It is hard to believe that is was out last day and night in Israel. The 2 weeks have gone so quickly and we have seen so much. I know almost everyone is thinking that one day they will return as this land has touched our life and hearts in a way that you can only relate to once you have been here.
We had an early start to the day with wake up call at 6am, and leaving the hotel at 730am for our drive to the old city to see the dome of the rock. This is the traditional site believed to be where Abraham took Isaac to be sacrificed. The muslims have built their temple on this site, and this piece of land has been fought over many times over the years. There is so much history and politicals involved in this city that for me it is hard to keep it all straight. From here we walked to the Davidson center that shows us how Jerusalem and the city walls were back before the time of Jesus and while Jesus was on earth. Very interesting. Then we walked to the southern wall and sat on some of the original steps that date back to when Jesus would have walked going up to the temple. These steps are one of 6 places that archeologists can say for sure are the exact steps leading to the temple. We then walked across the street to an active dig where they have found the city of David. Even as we were there they were removing more of the dirt. We then walked down to the pool of Shilom where the blind man was healed. We weren't able to go through Hezekiah's tunnel as it was too cold but again were able to see some new excavations. We then went to have lunch and have a view of Bethlehem, then continued on to see a scale model of the city of Jerusalem dating back to 70BC, and a walk through the museum holding the dead sea scrolls. We finished the day of touring at the garden tomb where Christians believe is the site of the crucifixion and burial of Jesus. We were able to sing some songs and have communion. Another emotion spot. We drove back to our hotel to freshen up, then left for our farewell dinner at a great restaurant. Another great 4 course meal. A couple of thank you speeches, a funny song composed by a few in the group thanking Roni our guide and Simone our bus driver we returned to our hotel for an early night as our wake up call is at 240AM tomorrow. I really wanted to upload some pictures, but I'm sorry but I also need to get to bed. Once we get home I will post some final pictures of our final days.
Our flight leaves Tel Aviv at 725 am to London where we have approx 5 hrs before we catch our flight to Vancouver. We have heard the weather is turning cold back home so we enjoyed the warm sun today, although this evening was also very chilly.
So with mixed emotions it is time to say gooodbye to Israel. I know your family and friends will have many stories to tell and perhaps inspire some of you to one day travel to this wonderful place.
I hope you have all enjoyed following our days. This is only been a glimpse of what we did and saw and I know I missed some places we visited and I probably have some things mixed up but it did keep you in touch with our progress.
This will be the last contact we have with you until we see you back home.
Good night and God Bless.
Glenda
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Monday, November 30, 2009
Shalom once again. Well not too much to report today as it was a free day to do whatever we wanted. Most of us walked to the old city of Jerusalem (about 15 minutes from our hotel) to do some shopping, while others walked along the top walls of the old city, some stayed back at the hotel and rested, and after lunch many went to the holocaust museum. I did notice a few people buying an extra suitcase so it looks like we have helped the economy of Israel. At dinner tonite we celebrated Gord Reeve's birthday with a few songs of "Happy Birthday" and then a delicious black forest cake. I think some have even started packing as we will need to leave our hotel on Wed morning at 430am. None of us are looking forward to that.
So I too will start the packing process and say good night once again.
Ed and Alice Peters want to say goodnight to all their family.
Glenda
So I too will start the packing process and say good night once again.
Ed and Alice Peters want to say goodnight to all their family.
Glenda
Sunday, November 29, 2009
New pictures
View of Tel Aviv from Joppa
Sycamore tree
Sycamore tree
Olive tree in the Garden of Gethsemane
Floating in the Dead Sea
Pictures of the group at the ruins of the city of Dan
Sitting in the ruins of a synagogue in Capernaum
View of the Sea of Galilee from the Mount of Beatitudes
Pictures of the group at the ruins of the city of Dan
Sitting in the ruins of a synagogue in Capernaum
View of the Sea of Galilee from the Mount of Beatitudes
Shalom again from Jerusalem. Another beautiful sunny warm day. I heard we got some snow in Vernon so it is nice to be enjoying this warm weather.
