I feel like this has been a 36-hour day. We started early and packed plenty of learning into our time before returning to the hotel at 5:00. Dinner provided plenty of tasty helpings of meats and fish, salads, vegetables, and desserts. Now I just need to prowl the hotel in search of a strong cup of coffee to end the day.
We began our tour with a brief stop in the Valley of the Wind. The mountain and rock formations are majestic. They illustrate the geological upheaval that has happened long in the past, upheaval that created the Syrian-African rift in the earth. From there we stopped at kibbutz where an ancient fishing boat from the time of Jesus is on display.
A stop at the Mount of Beatitudes got our attention on Jesus’ ministry and teaching. We stood on the mountainside overlooking the northern part of the Galilean Sea, thinking about the power of what Jesus taught his followers. From there we drove by Korazin and Bethsaida, with stops at the Church of Fishes and Loaves, the Church of the Primacy of St. Peter, and Capernaum, where we saw remains of an ancient synagogue and what likely was the home of Simon Peter.
Along the eastern side of the sea we stopped at Kursi, where we recalled Jesus’ ministry to the gentiles. Then it was on to Kibbutz Ein Gev. Harry and Helen enjoyed St. Peter’s fish (though just the fillets!), and Elizabeth and I enjoyed pizzas. Dessert consisted of fantastic strawberry frozen yogurt and a boat ride on the sea.
Our last stop was at the baptismal site on the Jordan River. Several of our group decided to reaffirm their baptism by sprinkling, by pouring…and by immersion. Brrrr! Elizabeth and I enjoyed the dry banks of the river. Harry was a brave and faithful soul, and received an affirmation with water poured on his head.
Tomorrow is another early day. We leave the hotel at 7:30 to visit Cana, Nazareth, Megiddo and Caesarea. By dinner time we will be in Jerusalem and checking in to the Olive Tree Hotel. We appreciate your prayers. Shalom!
Speaking of BRRR! We are having spring thunderstorms that are immediately followed by an artic blast. We are expecting yucky weather by morning. The newscaster said they couldn't keep track of how fast the temperature was dropping at the 5:30 news. Enjoy your warmth.
ReplyDeleteI had suspected that Dad would, given the opportunity reaffirm. I'm glad he got the chance. It's a wonderful thing.
Grace is still confused - she informed me this morning that she was "going to Grannie's". However, when she got there, she wanted to know "where's Grannie?" and "Pop Pops at work?". She will probably "get it" about the time you return. We are all feeling better, the antibiotics have finally kicked in. And the noise level has nearly returned to normal at our house.
Gabe says "I love you".
Jacob says "Hi Grannie and Pop Pops, how is your trip so far? Are you having fun? I love you and miss you and hope you are having fun. I pray at dinner that you all will have a safe trip. Please don't forget to get me a picture of King Herod's house and where Jesus was born."