We arrived at the Masada Youth Hostel and we were debating on whether to nap or do some exploring. Nap time won out. I must say I was thankful as my body was physically done.
We woke up some 2 hours later and walked over to the Masada National park. We were going to take the cable car to the top but food won out. Had my first Falafel. My first impression was I thought how am I going to eat here this entire week? Didn’t hate it but not necessarily a lover of it either. Upon completion of our lunch, we try to get tickets and discover that the last cable car had already departed.
We head back to the hotel and walk around the grounds waiting to connect with the other members of the trip. They started back on the 1st of December in Egypt.
At 7:00p our group had yet to arrive so we did go into the dining hall and eat. We are soooo glad we did as the group arrived 45 minutes later and they kept the dining hall open for them. They also stopped in Jordan region and ate a huge late lunch. They were not scheduled to eat at the hostel but somehow the wires got crossed.
Meeting the rest of the group was fabulous!!! What a terrific group they came right up to us and where all introducing themselves to us. Really making us feel as though we were supposed to be here. The group consists of us 5 from NJ, 12 from Chicago, 9 from Fargo, and the remaining 24 from St. Paul. We all come from various Calvary Chapels.
We all regrouped in the dining hall to get our name tags and to hear about the itinerary for the next day. It was a time of fellowshipping as well.
Day 2 - Bright and early we awake and the group splits into 3 separate groups. Group 1 to Masada, some of this group awoke at 5 am to climb their way up (NOT ME). Group 2 went off to En Gedi - the caves where David hid while fleeing from Saul. Group 3 - Just 3 people in a plane flying over the two sights I mentioned.
Masada was amazing just hear all the history was simply captivating. We had a tour guide, affectionately called Uncle Kenny. Masada was a fortress that was built by Herod. He was not a man to do things on a small scale so this place was enormous!!! It also became a place of refuge for some Israelites when Rome started to conquer the area. Theses refugees were able to live there for some time. But the Roman soldiers were approaching so the Israelites made the decision to commit suicide as they felt it would be better to die than become a slave. (Remember Genesis). There was close to 100 men, women, and children that were put to death. 
After our group was all back together on the bus we went to AHAVA. This is a company that manufactures the minerals from the Dead Sea and uses them in comestics, lotions, and such. The reason behind stopping here allowed us to use their special private area at the Dead Sea. This meant that we were able to have changing rooms and showers. Yeah! The Dead Sea was beautiful. The interesting fact was that it is shrinking! I thought it was big and to hear that was a little surprising. Ouch is the word that comes to mind for the dead sea. The rocks on the bottom hurt my feet. I was walking very slowly. Being in the sea was pretty cool. Being able to float with no effort whatsoever!!! There was even a place for us to use the mud to rub all over our body!!! The mud scratched us!!!!
After we were all cleaned up we went to Jericho. The really interesting factor here was that we had to change buses as it is under Palestian control and our bus driver and guide were not allowed in. Here we ate some lunch and then got to have a time of worship and the word. Right there on the walls of Jericho. The sad part was that they are not taking care of the sight so there was not as much to see. We did take a cable car up to overlook the city.
From here we had to change back to the original bus to go to Tiberias. We arrived at our hotel Astoria and checked in then ate some dinner. Dinner in these parts is usually 7 pm or later. So it was off to bed for our early start. Each day we kept getting earlier and earlier.
Day 3 - We began our day with worship and the word on Mount Arbel overlooking the Sea of Galilee. Beautiful would be the word to use for this place. From here we drove to the city of Nazareth to tour a place called Narazeth Village. This place depicts life in Israel during the time of Christ and beyond. This helped me understand more of the lay of the land as well as what they did, from olive winepress, to shepherds, to wine, to carpenters and weavers, as well as farmers. Here we ate lunch with foods that were grown all there at the village. Yummy is my word for this meal!!!!
After the village we tried to get into this place for some swimming but there was no lifeguard on duty and they did not let us in. From here we went over to Megiddo where we had another time of worship and the word. This is the place where everyone speaks of Armagedon. It overlooks the Jezreel Valley were many different battles occurred.
