Day 5:

Weather report first: Oh the weather outside is frightful. . .and a fire would be so delightful. As I write this (JT), it's 12:15 p.m., we've already visited Zippori and Nazareth and are absolutely soaked. It's also very cool. I'm so thankful for my waterproof shoes and umbrella Becky purchased at our first stop.

Zippori: Beautiful mosaics displaying strong Egyptian and Greek influence. Visited excavated home of very wealthy residents. Then walked Roman stone roads with ruts worn from wagons. Gee, I thought the museum in Springfield was awesome.

Nazareth: Basilica of the Annunciation, traditionally where the angel Gabriel showed up and said, "Hey, you're going to have a baby." (quotation of Jason Nightingale)

I'm so happy we've had the opportunity to sit in a bus seat near Jason. It's been great to hear his commentary and share many laughs along with stupid jokes!!!

It seems as we travel in the bus the rain lightens. When it begins to pour we know we've reached our destination and it's time for a walk.

Tel means pile of rubble.

Tel/Megiddo: Wow!!! This Tel has somewhere between 17- 25 layers of civilizations excavated and the last residents here were 4th century A.D. As we climbed up, the winds and rain continued. Jason was planning to quote Revelations 6-11 as we overlooked the Valley of Armageddon but weather prohibited. Some of us chose to take the adventuresome route down through King Ahab's secret route to his water source. We went down 180 steps and out 80. Some steps were wet and treacherous but all that went down came out including Diana who is struggling with a bum knee!

Tel Jezreel: Ahab and Jezebel. In the modern Hebrew language Jezebel means "take out the trash!" How's that for a claim to fame.

Ma'Yan Harod: Ma'Yan means spring. This is the authentic site where Gideon chose his 300 men to take on the Midianites (Judges 7:1-8).

We're missing a stop this afternoon because we are absolutely soaked and cold. Going back to Ma'agan.

Shared a great bonding time with the VanHoosers, Wilsons, Weigarts, and Duke in the laundry room! Two washers, one dryer, and many pairs of wet, muddy jeans. Tonight we all have nice clean clothes ready to pack up for our move to Jerusalem tomorrow. As we were waiting on laundry a swallow flew in and couldn't get out as we all were ducking (this laundry facility was the size of my bathroom). Finally realized if we shut off the lights the bird would flee. Then a cute little salamander, lizard thing crawled out from behind the washer. A memorable evening.

We learned of a couple's work in a Messianic Jewish K-6 school tonight. Very interesting. Then Jason quoted Revelation tonight. Wonderful day despite rain, wind, and cold. Tomorrow to the Dead Sea!!!