We had another full day, but not as much walking. We started the day by driving towards Tel Aviv and visiting the Biblical gardens. It is over 600 acres of gardens planted with trees, flowers, plants, etc dating back to the time Jesus was here. We spent an hr and a half walking with a guide explaining the different areas and their significance in the Bible. It was very interesting and a great way to spend our Sunday morning. After this we continued our drive to Joppa where Jonah was swallowed by the "big fish" - whale, and where Simon the tanner lived. We then enjoyed a lunch on the streets of Joppa before we drove back to Jerusalem and entered the old city and walked through the Jewish and Armenian quarter towards the wailing wall. After a few minutes we walked through the western wall tunnels, which are underneath the western wall, then back to the hotel for another great dinner. Now we are relaxing for the evening and tomorrow is our free day. Some will be going back to the old city to get their last souvenirs, some are going to go to Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial, and some will just relax at the hotel. Tomorrow we are also going to celebrate Gord Reeve's birthday.
I will try and send some more pictures, and some may go back a few days as I have time and this internet service is much faster to upload the pictures.
So until tomorrow, good night.
Glenda
We had another full day, but not as much walking. We started the day by driving towards Tel Aviv and visiting the Biblical gardens. It is over 600 acres of gardens planted with trees, flowers, plants, etc dating back to the time Jesus was here. We spent an hr and a half walking with a guide explaining the different areas and their significance in the Bible. It was very interesting and a great way to spend our Sunday morning. After this we continued our drive to Joppa where Jonah was swallowed by the "big fish" - whale, and where Simon the tanner lived. We then enjoyed a lunch on the streets of Joppa before we drove back to Jerusalem and entered the old city and walked through the Jewish and Armenian quarter towards the wailing wall. After a few minutes we walked through the western wall tunnels, which are underneath the western wall, then back to the hotel for another great dinner. Now we are relaxing for the evening and tomorrow is our free day. Some will be going back to the old city to get their last souvenirs, some are going to go to Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial, and some will just relax at the hotel. Tomorrow we are also going to celebrate Gord Reeve's birthday.
I will try and send some more pictures, and some may go back a few days as I have time and this internet service is much faster to upload the pictures.
So until tomorrow, good night.
Glenda
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Here are some pictures taken when we were having our lunch at Petra. Some of the group are missing as they had already left for another hike.
Some pictures from the Dead Sea!
A devotion on the rocks at En Gedi - where David hid from Saul.
The cave where some of the dead sea scrolls were found
The view of Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives
View of homes in Jeruslame from Mt Zion
Gord reeve giving a devotion in what is believed to be one of the prisons where Jesus may have been before he was sent to the cross.
That's all I could upload right now. Hope you saw some of your family or friends.
Some pictures from the Dead Sea!
A devotion on the rocks at En Gedi - where David hid from Saul.
The cave where some of the dead sea scrolls were found
The view of Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives
View of homes in Jeruslame from Mt Zion
Gord reeve giving a devotion in what is believed to be one of the prisons where Jesus may have been before he was sent to the cross.
That's all I could upload right now. Hope you saw some of your family or friends. Good night.
Glenda
Busy day in Jerusalem
Hello family and friends. We had another full day and as we had our dinner tonite we were commenting that we only have 3 days left. It is hard to believe that our time in Israel is coming to an end - but the memories will last forever.
We had another amazing breakfast with lots of food to choose from. One thing that is interesting is that they have lots of salad choices even for breakfast. I think most of us stick to the more traditional breakfast - eggs, cereal, yogurt, and then usually a couple of other hot dishes like pancakes or french toast. There is always a large assortment of fresh breads and lots of fruit some fresh and some from a can. I know every day we do a lot of walking but somehow I don't think any of us have lost any weight!!! :) Oh well.
This morning we started driving to the Mount of Olives and saw the view of Jerusalem in beautiful sunshine. We then walked down to the garden of Gethsemane stopping along the way at a few spots for Roni to explain the significance of the place. We then walked to the old city of Jerusalem travelling through the streets following the path that Jesus would have taken carrying the cross. After a quick stop for a falafel lunch we then walked through the Jaffa gate to our bus and travelled to Mt Zion, house of the high priest, some ruins that they believe may have been the ones that Jesus was in before we was taken to the cross, the room of the last supper, pools of Bethesda, and a few other sites that I can't remember exactly. We finished the day going to an olive wood store where a few were able to buy some nice olive wood souvenirs as well as some nice jewellery. Then back to the hotel and another great dinner.
