaac on this mountain. Due to his obedience, he was stopped in the nick of time by God. Then, years after Solomon, Herod ruled this area. He wanted the biggest temple in the world, but couldn't build it here due to existing laws that limited size. So, he built around the temple to create his area. It is to this day, the largest temple in the world. Why did he do such a thing? Well, Jerusalem originally had 1000-1500 people in it during the time of Jesus. To accommodate the masses of pilgrims coming to the Holy Temple during festival times, such as Passover, he created a platform on top of Moriah, which was supported by outside retaining walls. The last known wall of this temple area is the Western Wall. People come to the wall today to pray because it is all that remains of the temple.

We circle around this area, past the famous Eastern Gate, which the Muslims have closed to keep out the Messiah, travelled through the Remission Gate, to the Church of St. Anne- located in the Muslim quarter of the mount. Anne is the mother of Mary, and this church is believed to be built over the birthplace of Mary, mother of Jesus. What is amazing is not that this is a 12th century church, but that it is the best intact church found from the time of the crusaders. It was never destroyed. This was a delightful visit because our group, one of only a few in the church, broke into song. The harmony of this little group of 33 from bus 3 blended together and we all became a part of this moment.

We then stepped out and walked around the corner to the Pools of Bethesda. Bethesda means House of Righteousness. Bethel means House of God and Esda is Hasidic meading Righteous. These were important for many reasons. We know the story in John 5 of the paralyzed man who tried unsuccessfully for 38 years to get to the pool of water when the angel arrived. Jesus healed him on the Sabbath and he walked home. But this place is more than just a miracle. It is needed for a way of life during these times. The pools were found on the high top of Mt Moriah and tipped southward toward the Dung Gate. Water here was used to help get water to the temple mount so that the temple could remain clean during the rights of sacrifice done there from blood and soot. Thousands of animals came through to be sacrificed, so it needed to remain clean. Although the infirm came here for healing, Jesus showed us in the prior story that it is through faith alone that one can be healed...not by water.

We leave this fascinating place and go to where we have all been anticipating...the Via Delorosa (Way of the Cross). This street is full of sights and smells of spices of all kinds. Vendors are selling their colorful wares throughout these narrow streets. It gives you a feel of how it may have been like in the time of Jesus. What I found most interesting is that as we walked this holy traditional path, you could hear the Muslim call to prayer come over the loudspeakers across the city. It was interesting how we were surrounded by two types of people on this little path- Arab Christians and Arab Muslims mingling.

In following the footsteps of Jesus, there are 14 stations of the cross that we commemorate. Now, throughout the ages, there have been other paths taken for this tribute. Originally it started in the Mount of Olives, and then Mt. Zion. But today, we celebrate this tradition by following the Catholic Via. Churches along the route have markers located on them to correspond to the station it represents. Out of the 14 stations mentioned above, five of the 14 are not found in scripture. Can you name the stations?

1. Jesus is condemned. John 18:28 The site of Antonia is where this occurred. The Antonian fortress, now a school, was the Roman Headquarters and the place where Pilot sat.
2. Jesus takes up the cross. John 19:16 Here, in the place of Pilot, Jesus was scourged with 39 lashes and took up the cross. After this treatment, Jesus was led to the Praetorium where he received his crown of thorns and royal robe. Because the condition of a man after this treatment, he was literally a dead man walking. The Churches of Flagellation and Condemnation are located here.
3. Jesus falls under the Cross. Lamentations 1:16 (not scriptual station)
4. Jesus meets his mother. Lamentations 1:12 (not scriptual station)
5. Simon carries the cross. Mark 15:21 Simon of Cyrene helps Jesus by taking up the cross.
6. Veronica wipes the sweat of Jesus' face. Numbers 6:25 (not scriptual station)
7. Jesus falls for second time. Isaiah 63:9 (not scriptual station) This station is important because it is next to a gate that leads out of the city. This makes sense that he would go out this gate because he was crucified outside the city walls.
8. Jesus consoles the women of Jerusalem. Luke 23:28
9. Jesus falls for the third time. Psalms 40:9 (not a scriptual station)This is the last station in the boulevard. The remaining stations are found in the Holy Sepulchre Basilica.
10. Jesus is stripped of his garments. Isaiah 1:6 (not a scriptual station). This station is a chapel outside the Basilica.
11. Jesus is nailed to the Cross Psalm 22, John 19:17 This shrine marks the place where it is traditionally thought that Jesus was nailed to the Cross.
12. Jesus dies on the Cross Matthew 27:50 The alter located at this station is thought to be covering the Rock of Calvary. It is here where it is thought that three crosses were hung, Jesus and 2 thieves.
13. Jesus is taken down from the Cross. Luke 25:53. The stone thought to be where Jesus was laid is here.
14. Jesus is laid in the tomb. Matthew 27:59 The room where the site of Jesus' burial and resurrection is a beautiful one, surrounded by incense, candles and pilgrims.

