Shabbat Shalom! Today is Saturday and Shabbat. The streets of Jerusalem are quiet and we were blessed to be able to visit a lot of places without a lot of crowds. We sat in St. Anne's Church in the Old City and sang with it's beautiful accoustics, visited the Pools of Bethesda, the Upper Room and the House of Caiaphas where below his house held the cities "jail". This is where it is believed that Jesus would have spent His last night. It was an emotional time in "the pit" where we contemplated what Jesus's last night must have been like for Him. Afterward we went into Bethlehem. We had lunch and then visited the Church of the Nativity.
It's been such an amazing journey so far. Each day is filled with new experiences and when I ask Kate and Hope (my daughter and her friend) at the end of each day, "What was your favorite thing so far???" They really don't answer me...because they list off a ton of places we've seen or things we have experienced. I understand - it's practically impossible to narrow down your favorite places here because each day is special and unique in it's own way.
Here are some pictures (finally)! Our internet connection in Jerusalem seems a bit faster so I can upload them. Enjoy!
Nick and Jolene on a camel on the Mt. of Olives!
The adventurers...Anna and Wanda coming out of the Jordan River from baptism. Their reaction caused a lump in my throat. It was so touching.
Love was in the air on Valentines Day! We just happened to be in Cana on Valentines Day and of course you know this is the place of Jesus's first miracle - changing water into wine at a wedding! So...of course we married couples renewed our vows in a touching ceremony performed by Pastor David Sumrall. Just beautiful. Sigh.
May sound odd at first...but planting a tree in Israel is one of the best things to do while you are here. You get to get your hands in the dirt of the Holy Land, plant your own seedling and pray for it to grow into the new forest. Our groups have planted thousands of trees over the years and the Holy Land is the better for it. It's a lovely way to give back to the land.
Here we are in the Upper Room.
Just outside of St. Anne's Church.
Sawarma anyone? YUM!!!
In the pit... so emotional.
I LOVE these maps and models that are all over Israel to help me understand and learn. There is so much history - it can get overwhelming! But with the help of these maps and of course our super great and brilliant guide, Ami Segal, the light bulb goes off and usually is followed by a "oh wow!" from me. :)
Kate and Hope in Beit She'an bath house ruins.
Naidean... this one's for you! Miss you!
That's all for now because my stomach is groaning for dinner. I'm excited to see what's on the buffet tonight! More tomorrow so stay tuned!
Shabbat Shalom!
Kim