I know I haven't been able to give you our full day itinerary but we did so many stops here and there that you will have to wait until your parents, or friends can tell you first hand all that we saw.
I'm going to attempt at uploading some more pictures from our previous days so that will be on the next posting.
Shalom until tomorrow.
Glenda
We had another amazing breakfast with lots of food to choose from. One thing that is interesting is that they have lots of salad choices even for breakfast. I think most of us stick to the more traditional breakfast - eggs, cereal, yogurt, and then usually a couple of other hot dishes like pancakes or french toast. There is always a large assortment of fresh breads and lots of fruit some fresh and some from a can. I know every day we do a lot of walking but somehow I don't think any of us have lost any weight!!! :) Oh well.
This morning we started driving to the Mount of Olives and saw the view of Jerusalem in beautiful sunshine. We then walked down to the garden of Gethsemane stopping along the way at a few spots for Roni to explain the significance of the place. We then walked to the old city of Jerusalem travelling through the streets following the path that Jesus would have taken carrying the cross. After a quick stop for a falafel lunch we then walked through the Jaffa gate to our bus and travelled to Mt Zion, house of the high priest, some ruins that they believe may have been the ones that Jesus was in before we was taken to the cross, the room of the last supper, pools of Bethesda, and a few other sites that I can't remember exactly. We finished the day going to an olive wood store where a few were able to buy some nice olive wood souvenirs as well as some nice jewellery. Then back to the hotel and another great dinner.
I know I haven't been able to give you our full day itinerary but we did so many stops here and there that you will have to wait until your parents, or friends can tell you first hand all that we saw.
I'm going to attempt at uploading some more pictures from our previous days so that will be on the next posting.
Shalom until tomorrow.
Glenda
Friday, November 27, 2009
We're in Jerusalem
Shalom. We have arrived in Jerusalem. Sorry for not posting anything yesterday but the kibbutz we were at did not have wireless internet access available and since we got in late and left early this morning I didn't have time to try anything else.
Our day in Petra was awesome. It is hard to put in to words seeing the ruins of Petra. Many of the group were able to ride a camel which was definitely a highlight. We had lunch at a bedouin restaurant and were able to just walk around and enjoy the ruins. It was nice and hot so really felt good to feel the sun.
After we left Petra we drove about 3 hrs to get to the Israel border. Again no real problems just the normal border custom stuff. It was sure good to see Roni (our guide) and Shimone (our bus driver) again. It felt really good to be back in Israel. Jordan was great but Israel feels like home. We had a great meal waiting for us at the Kibbutz and then off to bed.
This morning after an early breakfast we headed to the Dead Sea for a "float." Again an experience that is hard to put into words. We covered ourselves in black mud to get our skin nice and smooth and then floated to get all the mud off. We had lots of laughs as we covered each other in mud and then tried to help each other stand up. We were told that soaking for 20 minutes in the very salty water can make you look 10 years younger. Lets hope it worked. We were also told that the dead sea is shrinking 1 meter every year. Right now they are looking at a system that will bring some water from the Red sea to the dead Sea so that it won't completely disappear. To see how much it has receded even from the first time I was here 13 years ago is very sad. We were able to go back to the Kibbutz to shower off the remains of the salt and mud and then drove to Masada. Again another beautiful sunny day. From Masada we went to En Gidi where there is a natural spring and the place where David hid in the caves and where the song "As the Deer Pants for the Water" comes from. We also saw many Ibex - similar to little deer or mountain goats - crawling over the rocks. From En Gidi we drove to Qumran where the dead sea scrolls were found. Lunch and shopping for dead sea products brought us to the end of our time at the Dead sea and we drove to Jerusalem. Just before we arrived in the city we made a short stop at Mount Skopus for a toast of our arrival. It was already quite dark but still made a lasting impression.
Another day done and another day awaits us tomorrow. I would love to post some more pictures but they take so long to upload so they will have to wait until tomorrow.
Again a big hello to all our family and friends back home. It is hard to believe that we have already been here for a week. We have seen and heard so much that our heads are almost in over load.
So for another day I will say goodnight and hope tomorrow to post some pictures so you can see what we have been doing.
Glenda
Our day in Petra was awesome. It is hard to put in to words seeing the ruins of Petra. Many of the group were able to ride a camel which was definitely a highlight. We had lunch at a bedouin restaurant and were able to just walk around and enjoy the ruins. It was nice and hot so really felt good to feel the sun.