Since we had some time left we were dropped off in the town of Tiberias were we walked around to the various different shops.
Day 4 - We started this day at Bet Shean, or Sycthopolis, the oldest and most perserved Roman city in Israel. Here is some history for you. Sycthopolis is at the base of Mount Gilboa were Saul killed himself. The Romans came in many many years later and built many cities all around Jerusalem. The Romans wanted all their cities to be the same. So as our guide would say “If you have seen one Roman city, you have seen them all.” We were introduced to some Roman influences back on day 1 at Masada. The excavation of this city came about when a farmer was plowing his field and discovered something in the ground. Well here is Israel you must stop everything and the archeology group comes out to see if you have found an antiquity!
From here we traveled to Alfa were we got to go inside a synagogue. This place was crazy as they allowed the artist who laid the mosiacs to talk them into some really bizarre designs for the floor. Very astrological. It was sad to see how a place of worship can be influenced by outsiders. Huh, sounds like some churches I have been in.
From here is was off to Kursi where the story of the swines go running down into the sea after Jesus puts the demons from the man into them. More worship and word occurred here.
We ended our day with some baptisms and swimming at the Gideon springs. A place they call Sakhne. One of our NJ5 got baptized along with lots of others from the whole group. This took a long time as there were lots of us. It was a very pretty beautiful place to be. The scripture reference for the place has to do with Gideon and his army.
Afterwards we went to Capernaum. More word and worship. This place is run by the catholics and they believe it to be the home of Peter’s mother in law. It was here that we were able to see and here another group signing some praises. They were signing in their native language. They were from Nigeria. This is were we boarded the boat on the Sea of Galilee. Had more time of word an worship. Really a great time that ended with a storm.
Day 5 - Golan Heights!!!! What can I say about this. While not a biblical sight an important place in Israel nonetheless. This region borders Syria. (They are NOT friends.) ( A little bit of history here. Back in 1973 the Arabs chose the Jewish holy day of Yom Kippur to invade Israel as they knew that the soldiers would be away from their posts celebrating with family. They were attacking from both the south - coming up through Egypt and the Sinai Peninsula - and the north - Golan Heights. But due to God’s hand upon his people the Israelis were able to defend themselves. They had only 150 tanks to Syria’s 1400.) We had the chance to ride in 4 wheelers all throughout the area that is owned by a Kibbutz. This was one of the highlights for me. To be in an area that you can so see the hand of the Lord on his chosen people was great. Even though I was wet and cold this was a great time. We also got to see a documentary that was filmed during that war.
Able to warm up a bit inside the bus as we traveled to Caesarea-Phillipi. It was here that we had the chance to walk this path that led us through some beautiful sights and waterfalls. It is also here that my hubby took a spill. Yup he fell down hard. He bruised his shoulder and was having difficulties with his rotator cuff. (My joke was that Israel gave me damaged goods!!!) He was walking down these very muddy slippery steps and he just lost his balance and down he went. He was happy that he saved the camera. We traveled to this spot for another baptism. A woman wanted to be baptized in the Jordan and spread her husband’s ashes. He had died just a few months ago.
Day 6 - We were leaving the Tiberias region this day. We began by heading over to Mount Carmel for some worship and the word. We actually had competition here. There was another group on top that was doing something (different language) as we were singing and listening to the message. Some more beautiful views of Israel. She truly is a country that has magnificent landscapes.
From here we drove to the coast where we were able to see a large aquaduct. It was here that I was able to place my hand into the Meditterraen Sea!! We also collected some shells. I love the beach so this was wonderful for me. I only wished it was warmer.
Afterwards we drove to Caesarea. This was another of the Roman cities that was excavated. We were able to worship in the theatre. We also had some time of praying with laying on of hands. Moving!
We drove south to Old Jaffa - by Tel Aviv. Welcome to the city life. We were starving for some lunch so we walked to a place and ate our Shwarma and Falalfel. Got to walk around the flea market area of the city and then of course had the opportunity to walk up hill to see the beach area.