After leaving this magnificent building and reliving the path that Jesus took, we catch lunch at the market and then travelled the Cardo (aka: Main street or Market Street). This street is the main area of commerce in the city. It is built directly over the old Cardo Street from the days of Christ. In fact, today some shop keepers actually have their stores built in the original spaces that existed 1000 years ago during the time of the crusaders. We walk from the Arab district to the Jewish district and discovery remains of the old street, as well as a 5th century mosaic map of Old Jerusalem. This map found elsewhere, helped researchers dig for the Cardo where it was discovered. We then come up for air and stop in the Jewish District. This area is slowly being rebuilt from the 6 day war of 1967 when Jordan destroyed the quarter. It is this spot below the street where a Herodian priestly neighborhood was discovered. This location, above these ruins, became the Academy of Torah for learning to continue teaching scholars in the same location. The Future truly is where the Past is.

We circle back and out to where we started. Our group walked to the Western Wall to pray and visit. As you can see by the photo today, I am standing with Israeli soldiers. These young people are incredibly friendly. In this county men and women at 18 have to serve 2 years in the military. These soldiers are here to pray and pay respect to God. I thank them for selflessly serving their country.

Last, but not least, we head out to the Israel museum, which is a complete surprise to all of us. This is the home base of the Dead Sea Scrolls. Awesome is not the word to be used for them! A group of men left Jerusalem because of corruption there. They moved to Qumran, where they studied, visited, and lived in caves. They then wrote scrolls that were about political life, times, and community during the time of Jesus. There is evidence that John the Baptist and Jesus both knew this group of people. The top of the building, known as the Shrine of the Book, is shaped as a clay jar lid, not unlike the lids that covered the clay jars these scrolls were found in. As we walked down a dark passage way, you feel like you are walking in one of the caves they were found in. Then, the circular room appears and you feel like you are in a giant clay pot. It's really interesting! After taking time to read the interesting finds and seeing actual scrolls,we step out into the night and head back to warm up with a meal, a bath, and more visiting with our now close family.

Until tomorrow!

Day 5 Israel

Welcome to Jerusalem!

Shalom (Hello!) Boker tov (good morning!) It was a luxurius morning as we could sleep in until 6:45 and board buses at a late hour of 8:30!!! I was so zonked, I did no studying or posting of the prior day. Jet lag finally caught up to me I guess.

As you can see by the photo on today's blog, we made it here for our Pilgrimage of sorts. I love this photo because it shows the Temple Mount and Dome of the Rock behind me, the Eastern Gate to my left, and a graveyard behind me...curious? I guess you'll just have to wait until later in this post for the significance!

Well, the morning started out on Mount Scopus and driving back to the Mount of Olives directly next door. We stopped at the same overlook as last night to get our bearings. Looking in front of us, is the sight above. Behind us is the desert wilderness. The wilderness in the Bible is treeless, not like that which we would think a wilderness would be. Today the Jewish stores are all closed due to Shabat, their sabbath day. Here, Arab Muslims have their sabbath on Friday, Jews on Saturday, and Christians on Sunday. Schools and businesses run 6 days a week and close for their sabbath days.

Our first stop walking down the Mount of Olives is the Chapel of Ascension. Five church denominations in this area share the belief that they are the spot where Jesus ascended after the resurrection. The exact location is known to be here, but where exactly it happened is not known.

As we head down the mountain, which is an interesting and trying walk...you need great walking shoes with grips, we come across a cemetery. This cemetery, which covers the entire side of the mountain, is the oldest and largest Jewish cemetery in the world. People are buried in plots here only wrapped in a shroud. The boxes at the top of their site are only a marker, like our grave stones. When the body becomes bone, the family takes the body out and places the bones in a bone box for storage. This way, the tomb can be used again. This cemetery is significant to Jews because, as shown in Job and in Zacharias from the Bible, Jesus will descend on the Temple Mount and restore life to the dead. For this reason, all dead are buried facing the site of the temple. In the photo above, there is one grave marker with a square hole (window) cut into its side. That is so family members on the anniversary of that person's death can light a candle for 24 hours memorializing them. If this person were a rabbi (teacher), students from his academy or school would all come together to visit. Family and friends also lay rocks on the markers in tribute to them. This use of rocks is a tradition that stems from the time of Moses and the exodus. Inscriptions on the stones include the name of the father. However, today natural lineage instead reverts to their mother. The cemetery across the street, as pictured, along the Eastern Gate is a Muslim cemetery. South of the city, lower down the hill toward the City of David is the Christian cemetery.