After we left Petra we drove about 3 hrs to get to the Israel border. Again no real problems just the normal border custom stuff. It was sure good to see Roni (our guide) and Shimone (our bus driver) again. It felt really good to be back in Israel. Jordan was great but Israel feels like home. We had a great meal waiting for us at the Kibbutz and then off to bed.
This morning after an early breakfast we headed to the Dead Sea for a "float." Again an experience that is hard to put into words. We covered ourselves in black mud to get our skin nice and smooth and then floated to get all the mud off. We had lots of laughs as we covered each other in mud and then tried to help each other stand up. We were told that soaking for 20 minutes in the very salty water can make you look 10 years younger. Lets hope it worked. We were also told that the dead sea is shrinking 1 meter every year. Right now they are looking at a system that will bring some water from the Red sea to the dead Sea so that it won't completely disappear. To see how much it has receded even from the first time I was here 13 years ago is very sad. We were able to go back to the Kibbutz to shower off the remains of the salt and mud and then drove to Masada. Again another beautiful sunny day. From Masada we went to En Gidi where there is a natural spring and the place where David hid in the caves and where the song "As the Deer Pants for the Water" comes from. We also saw many Ibex - similar to little deer or mountain goats - crawling over the rocks. From En Gidi we drove to Qumran where the dead sea scrolls were found. Lunch and shopping for dead sea products brought us to the end of our time at the Dead sea and we drove to Jerusalem. Just before we arrived in the city we made a short stop at Mount Skopus for a toast of our arrival. It was already quite dark but still made a lasting impression.
Another day done and another day awaits us tomorrow. I would love to post some more pictures but they take so long to upload so they will have to wait until tomorrow.
Again a big hello to all our family and friends back home. It is hard to believe that we have already been here for a week. We have seen and heard so much that our heads are almost in over load.
So for another day I will say goodnight and hope tomorrow to post some pictures so you can see what we have been doing.
Glenda
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
We're in Jordan
Tonite we are in Jordan. We left Israel early this morning, had an experience going across the border.... nothing too exciting just the usual border crossing stuff. Show your passports,get off the bus, change buses, go through customs, get on another bus, get your luggage, sit in a room while they do the visas, fill out a form saying we don't have H1N1, and have no symptons, claim our luggage, go to the bus and leave.This whole procedure took over an hour but seemed to go quite quickly.
We travelled to Jaresh, a restored Roman city, had lunch then quickly travelled to the site where they believed Jesus was baptised by John. From there we climbed from below sea level to Mt Nebo which I'm sorry I don't remember what the elevation is. It was already dusk so we weren't able to see as much as we would have if we had had more daylight. Most of us were able to get through the gate to climb the few extra feet but even though a few were lagging behind, the guard locked the gate and wouldn't let them through. We find that Jordan has a different perspective towards tourism or least this particular guard did. Anyway, we then continued on -with a short bathroom break - because again they wouldn't open up the bathrooms on Mt. Nebo. I guess it was at the end of the day and they couldn't be bothered. So we continued on to Petra where we will be spending the night before we return to Israel tomorrow night. Anyone that is following our itinerary will notice that we are not spending the next night at the Dead Sea Spa but instead we are returning back to Israel. It is a long story on why we had to make the change but the quick version is because we found out yesterday that it is a Muslim holiday on Friday and the border that we were going to cross is now going to be closed so we would have had to spend 6 hrs driving to the next border. This way we will be closer to the border we want and not waste a day which would mean we might not have been able to see Masada or swim in the dead sea. Now we will for sure swim in the dead sea and cover ourselves in the black mud it will be on the Israel side and not the Jordan side.
So again it is time for bed. Tomorrow we have lots of walking as we will explore Petra and see the treasury. The pictures will be unbelievable.
Everyone is healthy - so far no colds or flus. As we get to know each other we are learning all about your families so by the end of the tour we will all feel like we know all of you.
For those of you who were concerned about the safetly coming to Israel; I asked a few people over the last couple of days if they have felt unsafe and everyone said I feel no different here than I do anywhere else. So if you think we are in danger - no need to worry.
No pictures tonite as it is already after 11pm so I'm off to bed.
Ed and Alice Peters asked me to say hi to their kids,and I know talking to others on the tour, we all miss our family and friends back home,but we will have lots to share with you when we see you.
