Day 9: Mt. of Olives, City of David, Bethlehem, Garden Tomb

Isaiah 55:9

Mt. of Olives: We started our day here and I (Becky) finally rode a camel!! His name was Kojak and I have pictures to prove it. This is just east of the Temple Mount and is the place where Jesus went with his disciples to pray. There is a Jewish cemetery on the side of the hill going down. Then we visited the Church of Nations which was built by the nations of the world. I took a picture of an eagle that is on the ceiling. We bought bags from vendors on the street here. It is a very busy tourist spot now.

City of DAvid: After we left the Mount of Olives, we went back across the Kidron Valley (which looks like a big gulch) and went to the City of David, which is south of the Temple Mount. There we climbed way down into tunnnels below the city. They were used by King David and later Hezekiah to provide water for the city. The tunnel had two routes, a wet route (Hezekiah's Tunnel) and a dry route. Jane and I chose the dry route. It was very narrow but the walls were high and the temperature was cool. It is amazing to know these people carved all of this out of stone.

Bethlehem: To enter and leave Bethlehem we had to go through Israeli security. As we left Palestinian-controlled Bethlehem and passed through the wall being erected by Israel to reduce terrorist activity, gun-toting soldiers walked through the bus looking at all our passports. That's an odd sensation. In Bethlehem we saw the Church of the Nativity. Our tour guide, Paul, has a good friend (George) who has a restaurant AND a store in Bethlehem so we ate at George's then shopped in his store. Many of us purchased olive wood nativity sets in Bethlehem. Very special!

Golgotha and Garden Tomb: Another extremely moving time on this trip to the Holy Land. Evidence is very convincing that this, indeed, could be the site of Jesus' crucifixion, burial, and resurrection. Our guide, Ivan, told us that they probably did not crucify Jesus up on a hill, but down at street level because the sign they put at the top of the cross would have been so passersby could read it. We took pictures of the rocks which look like a skull, hence the name Golgatha which means "place of the skull". Jason quoted from the Gospel of John 19:17-20:20. I'll never forget this stop on the trip.

We "grabbed a bite" in Jerusalem, returned to Yad Hashmona to change into more comfortable travel clothes, loaded the luggage onto the bus, then bused to the airport.We all got through security, customs, and passport control without a hitch though our bus was searched again by armed security personnel before we got off. Thanks to Gary for guiding us through the process. As I write this entry, we are flying over the Mediterranean, 5058 miles (9 1/2 hours) from Newark.

13 hours later: Now sitting in Newark airport. Scott and Tim are here with Becky and me. Eastern time it's 7:30 a.m. Tim has already had a steak omelet, is now enjoying a chocolate, chocolate chip muffin, and Scott is eating a big pepperoni pretzel! These poor boys have missed the fine U.S. cuisine. We are to board our flight to St. Louis in an hour or so.

This has been a trip of a lifetime for me. I'm so thankful I had the opportunity to come.

Day 8: Jerusalem Southwest to Border of Gaza Strip

photo on left: descending into cistern at Tel Be'er Sheva (we've climbed A LOT & we've all learned what goes down must come back up!)

photo on right: Becky gathering stones in Elah Valley


Elah Valley, site of David's victory over Goliath: Jason read I Samuel: 17 then we all gathered our 5 smooth stones. We all assume a gravel truck comes in once or twice per month to replace those picked up by tourists but I don't care. This is authentic, the real place, and I'm sure I picked up the extra 4 stones David didn't use! Those are for you, Sandy. Thankfully, the brook was dry.(JT)

Beit Guvrin/Meresha: First hiked through the Bell Caves, date to the Byzantine Period and Early Muslim period. In the area there are actually more than 800 caves. We sang "It Is Well" in a cave. A memory I was able to video. Up and down, up and down, in and out of cave residences. Pant, pant. My tongue's hanging (JT).