From this magnificent and peaceful site we continue to head down the hill. Next stop, Dominus Flevit- the Place Jesus Wept. Traditionally it is believed that the Lord wept coming into Jerusalem in this spot. It is at the level of the Temple, across from the East Gate. Run by the Catholic Church, it's dome is tear shaped to remind us that Jesus wept here. Tear vases are prevalent here, which is important because in ancient times, including that of Jesus, it was that that tears caused grief. So tears were caught in these vases. If you look at the church, the window of the chapel looks out over the Temple Mount.

We continue descending this mountain past the Russian Orthodox Convent and Church of Saint Mary Magdalene. A couple of us ditch our group to run up into the property and get photos of this beautiful church. This beautiful old church has elaborate golden spires and onion shaped domes that reach into the sky. What is most interesting is that the nuns live, not in dorms, but in quaint little cottages around the church grounds. It is an inviting place to be and made me feel as though I went back into time.

We ran down the hill, through a tiny crowded street, wall-to-wall with people and cars trying to maneuver through. We made it to the bottom, turned the corner, and ran right into the Garden of Gethsemane. We raced inside through the throng of people to hook up with our group. Out of breath, we jump into listening and taking more photos. The olive trees here are very old, and some here are 400 years old. Some of the stumps (which are saplings from trees that regenerated when cut down) were actually here when Jesus came here the night he was arrested. It blows my mind away that I am looking at tree stumps that were here, as well as the garden, that could be the place where Jesus sweated blood, agonizing over the job that was placed before him. The Church at Gethsemane, which means Place of the Wine Press, is also known as the Church of the Passion, Church of Agony, and the Church of All Nations. One of the earliest Christian churches was built here. Inside you can see the rock that is believed that Jesus prayed over the night he was arrested. Above is a wine goblet shaped alter to symbolize the request to God to let this cup pass from me.

We leave this site to jump onto our bus. As we walk from this Holy place, we hear the Muslim prayer coming over loudspeakers throughout the city. It was one of their 5 times to pray toward Mecca. Back on the bus, we pass over the Kidron Valley, past the City of David below the city walls, past the Houlda Gate where Jesus climbed into the city, to Mount Zion. Zion is known for the location of the last supper and the House of Caiaphas, where Jesus was held prisoner. At the Basilica of Dormition, one can find the location of the last supper. The upper room was destroyed, but rebuilt and has been determined to be the location of this event. We know this, because the sect of men who wrote the Dead Sea Scrolls lived in this neighborhood. They secretly brought Mary here after the crucifixion and the place carried on through the ages. Interestingly, it is not known if this was the true place where Pentecost occurred.

From here, we drove over the Hebron Valley, on Hebron Road (the road that Abraham took to Mt. Moriah 4000 years ago- current location of the Temple Mount) to view Bethlehem. Looking in the distance, one can see Jordan and a nice little monastery. As we looked to Bethlehem- The House of Bread, we see a mountain in the background (Herodean). This is the tomb of Herod- the same guy who built Caesarea, the Aqueduct, Masada and the Western Wall. Bethlehem is significant. Not only is it a breadbasket for those who live there, it is the home of the Nativity Church, built over the manger where Christ was born, as well as home to famed stories of Jacob burying his beloved Rachael here (she is known as the symbol of a Jewish mother who cries for her children in exile. Women who are barren or unmarried come here to cry/pray to mother Rachel to intercede), Ruth met Boaz here, and the writing of the Vulgate occurred here. Two interesting things happened with this little visit. Our 10 minute stop turned into almost and hour. While we were talking, a shepherd came with his family and flocks. People, mom included, had their photos taken with them. Then, while looking at the city, I noticed a fence with red markers. After asking Eli, our discussion turned to current events. It turns out that it is a security fence from a Palestine ruled West Bank. In a reciprical agreement of peace, Israel gave Palestine authority to rule cities in the West Bank, Bethlehem included. So this little city, a ten minute walk south of Jerusalem can not be accessed by Israelis due to rules and regulations. Since the fence has gone up, there have been zero incidents between the two areas, which is a miracle since the days of bombing and terrorists in the early 2000s.