On our way to Jerusalem we drove by to get to the Elah Valley. This is the location were David slew Goliath. Yes, we did pick up 5 stones and brought them home with us. The kids especially liked that. It really is amazing to stand in the places of our biblical brothers and sisters.
Jerusalem!!! What a crazy driving mess!! There is lots of construction going on so it made for some interesting driving. We were also privileged to stay in the Old City. Here is where the problem arises - NO BUSES can fit in the streets. So, we needed to be dropped off outside the city gates and walk to our hotel... with our luggage... up and down stoned streets... in the dark... on wet stones... after a very tiring day! Oh! were we ever so happy to arrive at the hotel Casa Nova. Upon receiving our room keys we deposited our stuff, rested a bit and then ventured into the city for some eats! We had heard that just outside the Jaffa gate there is a street that offers our wonderful American cuisine. We were excited!!! However, we were unable to find said street. But we did ask for some direction and here is when we found the Black Bar ‘n Burger. LOVED this place. The food was delicious!!! And here our wonderful traveling companion treated the whole group. Bless her heart!!!
Since these hotels do not have internet access we went to a coffee shop to be able to connect to some free wi-fi. The place was named Aroma and we frequented it many many more times. It is like a Panera in that they have all sorts of foods on the menu. I especially like that they give you a chocolate with your tea or coffee.
Day 7 - Our last day on the bus! We drove passed Bethlehem and waved. It is a Palestinian controlled area. Tried to get into the Herodyn - were unable. The guards at the check point said no! (Yet another one of Herod’s palace/fortress. He was a very paranoid man. As he should be because he was not liked at all!! My understanding about this place was that it was built with very high walls - unlike Masada - but had all the same features. As stated earlier - seen one seen them all!
Since we were not allowed in we just continued on our day. Went to Shepherd's field that overlooks the city of David. God is so good as he provided some sheep while we were having some teaching time. Off to the Israel Museum. This is the place were they house the Dead Sea Scrolls. The entire book of Isaiah was found. (We saw the copy - the original is stored away.) Inside the caves they found many other scrolls and pottery that was all on display. Here we also got to see a model of 1st century Jerusalem. Very helpful to see that and understand so much more of what I would be walking the next few days.
Next onto the Yad Vashem - The Holocaust Museum. My word here is sober. The shear multitude of the victims is mind-numbing. We had several hours here but you could spend a year going through all the information. The saddest part was the section for all the children. Being a mom who was missing her young ones like crazy, this one really hit me hard.
Mount of Olives stop. Here is where Jesus rode in on his donkey and it is here that Revelation speaks of Jesus returning. We were overlooking the Kidron Valley. Chik, the Pastor that arranged this trip has such a heart for Israel thereby having a wealth of knowledge about it. For the the biblical and historical. I learned so much more than I even thought possible.
We were done early. Back to the hotel and some more rest. Then off to find that famed street again, Ben Yehuda. Not so much luck again. We ended up eating at McDonald’s. I had a chopped salad that was very different than any salad on our American menus. The rest went with burgers. From here we went back to Aroma - our coffee house - for more uploading of photos and such. We needed to meet with the group by 10:30 pm as we had a tour scheduled for the tunnels that run along side the western retaining wall. This was amazing. We were walking underneath the city. Here we saw the enormity of the wall as they were excavating more of the original retaining wall. We walked through aquaducts, stood on stones Jesus did, and was not too far from where the ark of the covenant is believed to be!!!
Day 8 - Walking tour begins! The Temple Institute. Run by some Zionists that are in the process of preparing to rebuild the temple. Prophecy being fulfilled people!!! Off to the archeological museum. The excavations here are of the west and south walls coming together. We first sat through a movie that depicts what it would be like for the people who made their way to the Temple for their many feasts and sacrifices. From here we walked out of the Dung gate and went over to an area called the City of David. Yes from the very same David of the old testament. He wanted an area outside the city walls. It is to the south in the Kidron Valley. We got to walk through the valley and passed by the East gate (Golden gate - were Jesus walked through). The gates that are now sealed are not original. Those are many feet below the rubble, dirt, and graves. Yes, you did read that last word correctly. Many people are buried here in wait of Jesus’ return.
