Friday, March 29
Whew! After 24 hours and 23 minutes of travelling, we made it! I am along with a group of 47 others making this pilgrimage to the Holy Lands. The most interesting part of the traveling was to arrive to discover that we were lucky to land when we did- were we any earlier, the hotel could not have checked us in, as it was still the Sabbath (work isn’t allowed on the holy day of the week). It is a wonderful feeling to be experiencing such a different and exciting culture that still connects to its ancient roots (the airport, like many of the buildings, has two names- a contemporary one and one based off its biblical roots). Much of our driving today was along freeways just like home- even the terrible traffic! Right now, I am sitting on the balcony of my hotel room, looking out over the Mediterranean Sea after a long bus ride and good dinner. Not sure if I’m looking forward to the 6 am wakeup call tomorrow… thanks for joining me in this journey and I’ll have pictures the next time- I promise!
Sunday, March 30
The only word for it is “wow!” Today we began our journey and I can’t tell you how there’s anything left to see. From witnessing the beauty of the Mediterranean at the port at Caesurae to the awe of 7000 years of history at Aar Megiddo (it was destroyed and rebuilt 25 different times and is where Armageddon gets its name), the day was capped by a powerful worship by the Jordan River, where we were able to reaffirm our baptism in the same waters Jesus was baptized by John. The rolling hills of Northern Israel are filled with a remarkable variety of crops (we counted at least 22 different ones) and is much more green and lush than ever expected. Tonight we’re approaching Tiberius and staying within full view of the Sea of Galilee. I’m struck by the antiquity at every foot fall and the power of each site and the generosity and intelligence of the locals (It’s amazing how many people easily switch to English). Now if only this head cold would disappear…
Monday, March 31
Today began with a sailing on the Sea of Galilee and a service of communion at the site of Jesus' appearance to the twleve when he commissioned Peter as the head of the church. My favorite of the day was when we enterred the Church of the beatitudes and prayed the Lord's Prayer together on the site of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount. What a moving experience! The walls reverberated with our prayer as it must have 2000 years ago. spine-tingling, to say the least
Tuesday, April 1
Jersalem itself is a bustling city within a city. Johnny, our guide, is taking us to countless sites of Jesus' life and ministry. My foavorit eof the day was a church built in a cave on the site where the angels appeared to the shepherds announcing Jesus' birth. It was incredible to hear God's word preached for us while imagining the experience of those outcasted, poor shepherds. I am so excited to get into the Old City walls and experience everything within.
Wednesday, April 2
We're inside! We entered into the city walls near the Wailing Wall. What a monument to sadness, strength, and religious connection! The most powerful moment came at the house of Caiaphas (where Jesus was imprisioned overnight before his execution). We went down into the cellar where the prison was and, after sharing some hisotrical facts withus, Johnny had an individual stand against a particular wall with her arms outstretched. Only when she moved away were the outlines of sweat and grime obvious on the stone. After 14 hours of visiting sites and worshipping and praying, myself and three other group members wandered the Old City at night and stumbled onto a great pizza place (yes, we did- you can handle only so many things made with chickpeas). We really felt that we were able to get a feel of the culture- although they did play a CD that consisted of early 90’s middle school slow dance songs. Hilariously surreal to be in Israel hearing them. And, yes, I knew every lyric. Glad to see Whiteny Houston is still worldwide
Thursday, April 3
Israeli hospitality continues to boggle my mind. Our tour guide, Johnny, was so gracious that, after guiding us through the 14 Stations of the Cross in the Old City, he brought all 48 of us to his own home for pastries and drinks. His home was no more than a tiny studio, but it was such an honor to be blessed into his home, we could not refuse. He even gifted me with a unique Belgian beer after he learned it was my birthday.
The 6 sub-30 years old group members then returned that night to the pizza joint for a traditional favorite: pizza with salami, onions, green olives, and corn. Believe it or not, it was great! Johnny joined us at the place and proceeded to shower us with hospitality, introduce us to his friends and family that came by and joined us, and, as a whole, made each one of us feel like it was a true experience of current Old City. As we left, one of the girls commented on how nice Johnny’s cousin’s earrings were. She promptly took them off and insisted that she keep them! Without a doubt, this night was the top highlight of the trip this far!
Friday, April 4
I floated in the Dead Sea! We went to see the old city of Jericho which was no small matter as there were many security checkpoints and then we went to see what happens when you float in water that has almost 30% salt in it. Let me share with you- it tastes REALLY bad and it make syour skin REALLY soft. But mainly, it tastes REALLY bad. Tomorrow we leave Jerusalme and it's a little sad- I've really enjoyed it
Saturday, April 5
We left on a 12 hour bus ride to Egypt and no, it shouldn't take that long but there were several shootings at the planned border crossing in the Gaza Strip so we're crossing the Sinai Desert, exactly as Moses and the Israelites did. It is striking the poverty that exists amidst the stark bareness of southern Israel. No wonder the people in Jesus' time soaked up his words- they had nothing then and they still don't.