Lastly, after a very long day, we drove back to Mt. Zion to the Church of St Peter in Gallicantu (meaning Peter of the Cock Crowing because Peter denied Christ here), or better known as the House of Caiaphas. It was here that Jesus was condemned by the Sanhedrin and thrown into prison. Although this place is a serious place based on what Jesus went through, I had to laugh when we first arrived. As we walk in, a crow actually landed on a building in front of us. Fitting, I would call it. On the door as we entered was the scripture from Luke 22. This entire building is built around forgiveness. As we explored the 4 levels of the High Priest's house, the level of magnitude of this event really hit home. As we left the courtyard level where Jesus would have been brought in, we were taken to the prison level. It was here where minimum security prisoners were kept. There were spots in the walls where there once hung chains and benches. Then we were taken to the lower dungeon, the actual spot that Jesus stayed the night awaiting his fate. This place really broke me. As we as a group were standing in this small room/pit, I decided to sit on the floor. We sang a song and then as Eli was speaking, the lights went out. As I sat on the floor, I began to understand what Jesus felt and saw sitting there. I couldn't hold back the tears as the reality of what he went through that night truly hit me. We left in somber moods climbing up stairs that Jesus actually climbed back up to the main level outside to the bus outside. The thought that went through my mind was dead man walking.

After supper, the end to a fitting day- a short night visit to the Western Wall. It was a treat to be at this somber place as Jewish Shabet ended, and Jews of all levels prayed in their designated sections for men and women. After visiting and praying, the few who ventured here this evening headed back exhausted, ready for our pillows and needed sleep.



Erev Tov (Good evening)!

Day 4 Israel

Nazareth, Bet She'an, Jordan Valley, Jerusalem

Back again for another day. Today was another busy one, but then again, aren't they all? This one is special though. Tonight is the start of Shabat...the Jewish sabbath day which starts Friday at dusk and goes until Saturday at dusk. No shops or schools will be open for this event and we should be pulling into the Holy City when it starts...too cool!!!

We drove through Cana on our way to Jerusalem. This was the city that Jesus performed his first miracle, turning water into wine at a wedding. As it is an embarrassment and terrible to run out of wine for the hosts of a wedding, this miracle was not taken lightly by those there. The church in the city that represents this miracle is the Nathaniel Church of Cana Prophesy. It is now an Arab town but does have some Christian influence. Couples traditionally com here on their anniversaries or to renew their vows.

Nazareth. Nazareth is currently a town of over 75,000 people, but in the time of Jesus had only 100-200 people in it. As we pull over to look at an overlook, a couple of important landmarks are pointed out to us by our great tour guide, Eli. First is the Basilica of the Ascension. This is where Mary learned that she was to become a mother. A few blocks behind this site is the well of Mary, which still has water. She would have gone there with a child named Jesus to fetch her water. Josephus, among others in the Bible, never mentioned Nazareth as a city in their work or prophesies. The reason for this is that Nazareth was a hick town not worth discussing. This is why when we here, Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews...His hometown is being mocked. I learned something very interesting at this site. There really are no trees in Nazareth, or even Israel of old. Therefore, carpenters not only worked with wood, but also as stone masons. Jesus and Joseph were brick layers. In fact, it is commonly believed that Joseph, and possibly even Jesus, walked an hour to a town nearby that was much larger and more work to be had.

In Nazareth, we visited the site of a reconstructed, living village. It was interesting to hear and see how Jesus would have lived in this region. Carpenters of the times used a hand drill and metal for nails and hanging things. Wool was died to make colored thread. Interestingly enough, not only were different types of plants and fruits used to do this, for the rich, elitists in the area, royal colors of purples and blues were made from sea snails. Until recently it was thought that these snails were extinct in the region due to overuse. These type of sea snails have been once again discovered.

We then learned how olive oil is made. I had no idea there were 3 pressings. The first was the oil that was pressed out of the skins, extra virgin oil. This was used by priests and rabbis for annointing and offerings. The second pressing was a little less pure, and was used by families to cook with, as well as put in medicine and body oils, used for equipment for lubrication, among other things. The last pressing was the worst and it was used for household candles. They never threw out the skins after this was done. The skins contained a scent that olives give off and they put the skins in fires in their kitchens to smell it up. We then visited a synagogue such as Jesus would have taught in. In his day, he, or any other teacher, would stand in the middle of the synagogue or he would sit by the front doors where the rabbi would sit and teach. This was not just a place for prayer, but also a community room, and study area. Many of us even got to see our first pomegranate tree and fruit, which was used with olive oil to make lipstick. We all took turns holding it and taking pictures...welcome to a bunch of tourists!