We walked back into the Old City through the Lion’s Gate to be near the St. Anne Church - beautiful crusader church with fabulous acoustics. This church is near the Pools of Bethesda. It is here that Jesus healed the lame man. Rise up and walk.
More walking. This time through the Muslim quarter and out the Damascus gate. It is in this section that we had the best Shwarma and Falalfel. Delicious!!!!!!! Sorry to say it but this area is by far the messiest, ugliest, and dirtiest. I was a little taken back. I mean we are in the old city. But it was brought to my mind that this is their way. Sad...
We were on our own once again as our tour was over for the day. We rested some and then went out to Sabarro for some pizza. It was here that we saw a family having some dinner. The most unusual thing - mom and dad are both packin’!! Mom had an M16 draped over her shoulder. These were not the first we saw. There was and will always be a military presence any where you walk in and around Israel. We saw it very heavily in Jerusalem. After eating we were looking for another internet cafe place and found one called Cafe Hillel. Had some tea, coffee, and dessert.
Day 9 - Our walking tour began with us heading over to The Temple Mount. This is where the Dome of the Rock is. Run by the Muslims, so we were not certain we would get on. But we did. We walked up the ramp that is adjacent to the wall. They really coexist side-by-side!!! The Dome is beautiful but the Muslims believe that the rock inside is where Abraham was called to sacrifice Ishmael. (Remember our Bible says Isaac. See the controversy.) The mosaics are beautiful. We were unable to go inside as we are not muslims. It is underneath this dome that the ark of the covenant is believed to be. As it is controlled by the Muslims they can not be certain. It was also up here that an Arab approached and started asking me all kinds of personal questions. He was saying he wanted to go to America and look for a wife. I thought he was hinting at me so I made sure he knew I was married. Oh by the way he was 76 years old!!! HAHAHAHAHA!!!
The Burnt House. It is here that upon many of the excavations in and around Old City that they discovered some artifacts from 70 AD. It was this time that Rome came and burnt the city as there was some who were revolting against Roman control. (Just to keep you on the same page. Remember I mentioned Masada and the Israelites who sought refuge there, same time frame.)
Walked to the Holocaust Chamber. This place is a place where families put grave markers all on the walls as none of the victims have a proper burial place. More soberness. There was one bit of information that I would like to pass along. There were some artifacts here as well, and one was of a jacket that a nazi soldier made a tailor make out of the Torah (Jews holy book) as he wanted to taunt the Jews. What the soldier did not know was that the tailor chose all the curses of the book to make the jacket!!!!
Day 10 - Our last day!!! We unfortunately had to check out of the room by 10:30. We thought this would be a looooonnnnnggg day. But God is soooooo good. We went out for breakfast. The best one we had the entire stay. We ate at Aroma. Went to buy a new piece of luggage for all our purchases. Then walked around the city for some shopping as well as some more sights. We walked into this store that happened to know of Pastor Chik. This man was an orthodox jew that loved to talk about the differences in prophecy. Very educating. It was here that my hubby purchased a new wedding band. Yea!!! We are official again. It has been many many years that he has not been wearing a ring. As it was nearing lunch time we went back to the hotel to drop off our packages. We walked around and grabbed some lunch. I had a nutella crepe. YUMMY!!! We went back to the muslim quarter for the Shwarma for the men. Went one last time to the Western Wall then back to the hotel. Here we met up with some of the group and we got to say some goodbyes.
It was a great time but admittedly a little too long for this momma! I am very happy to be back home!
Here is a link to an album I created just for Israel. It only has 1 percent of the photos we took but I wanted to give you and idea of what we witnessed. I know you will have to copy and paste. Not quite sure why they link button wasn't working. Anyway, enjoy!!!
http://picasaweb.google.com/pier.shea/IsraelPier?feat=directlink
Wow! I am so humbled to just be looking at the pictures of where Jesus stood.....you were there! How awesome!!
ReplyDeleteAnd how romantic that Bill got a ring. As I was going through the pictures every time I came to you and Bill I thought how happy you both looked, and then to read the end...very sweet!