We have been receiving the different hockey and football scores, and check your weather on a regular basis and are happy that we are in the mid 20's while you are much colder.
It is hard to believe that a month from today is Christmas as we don't see any signs of it here. And with the warmer temperatures it is hard to think that when we come home Christmas will be right around the corner.
Well goodnight everyone. Remember to send any comments and I will pass them on.
Glenda
We travelled to Jaresh, a restored Roman city, had lunch then quickly travelled to the site where they believed Jesus was baptised by John. From there we climbed from below sea level to Mt Nebo which I'm sorry I don't remember what the elevation is. It was already dusk so we weren't able to see as much as we would have if we had had more daylight. Most of us were able to get through the gate to climb the few extra feet but even though a few were lagging behind, the guard locked the gate and wouldn't let them through. We find that Jordan has a different perspective towards tourism or least this particular guard did. Anyway, we then continued on -with a short bathroom break - because again they wouldn't open up the bathrooms on Mt. Nebo. I guess it was at the end of the day and they couldn't be bothered. So we continued on to Petra where we will be spending the night before we return to Israel tomorrow night. Anyone that is following our itinerary will notice that we are not spending the next night at the Dead Sea Spa but instead we are returning back to Israel. It is a long story on why we had to make the change but the quick version is because we found out yesterday that it is a Muslim holiday on Friday and the border that we were going to cross is now going to be closed so we would have had to spend 6 hrs driving to the next border. This way we will be closer to the border we want and not waste a day which would mean we might not have been able to see Masada or swim in the dead sea. Now we will for sure swim in the dead sea and cover ourselves in the black mud it will be on the Israel side and not the Jordan side.
So again it is time for bed. Tomorrow we have lots of walking as we will explore Petra and see the treasury. The pictures will be unbelievable.
Everyone is healthy - so far no colds or flus. As we get to know each other we are learning all about your families so by the end of the tour we will all feel like we know all of you.
For those of you who were concerned about the safetly coming to Israel; I asked a few people over the last couple of days if they have felt unsafe and everyone said I feel no different here than I do anywhere else. So if you think we are in danger - no need to worry.
No pictures tonite as it is already after 11pm so I'm off to bed.
Ed and Alice Peters asked me to say hi to their kids,and I know talking to others on the tour, we all miss our family and friends back home,but we will have lots to share with you when we see you.
We have been receiving the different hockey and football scores, and check your weather on a regular basis and are happy that we are in the mid 20's while you are much colder.
It is hard to believe that a month from today is Christmas as we don't see any signs of it here. And with the warmer temperatures it is hard to think that when we come home Christmas will be right around the corner.
Well goodnight everyone. Remember to send any comments and I will pass them on.
Glenda
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Me with some UN peace keepers from India on the top of the Golan Heights.
Sunset overlooking the city of Nazareth
entrance to the town of Capernaum
Don and I on the boat on the Sea of Galilee
On the boat on the Sea of Galilee
On the boat on the Sea of Galilee
Our boat for the Sea of Galilee
Sorry the pictures are backwards from the order we did them.
Good night
Hello again. Today we left early for another full day. Our first stop was Kursi a ruin on the shores of the Sea of Galiliee that are thought to be the location of casting out the demons and the swine going over the cliff. Then we continued on to Hatzor and Korazim a city that was cursed by Jesus because the people refused to accept his teachings. Then on to the ruins of Dan where we were able to see some new findings that were discovered just in the last year. We stopped here for our second picnic lunch just as the rain started to fall. It only rained for a few minutes so we wee able to continue eating before he continued on to Caesarea Philippi. Again a quick rain shower slowed us down for a few minutes before we were able to continue up to the temple where Harvey Peters led us in a devotion. Then on up the golan heights where Roni (our tour guide) brought us up to date on the political situation with Syria and Lebenon. From the top of the Golan Heights in what was once an Israeli camp we could see Syria, Lebanon, and in the distance Damascus. We were able to get a clear picture of how important the Golan heights are and why Syria wants that land back, and why Israel is hesitant to give it back. Again another full day, another day full of information, and another day where we fall in to bed tired from all the walking, climbing stairs, and just a brain tired trying to absorb all the facts.