From Nazareth we drove by Mt. Precipice. This is an important mountain out-skirting Nazareth. This was the place where Jesus was led to and those in the crowd were going to throw him off because of what he had said in the synagogue. He read out of Isaiah, the crowd was angered when he said that a prophet is never welcomed in his home, and they rushed to push him off this cliff. It is steep, sheer, and high....amazing to look at.

As we travelled through the Jezreel Valley, we drove past the Gilboa Mountains near another valley...the Jordan Valley. These mountains are important as they are where King Saul died in battle and then was taken to Bet She'an. In front one can actually see the Herad Springs, where Gideon, in the book of Judges, brings his men to drink and then picks 300 to take with him to defeat the Midianites.

From here we grabbed lunch of falafal and pita bread, and visited a fascinating pagan city...Bet She'an. This place, although not Christian, is significant as Saul and his sons were nailed to the city walls here. The photo at the top of this day's blog is a photo of main street. Modern Bet She'an (25,000 people) is actually smaller than the city of old (45,000). It is a tel, which is a hill with many different civilizations layered on top of one another. There is theatre in the city as you first walk in and was said that the level on top was where ladies would prostitute themselves to the men in the crowd. They then used rooms and entry ways at the top of the theatre to take care of their guests. There is an amphitheatre in the city, but it is located in the modern city, away from the old city. This is because, priests and those who were learned did not want the brawling rioters and possibly drunks who attended arena events walking up and down the temple areas. Located on site is a bath house, as well as a brothel. Interesting!

We left this city and traveled through the Jordan Valley with fields of plastic covered plants. They all looked like rows of clear plastic bags. This is to create moisture in this desert wilderness. The mountains of Jordan in full view, you can see what is known as the No Man's Land Fence. Although the Jordan River is the actual border between countries, this fence helps with enforcement. The fence is electronic which sends a signal to a post that someone has touched the fence. The Israeli government also smooths out a small road in front of the fence to search for footprints in the sand. They really have no problems, as Jordan is a friendly neighbor. Next in the Valley Jordan is the city of Jericho. Jericho's walls have never been found, the ones that toppled down that is. Archaeologists have determined that because the walls were made of mud and because they may have been used to rebuild the walls. This is the oldest and lowest city on earth. Jericho dates back to the transition period from nomads to becoming a community (kibbutz). In other words back the dawn of civilization- 7000 BC. As we drive along, we pass the lowest body of water in the world- the Dead Sea. More to come on this place in a few days....

As we near our destination, all eagerly waiting...we see Bedouins in the hills with their flocks. Yes, these nomads really live here, however, they are no longer nomadic. They bring the water to themselves so they can stay put instead of looking for water for their flocks on a regular basis. We saw several Shepards moving their flocks through the mountains, as it was evening time and time to bring them in. As we pass them, we look to the left and the sun is shining on the most beautiful site I have ever seen...it takes your breath away. Rays of a setting sun stream down and highlight the Church of Holy Sepulchre and the Holy City. We pull up, through Mount Scopus (aka- Look Out Mountain) and to the Mount of Olives to have our first real look at this glorious city. The sun sets and there isn't a frown or sleepy eye to be found. We are a bunch of kids looking at the best Christmas present in the world and cannot wait to explore and breathe this in! Just as this was the first spot that Jesus and the pilgrims of old saw the City of David and Temple Mount, such is our turn. Tomorrow is going to be a phenomenal day!

Excitement can't be contained....all I can think is God saying, "Welcome home."

Day 3 Israel

Sea of Galilee, Mt of Beatitudes, Tagba, Capharnaum, Golan Heights, Jordan River, Tiberias