Lachish: This is another Tel (which means rubble). The city was built on a pile of rubble. It covered 48 acres. When Hezekiah was king (700?BC), the Assyrian king, Synnacharib, sat and watched as his army stormed the city to conquer it. The army conquered 20 different cities. They think that perhaps they were attacking different cities at the same time because the army was so large. Afterward they captured and tortured people. 1500 dead bodies were found. After the Assyrians fell, Lachish was rebuilt by Rehoboam. This was the last city of Judah to fall to the Babylonians before Jerusalem was captured in 586 BC.

Driving to Beer Sheva passing Bedouin dwellings.

Beer Sheva: Just had our picnic lunch. Paul's wife, Patty, and daughter, Andrea, have prepared lunches for us all week. It's been wonderful. A typical lunch includes large hard rolls with meat & cheese (today we had either chicken or tuna salad). Today we also had a cucumber tomato salad (served very frequently at all meals including breakfast), hummus (now loved by many of us), carrot sticks, chips, Bamba (an israeli treat I can only describe as cheetos made with peanut butter instead of cheese), and carrot, date, and banana bread. I (JT) have been on the South Beach diet for 3 or 4 weeks and it's been very easy to stay true to the diet while in Israel. Vegetables are served every meal. I just have to avoid the bread and desserts. We stopped for ice cream this morning after climbing around Meresha. I couldn't resist.

Now Becky's on the edge of her bus seat looking for a camel. We've been told we may see some any moment. From the moment Becky knew she was going on this trip she's been telling others she was coming to see a camel and I've been telling her there are NO camels in Israel. Phooey, I think I'm wrong!!!

We've just been within 3/4 mile of the Gaza Strip near Ashkelon on the kibbutz, Yad Mordechai. At this site 150 Israelis held off more than 2000 Egyptian militia for five days allowing the remainder of the Israeli forces to organize and defend their new nation. This took place immediately after Ben Gurion declared Israeli independence in 1948. Becky and I both purchased the book, "Six Days of Yad-Mordechai", If you'd like to read it just see one of us.

Now we travel home for our evening meal. It will consist of hummus, soup, cucumbers, tomatoes, carrot sticks, some other relishes we don't recognize, a form of potato or rice or couscous, and a meat dish. Last night we had one piece of chicken for four people to share and some lamb meatballs. There were also cooked prunes and grapes in the dish. There was cake for dessert, but they ran out before our table was served, so we didn't get any. We'll see what tonight brings. We walk so much during the day that we are very hungry by dinnertime. This is our last night here, so we will mark our maps for the last time.

P.S. Never saw a camel!

Day 7: Jerusalem Temple Mount & Old City

Today we spent the entire day in Jerusalem at the Temple Mount & old city. We weren't on the bus so didn't get any narrative written.


Southern part of the Temple Mount:

Walk the Jewish quarter of the Old City:

Western Wall: The men and women are separated here. There is an actual wall which prevents either sex from going to the other side. They stand or sit at the wall and pray. There were papers stuck into the wall everywhere. These were prayers put there by people. Twice a year the "prayers" are removed and buried. The papers are never burned. They are always buried.

Ascend the Temple Mount: We had to go through security to enter this part of the city. The Muslim Dome of the Rock is at the top of the temple mount and even though it is controlled by Israel, there were literally gun-toting armed guards everywhere. They checked our bags and made us walk through metal detectors like an airport. We were not allowed to wear or carry any religious items of any kind, whether Christian or Jewish. They close the temple mount from 10:30-12:30 every day for lunch. Everyone has lunch at that time and the mount is open only to Muslims. So within minutes of getting up there (10:00), they were yelling at us to hurry up and get out. We passed a school that is up there that we think was Muslim. The children go to school here from 8:00-12:00, but six days a week. They don't go to school on sabbath, which is Saturday for them. Interestingly, at the top of the mount there is a mosque that has the Star of David in it's lattice work. That seems so strange to me since they hate the Jewish people. This area is wanted by both groups of people and the Bible says that God will see to it that the Jews have it one day, but for now the Muslims get the top and have built there mosque on top, and the Jew have only the western wailing wall since their temple was torn down in 70AD by the Romans. It was an uneasy feeling to be there and feel unwelcome and watched by armed guards. Side note. All children have to serve in the army here. After they finish high school they must serve two years in the service, both boys and girls.