Tomorrow we head in to Jordan, so I'm not sure how good the internet service will be. I have been able to upload a few pictures. Wanted to do more but I keep losing internet service so have to leave it at these for now.
Roger Knox - Harvey says thanks for the sport scores - he's not too happy for the numbers.
Rob and Marilyn Birch want to say hi to everyone.
I'm going to try and get those pictures to you but if you don't see any, you'll know the internet service kept going down and I will try again tomorrow.
Goodnight everyone.
Glenda
Tomorrow we head in to Jordan, so I'm not sure how good the internet service will be. I have been able to upload a few pictures. Wanted to do more but I keep losing internet service so have to leave it at these for now.
Roger Knox - Harvey says thanks for the sport scores - he's not too happy for the numbers.
Rob and Marilyn Birch want to say hi to everyone.
I'm going to try and get those pictures to you but if you don't see any, you'll know the internet service kept going down and I will try again tomorrow.
Goodnight everyone.
Glenda
Monday, November 23, 2009
Sea of Galilee
Hello family and friends.
Our bus driver arrived first thing this morning with our bus and a new window installed.
We have had an awesome day today. We were up early today to have a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee. Another beautiful sunny hot day so the ride on sea was perfect. These boats are replicas of the boats that would have been used during the time Jesus would have been teaching in the area. We were on the water for over an hour, singing worship songs. This is always one of the most emotional times while we are here, and this morning was no different. It is very hard to put in to words how you feel when you are on the water that Jesus walked on, where Jesus calmed the waves. To be able to worship was a perfect way to start the day. From there we went to the mount of beatitudes. This place is a little too commercial now but after a short devotion we were able to search a quiet place and read Matthew 5, 6 and 7 and again imagine what it would have been like to be sitting on the mountain listening to the teaching of Jesus. From the Mount of Beatitudes we made a quick stop at Tabgha where it is believed that this is where Jesus walked along the shore and called out to Simon Peter and Andrew who were casting their nets into the lake. He also called out to James and John and called them to follow him. From here we went to a restaurant for a meal of fish. After lunch we went to Capernaum the home of Peter and where Jesus performed many of his miracles and taught and worshipped at a synagogue. From there we went to Bethsaida that is the site where Jesus fed the 5 thousand with 2 loaves and 5 fish. Then on to Nazareth the home of Jesus for 30 years. We walked through a part of the modern day city where a group has transformed the area in to what it would have looked like while Jesus lived there. It was really well done. And then back to our kibbutz for dinner and a good nights sleep.
This is just a quick summary of our day. I do have pictures to download but you will have to wait until tomorrow to see them. All this walking, sunshine and warm temperatures really tires a person out so its off to bed. Tomorrow will be another long day as we travel up to the Golan Heights. We have been told the weather is changing and they are expecting rain so we may not see the sun again until we get to Jordan in another day.
Again everyone is doing fine. We are starting to get to know each other better each day.
Irene Hamming wants to say hi to her son Lukas. Remember if any of you are wanting to send a message to anyone let me know and I will pass it on.
Good night and God bless.
Glenda
Our bus driver arrived first thing this morning with our bus and a new window installed.
We have had an awesome day today. We were up early today to have a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee. Another beautiful sunny hot day so the ride on sea was perfect. These boats are replicas of the boats that would have been used during the time Jesus would have been teaching in the area. We were on the water for over an hour, singing worship songs. This is always one of the most emotional times while we are here, and this morning was no different. It is very hard to put in to words how you feel when you are on the water that Jesus walked on, where Jesus calmed the waves. To be able to worship was a perfect way to start the day. From there we went to the mount of beatitudes. This place is a little too commercial now but after a short devotion we were able to search a quiet place and read Matthew 5, 6 and 7 and again imagine what it would have been like to be sitting on the mountain listening to the teaching of Jesus. From the Mount of Beatitudes we made a quick stop at Tabgha where it is believed that this is where Jesus walked along the shore and called out to Simon Peter and Andrew who were casting their nets into the lake. He also called out to James and John and called them to follow him. From here we went to a restaurant for a meal of fish. After lunch we went to Capernaum the home of Peter and where Jesus performed many of his miracles and taught and worshipped at a synagogue. From there we went to Bethsaida that is the site where Jesus fed the 5 thousand with 2 loaves and 5 fish. Then on to Nazareth the home of Jesus for 30 years. We walked through a part of the modern day city where a group has transformed the area in to what it would have looked like while Jesus lived there. It was really well done. And then back to our kibbutz for dinner and a good nights sleep.