Good morning all! After spending late last night watching a tremendous lightning show over Tiberias and doing some school work...which never seems to end, I awoke at 5:30 and decided to take a walk along the walkways of the Sea of Galilee. I was in for a treat. The attached photo is of a sunrise on Galilee across from Tiberias near Capharnaum. To the right you'll see some ominous clouds. These were a storm coming in. While basking and praying in this glorious morning experience with God, and getting rained on a bit, I turned around and saw a rainbow over the sky of Tiberias. That was beyond words...to see this promise of God here...what a gift God gave to me this morning. I went back to the hotel to wake mom, have breakfast and then we were all off for a boat ride on Galilee. This was the highlight of my trip, as this is the one place I wanted to visit more than any. We all sang, prayed and enjoyed being on this great lake together. Not a sea, but a lake, it is 9-12 miles long and almost 140 feet deep. When I stood on the top of the boat, I could see fish coming to surface to eat and loons diving beneath the green colored waves to find breakfast. I closed my eyes and could feel the power of this place. I could look out and see Jesus walking on the water with Peter stepping out of a boat, perhaps where I was at that moment, to go to him and sinking. I could see one of the quick moving storms in the area building up into a huge storm and crashing the little fishing boat that Jesus and his disciples were in. I saw the early morning fisherman out and about and could envision Jesus traveling with his disciples to the different towns around the highest freshwater lake in Israel.


This lake is vital to the region, which is predominantly agriculture. One interesting product grown here is that of honey by honey bees. This is new to the region. The honey mentioned in the Bible was not traditional honey that we know and love...it is really homemade from dates and/or carob. There were no bees used when John the Baptist and others ate this yummy substance. The Jordan flows into her from Mt. Herman and then tributaries flow from the Sea of Galilee to the Dead Sea in the southern part of Israel. All bodies of water flow south here. The people here are worried because last year rain fall was down 50% and the water level of the lake is down significantly. Scary when this is your only drinking source as well.

We landed after a bit and drove to the Mount of Beatitudes. This was the spot where Christ actually gave the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5. I had the honor and privilege of reading this scripture to our tour group. It gave me chills to do this on the place where Jesus taught the masses. We visited and prayed on our own, searching to hear God's voice. Did I hear it? Yes. But that is something for me. :) The Catholic Society for Aid to Italian Missionaries owns and runs this facility. Although it is private, they open it to tourists and require a strict dress code in order to visit...no upper arms, bellies, and legs showing- no shorts. They do enforce it! The church has 8 sides to it- one for each Beatitude.

We then took off for a little church owned and run by the Benedictine German Order at the bottom of the mount, know as Tabgha. This was determined to be the very spot that Jesus performed the miracle of feeding 5000 with a few loaves of bread and fish. This church has the oldest floor mosaic known to exist and stands as a marker for the miracle that occurred. In fact, this is a composite church, which means it represents a number of different miracles that took place. Built in 4th Century AD by Constantine, it was one of the first open places for Christians to worship without being persecuted. Outside, one still can see the olive presses used for lamp and anointing oil. There is also a grape press, used to make wine. Inside one will find beautiful mosaics of animals and plants. On display underneath glass on the floor one can see the actual foundation stones that were used to build the first church. This was fascinating, but the most interesting of all was a black stone and altar in front of the church. This stone is significant because it is traditionally thought that this very stone was where Jesus laid the fish and loaves of bread used in his miracle.

From Tabgha, we drove to Capharnaum (aka Capernaum). Franciscan Monks own, manage and run the site. They actually are archaeologists on the site. Just south of the city, you can see the Orthodox Greek church, which they were too late to settle on the spot where this famous city stood. So the Franciscans have control of the area. With their work, it has been proven that events thought to have happened in this port city and home of Peter actually happened. When you enter this fishing village, it strikes me as odd to see a statue of Peter, head and all. In a state (country) where it is wrong to show graven images and heads are removed, it is odd to again see a statue that doesn't follow the Jewish law. But it is privately owned by the Catholic church and they can choose to do this. First we saw the industrial area where work was done. You can actually see the black balsamic, volcanic rock from the region that actually existed when Peter and Jesus resided here. Limestone that surrounds buildings here was carted in and carved. Then we went to the home of my favorite Biblical character, Peter. Peter's home actually has been built around it by several centuries of churches, whose foundations are still visible. Cut through the layers and you can still see the walls of Peters home. We tried to envision where the courtyard originally was, but it proved to be too difficult. Our imaginations had to work double time to see it. The house was tiny! Oh my goodness....I had chills knowing I was standing where Peter had once stood. Leaving that spot and walking a total of a block past other home ruins, we come to the synagogue. Now, it was thought that local synagogues were built after the temple had been destroyed, but research has shown through discoveries that this was not the case. Local city synagogues existed at the same time. Walk up to it and the site will take your breath away...not the columns or the size, but looking at the layer of black rock below the synagogue is rock that Jesus actually stood on and taught on! I had to bend down and touch it. Tears still come to my eyes when I think that I am feeling stone that Christ stood on 2000 years ago! I wish we had more time to visit, but after 15 minutes we had to get going for our next stop.