Walk the Via Dolorosa: This was a crazy walk. There were a million people crowding the streets. Okay, maybe not a million, but LOTS! It was very important for us to try and stay together, but people kept butting into our line and some of us walk very slowly. We managed to get around, but would stop frequently to find each other. There are shops on both sides of the street and it was nothing like I expected. Vendors yelled at us to buy from them and got mad when we didn't. It was a long narrow street, but cars and trucks tried to pass us. The worst was a boy pushing a cart who kept running into the backs of our legs as he traveled up and down the street. He bumped into Jason Nightengale once and it was a funny sight to see that kid's face when he looked up into this giant of a man's face, who was none too happy! He made a quick getaway and we didn't see him after that. The stations of the cross are located along this road and it was sad to see so many people who are kissing rocks and objects and waiting hours in line to see the "tomb" of Christ. All of it is treated like a shrine which I do not think would please Him. We spent an hour walking this part of the city. Then we stopped at a shop and ate Swarme for lunch. It was about a $10 meal, which consisted of a heated pita filled with cabbage and other vegetables and grilled, spicy chicken. It was very good. We were also offered a drink and served a piece of baklava for desert. We had to climb very narrow steps to eat in an upstairs room, which was very much like the upper room in my mind. We sat on couches, which lined the room, and ate from long narrow tables. It was great to sit down for a few minutes. Then we were on our way again.

Pool of Bethesda:

Temple Mount Institute: We sat in a room for this part of our tour and heard about all the utensils in the temple. There are many and all of them are made of either pure gold or silver, with the exception of one item, a washing basin made of bronze. We learned about the garments the priests and high priest wear and all the items, where they belong in the temple and why they are there. Much detail.

Rabbinic Tunnel: This was the best part of our day. These tunnels were built so the priests could get from their homes to the temple without touching "unclean" people. They are about 1 mile long and next to the western wall underground. It was fascinating to see King Herod's architecture. All of it is made from stone that was cut and moved to form the walls. Great!

Day 6: From the Heights of Masada to the Waters of the Dead Sea

Note: We posted this after viewing it as a thumbnail icon. Now that we've seen it full scale we're giggling at our tourist beauty. You can borrow our hats anytime.

Beit She'an: "Preserves the extensive remains of the ancient city, including both the Caananite and Egyptian city on the dramatic tel and the well-preserved Roman-Byzantine city below." This location has 18 levels of occupation! We walked through a theatre which would accommodate an audience of 7,000, and walked the cardo (main street) lined by 10 ton pillars. When excavating the site,they moved the end pillar and found the skeleton of a man underneath holding gold coins in his hand. Every day becomes more awesome.

Passing a tasseling field of corn starting a 90 minute drive to next stop.

Driving through the occupied territory of West Bank also known as "dramamine alley". Jason is trying to explain the politics of this area to me and I just don't get it. Jordan, Israel, Palestinians all claiming the same desolate spot. Bunkers, mine fields, fences, patrol jeep, surveillance equipment, check points. One day, God will set it all right

Qumran: Dead Sea Scrolls. Finally no rain!


En Gedi: Life coming out of death, water in a desert
Ps. 104:10ff
Isaiah 35
Rom 4:25
Rom.8
I Pe. 1:3
Ps.42

Masada: (BA) This was a palatial fortress built by King Herod. He built it in the style of the ancient Roman East. It is the most complete surviving ancient Roman siege system in the world. It was 1000 ft. high. He built a huge bath house, a three tier palace at the end of the mountain that literally hangs out over the mountain, a Byzantine church, and a water system that provided water for them. This is located in the desert close to the dead sea. This was the last holdout when Rome came to put down a revolution. The Israelis held out for three years, but finally the Romans built a battering ram that they wheeled up the mountain to the great wooden gate. They set the gate on fire and battered it down. Then they left for the night to come in the morning and capture the city. But the men of Masada decided they would rather die than become slaves to Rome, so they killed their wives and children and then themselves. When the Romans came in, there were over 900 dead people. Five women and two children hid in a water cistern and survived. They told the story to Josephus the ancient writer. The dead left behind water, food, and their weapons to show the Romans they made the decision for themselves.