This is just a quick summary of our day. I do have pictures to download but you will have to wait until tomorrow to see them. All this walking, sunshine and warm temperatures really tires a person out so its off to bed. Tomorrow will be another long day as we travel up to the Golan Heights. We have been told the weather is changing and they are expecting rain so we may not see the sun again until we get to Jordan in another day.
Again everyone is doing fine. We are starting to get to know each other better each day.
Irene Hamming wants to say hi to her son Lukas. Remember if any of you are wanting to send a message to anyone let me know and I will pass it on.
Good night and God bless.
Glenda
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Pictures from Israel
I am finally able to download some pictures. The internet connection where we have been staying wasn't strong enough, but now that we are in Tiberias I have a better connection. So I will give you our day update and then you can see some pictures over the last 2 days.
We started our day with another great breakfast, then went through a museum that was right at our kibbutz. Then we had to say goodbye to the Mediterranean and had an hour drive to Mount Tabor. After a winding road to the top, and a short stop to see a Catholic church, we had our Sunday church service in the courtyard of the Catholic church. We sang a few songs, then Gord gave a short message. From Mount Tabor we stopped at a small grocery store to pick up a few groceries for our picnic at Gideon Spring. Just as we were pulling in to the park of the Gideon spring we heard this huge bang, and realized that one of the large windows in the bus had cracked. Fortunately it never shattered. By the time we finished our picnic lunch and went to a devotion at Gideon Spring, a new bus had arrived to replace the broken one. From Gideon Spring we continued on the Beth Shean, once a thriving Roman city. We were able to walk around and see some of the original road, some of the mosiac tile work and the fun highlight of the day was seeing the community bathroons that were used 2000 years ago. Apparently back then male and females used a common toilet so I have a few pictures that I am posting.
We had another great day and tomorrow we will go on a boat ride on the Sea of Gaililee. Since I'm tired this is a shorter blog, but hope to post more news and pictures tomorrow.
This a group picture taken at Ceasarea. Not very clear but most of us are there.
A statue of Elijah on Mount Carmel.
This is our kibbutz for the first 2 nights.
A great sunset from Acco overlooking the Mediterranean.
Beth Shean
Sharon Poon and Irene Hamming on the public toilets!
A few brave souls willing to have their picture taken sitting on the community toilets.
Hope you enjoyed the blog and pictures. We hope you are all well. Thank you for your prayers. God Bless and good night.
We started our day with another great breakfast, then went through a museum that was right at our kibbutz. Then we had to say goodbye to the Mediterranean and had an hour drive to Mount Tabor. After a winding road to the top, and a short stop to see a Catholic church, we had our Sunday church service in the courtyard of the Catholic church. We sang a few songs, then Gord gave a short message. From Mount Tabor we stopped at a small grocery store to pick up a few groceries for our picnic at Gideon Spring. Just as we were pulling in to the park of the Gideon spring we heard this huge bang, and realized that one of the large windows in the bus had cracked. Fortunately it never shattered. By the time we finished our picnic lunch and went to a devotion at Gideon Spring, a new bus had arrived to replace the broken one. From Gideon Spring we continued on the Beth Shean, once a thriving Roman city. We were able to walk around and see some of the original road, some of the mosiac tile work and the fun highlight of the day was seeing the community bathroons that were used 2000 years ago. Apparently back then male and females used a common toilet so I have a few pictures that I am posting.
We had another great day and tomorrow we will go on a boat ride on the Sea of Gaililee. Since I'm tired this is a shorter blog, but hope to post more news and pictures tomorrow.
This a group picture taken at Ceasarea. Not very clear but most of us are there.On our way to Mount Carmel, we drove past some old graves that would date back to the time of Jesus where a body would be buried and a stone rolled in front to close the grave.
A statue of Elijah on Mount Carmel. This is our kibbutz for the first 2 nights.A great sunset from Acco overlooking the Mediterranean. Beth SheanSharon Poon and Irene Hamming on the public toilets!A few brave souls willing to have their picture taken sitting on the community toilets.Hope you enjoyed the blog and pictures. We hope you are all well. Thank you for your prayers. God Bless and good night.
Glenda
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