As we head to our next location of lunch, including St Peter Fish- a whole fish, head and all, we pass by the Golan Heights. First though...back to the fish. It is called St Peter Fish because of the incident when Peter caught a piece of fish and inside was found a coin to pay taxes with. This is significant because in this region this type of fish are a live breeding fish. They keep their babies in their mouths. So, a coin is not that far fetched an idea. Golan Heights---if this name sounds familiar, it is because this is one of the strategic military sites constantly fought over by Syria and the state of Israel. Not long ago, Syria had control of these mountains, located on the east side of the lake. They built bunkers with underground tunnels in them. They terrorized those in the Galilee region. On a whim, they would launch artillery attacks on fisherman and blow boats out of the water. They would launch artillery attacks on the local wheat fields, just to set them afire. They tormented kids and adults alike in the valley below. As we drive by, signs are posted on the barb wired fence at the bottom of the hills stating that there are live mine fields on the slopes. Thankfully, Israel was able to gain control of this military region. Not only is it strategic in position, overlooking the entire Galilee valley, anyone in control, such as the Syrians, has the upper hand at blocking the water source that flows into the lake. Without this, the people have no drinking water throughout the region and soon, country. After seeing and hearing about this region, I now understand why Israel needs to keep this mountain range and not let it go. There is another reason why this spot may sound familiar. It is also the place where 2 demon posessed men met up with Jesus and he sent the spirits into pigs and ran them off a cliff.

Our last stop was the most important for many of the day- the Jordan River. Almost 1/2 of our bus, 20 or so, chose to either be baptised, or in the case of mom and I, reaffirm our relationship with Jesus through another baptism. We rented gowns and towels, changed, and joined a line of people from our entire tour to stand in line in a very cold Jordan River and be dunked by 4 pastors on the trip. One of our pastors was from Elkhart, Indiana! I remember when I was baptised in my early twenties and how special it was. That could not compare to this experience! Words can't describe the feeling I had as I left the river. One gentleman in our group wanted to call it surreal, but couldn't because that just didn't fit the bill. We dried off, visited, laughed---all sharing in a celebration that we understand and know with new friends. Unfortuantely, we had to leave.

At the end of the evening, we were surprised with the opportunity to visit a diamond factory. I wanted to go because I knew that Israel is known as a leader in creating diamonds worldwide. I was not disappointed. Did you know that the majority of diamonds purchased by DeBeers in England come to Israel in rock form to be created? Those in this trade in the country are that good. Then, the USA imports 65% of their diamonds!!! Also, interestingly, South Africa is soon to be taken over by Canada for the number 1 spot in mining for diamonds. WOW!!! After a brief tour of the facility and a movie, the factory was closed for the evening, we were taken to their showroom. Oh my goodness! I am not a big fan of jewelry, but this stuff and quality took my breath away!

Again, another busy, crazy day of running. I am finally taking a break to write this before I get to bed...at 1:30 am! Have a terrific day or night where ever you are and I'll visit with you all tomorrow.

Day 2 Israel

Joffa, Caesarea, Mt. Carmel, Jezreel Valley, Meggido (Armageddon), and Lavi tree farm

Our day started out at 5:30 this morning. After a traditional Israeli breakfast, approximately 140 tour members boarded 4 buses for the start of our tour. Mom's and my bus, bus 3, was blessed with an American transplant tour guide, Eli, who has lived in Israel since 1987 and has a background in History, Economics, and a little bit of Archeology.

Our journey started in Joffa. This is the old city, before Tel Aviv. They are basically connected. In fact, our hotel was on the Joffa, Tel Aviv line. Then after seeing a couple of sites, including St. Peter's church, which housed Napoleon at one point before he lost the war. We also saw the clock tower in the old district which is a common meeting place for those living in that district. Joffa is best known from Acts 9 and 10 in the Holy Bible and the story of Tabitha. This was the area that Peter visited on a regular basis.

Back through Tel Aviv. We learned that Tel Aviv was where the declaration of independence for the state of Israel was written and that Tel Aviv started out as swamps and dunes, and was a preplanned city that beautified the region settled in the 20's and 30's. It's name means Renewal of an ancient past. It is a rebirth of a biblical past. Also, Independence of Israel took place on Friday, May 14, 1948 but no one knew until Sunday, May 16 because no papers are printed on Saturday due to Chabot.