Dead Sea: What a day from the heights of Masada to a dip (float) in the Dead Sea. I (JT) made quite a spectacle of myself but what fun! The water has a totally unique feel. No problem floating. That's for sure. I (BA)got a taste of the water as I went down into the float position and I got some in my eye. It really burned my eye and tasted awful! Our skin was very oily when we got out of the water. Floating was easy, getting out of the water proved to be quite a challenge. (Becky) We had a good laugh!

Lloyd has been asking a series of stupid questions. He's also looking over my shoulder as I complete this entry!

We entered Jerusalem tonight under a full moon. The bus driver played a CD of "The Holy City" as we stopped at an overlook. I couldn't stop the tears as I heard Mom singing. It's just too much for me to absorb sometimes (JT).

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!!!

Day 4: We Walked Today Where Jesus Walked 11/1/09

Jordan River: (JT) Traditional site of Jesus' baptism (Yardenit). Beautiful area but tourist crowds sadden me as people crowd in trying to get to the water.

Becky and I each purchased a ring and matching earrings. Love the set but we thought we were paying in shekels (about 3.7 per dollar).
Becky struggled through the check out line just to find the price was in dollars. GASP!!!

Tiberias: (BA) This is a bustling city today. There are cars everywhere and you have to be careful not to get hit when crossing the street. Pedestrians do not have the right-of-way. This was the location of an ancient synagogue. There were ruins of painted concrete and mozaic tiled floors. There seem to be mosaics built into everything here. It is quite intricate and beautiful. There was a zodiac built into the floor, which we were told was done a lot in those days. Paul (our guide) gathered some carob pods from carob trees (obviously) and those who chose could chew on a pod for their chocolate fix. Not bad at all! We got on a boat here and sailed across the Sea of Galilee. A storm came up just as we were getting into the boat, but just as quickly,it left. It never actually rained on us.

Ein Gev: After we landed from our sea journey, we went into a restaurant here for lunch. We had a choice of fish, pasta, or pizza. I chose the fish and it was very good. We started with soup, then had hummus and Turkish salad (which looked and tasted like a sweet salsa or relish. For dessert we had a kind of sherbet. It was all delicious.

Capernaum:This was thought to be the home of Peter because he inherited it from his mother-in-law. They say the mothers-in-law rule the roost.Their homes were actually walls around the entire property and inside they built rooms as they needed them. Next to the house was a synogogue from the 1st century, and could have been where Jesus went to preach frequently. We walked on stones that could have been there when Jesus was there. It was exciting to think we were walking on the very stones His feet might have touched.

Bethsaida: This city no longer exists. We saw the gate to the city which were always built with a turn so that an army could not walk straight into the city and conquer it. It has recently been discovered and they are still working to make it so that tourists can visit it. It looked like a big pile of rocks to me.

After dinner this evening we marked maps to show where we've been for the last three days, then we walked down the road for ice cream. I ordered one scoop of chocolate in a cup and it cost 9 shekels (about $2) I also bought some Bamba (a puffed peanut butter snack that is kosher) that Jerry Wilson recommended. I'm bringing some home to taste.

(JT) I had one scoop of chocolate chip in a cup. As we passed the security gate returning to our kibbutz, Tim Wilkins jumped out at Becky, Scott and me. It was quite dark and we jumped a mile. I think Tim can expect some restitution in the near future.

Going to bed now realizing everyone at home has just finished Sunday dinner!

Monday a.m.: I'm trying to post a video of the Sea of Galilee cruise but it won't load. Sorry!

Photos

Pictures are loading VERY slowly. Sorry so few.