We drove to Caesarea, home of many Biblical New Testament stories, including the first baptism of Gentiles in the bible...with the help of Peter. We saw the great amphitheatre where Pilot would have sat for a show, the hippodrome, which was recently excavated, where great chariot races took place. Standing in the middle, running your fingers through the sand or standing at the bottom of the great theatre, you could feel the stories truly come to life here. Looking around, you could see where parts of the city that tumbled into the sea stood. Looking behind you, you can see the newly excavated area of the site, where tax collectors and food vendors once did business a mere 6-12 inches below where the parking lot once stood for the site. I was awed at the thought that Peter actually stood where I was standing. He is one of my heroes in the Bible, so it meant a lot to me to be here. One interesting thing I found with this place is that you won't find any statues with heads on them in Israel, unless it is Christian territory, such as a catholic church. The heads on statues signify idol worship (graven images), so the heads are not put on many statues. Much of the art is representative for that reason.

From there we travelled to the great aqueduct. This engineering feat by Herod was made of clay and lead pipes and travelled 10 miles. He actually had his men chisel the stone walls to keep it level so water could flow on the top with ease. We didn't get out to visit because our next site was about to close and was more important that we visit.

Next stop...Mt. Carmel. WOW is all I can say. It is wild to be standing on the spot where Elijah challenged the local priests of Ahab's to show them who the true God was and our God beat the priests of Baal out by a fire and a few wet stones (1 Kings 18:20) . Then to have the chance to look over the Jezreel Valley over 2,000 feet below was AWESOME!!! Carmel means "Vineyard of God". El is "Of God". Carm is "vineyard". Jezreel means, "God Planted". The region is known for grapes and has been since French winemaker and grower Baron Rothschild moved his vineyards to this region to help a poor people prosper. From the top of Carmel, one can look out and see Nazareth and Mt. Tabor (place of the Barack and Deborah, as well as being the Mount of Transfiguration from Matthew) in one direction and in another see Meggido (Armageddon) on another side. Due to it's location between two major mountain chains, I understand the strategic reasons for wanting to keep this mountain. This region is also known for the olive oil. The Druze sect of Israeli's picks the olives and makes oil. This month, November, is the prime picking season. Did you know that you can't eat olives right off the tree? Neither did I. They need to be processed first before consumption.

After some needed lunch of hummus, falafal, and pita bread, we drove to Meggido (Armageddon). Along the road, we spotted some tombs that have been there since before Jesus was born. It is quite likely that these, now roadside tombs, were there and ready to be used when Jesus was but a baby.

Then we found ourselves at the place where the end as we all know it will take place. Meggido is a tel that is over 3000 years old, if not older. A tel is a hill that civilizations have built cities over other cities.It is shaped like a hill, but is flat on top and has evenly distributed sides. This tel has 25 different layers of civilization beneath it's soil. Before the Persians, and before the Assyrians came to split up the region and the 10 northern tribes of Judah, King Solomon used this strategic location as a tax capital where local tribes would pay for their taxes in grain. You can still see where the granary was, as well as the stables for his 400+ horses. King Ahab made this site one of his 3 administration sites of the region. This tel was strategic in that anyone who needed to travel through the mountain passes, needed to pass through this area regardless of direction. At the site one can climb 183 steps into the ground to a water channel that was built to protect water from any enemies and to ensure the people of Meggido had water at all times. There is no longer any water flowing through, as Jews who came to the area after WWII diverted the water for their fields. This site, as well as the others we visited today, are still being excavated and new discoveries are constantly being made. There is constant change for those who visit. There is a saying...it is a place that the future doesn't change, but the past always changes. One can visit here and come back and history will be changed, re-written, or will be unfolding right under your nose.

Before we found ourselves winding down for the day, we stopped for a very special detour. Lavi Forest is a place where trees are planted to help reforest this once swampy and uninhabitable wilderness of sand and rock. We each were able to pick a sapling, mom and I had pine trees, and dedicate a tree as we each planted. These were in memory of family members who never made it to Israel, but dreamed to...my grandfather, grandmother, and great-grandfather. As we planted, the large sun started to set, larger than in the Midwest of the US, wearing a blood red hue, and a lightning storm started in the distance. It was really different, but beautiful.

Tired, we re-boarded to make our way to the northern city of Tiberius. We ate dinner and I stepped out to some shops before they all closed- 8:00 here....early! Oh well, we are here tomorrow night as well.

Well, that was our day in a nutshell. I could go on and on about all that we discovered, but I will let your eyes take a rest. Tomorrow is here before we know it and it will be time to switch from Peter to Jesus...until tomorrow's update...night!