Beautiful, fantastic Israel has not let us down. What a wonderful day exploring the Holy Land. After breakfast, the group set off for our first day of exploring the "Old City" of Jerusalem. This time we entered through the "Lion's Gate" or what is also known as "St. Steven's Gate". This is the site believed to be where Steven was stoned to death for believing in and preaching about Jesus Christ. Our first stop was right through the gate at Church of St. Anne, Anne being the mother of Mary. After a quick walk-around, we headed through the back doors of the church and out to the Pools of Bethesda. At these pools, Jesus told the lame man to "pick up his mat and walk." From here we started to walk down the Via Dolorosa.The Via Dolorosa means "the way of the cross". Catholic tradition states there are 14 stations on the Via Dolorosa, and we visited each one. The Via Delorosa starts in the Muslim quarter of the "Old City", goes through the Christian quarter, and ends at the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. We had to stay close together, being that the streets are narrow and busy. Small shops lined the streets selling colored linens, candies, shoes, and a number of other things. The air was filled with all different kinds of smells, spices, food, smoke..., which made every moment of our journey even more exciting. As I said before, we stopped at each station of the cross, where Jesus was condemned, where He fell, and finally where he was crucified, dead, and buried. We stood in the traditional spot where Christ was crucified and then went down stairs to where he was buried. This was a cave craved out of the mountain enclosed and adored with gold,silver and various other decorations. (Pictured above with Joan Sachs entering). After this long walk and emotional morning, it was time for lunch.
After lunch, we continued to tour the "Old City". We visited 2 sites were there are remains of the city in Jesus' day. Just amazing! Pictures do not do justice to this land, the colors are beautiful, the smells are amazing, the sounds of different languages all around, the excitement and anxiety...being here is just amazing!
Next, we headed over to the Israel Museum. This museum houses the Dead Sea Scrolls. These ancient documents were found in the Dead Sea area. These are writings and teachings of 2000 years-ago. Seeing these artifacts and ancient cities and places proves that God wanted and wants this Land and these People to survive...teaching the words of God, and, to us, spreading the good news of Jesus Christ.
Like I said before, this was a long, very long day and week. I do apologize for not up dating the blog until now. We have all enjoyed interacting with our friends and families this way; hope you are all having fun too. Today is a free day...look forward to personal comments from your friends or family members today on the blog! See you, my fellow bloggers and know that God is good and alive through this Land and these People here and through all of us.
God Bless
Looking from my window in Jerusalem into the Holy City,
IAN
HAPPY BIRTHDAY NICK LOMBARDOZZI!!
12 comments:
Mom, what are you doing in that group picture? It looks like you are trying to take a picture, but forgot your camera:)
It was so great to talk to you today! I hope that you enjoy your free day tomorrow and are able to rest a little to get ready for the last few days of this amazing adventure.
All is well here, Nathan actually took a nap this afternoon (after I left of course). We all miss you and can't wait to see you when you get back! Love ya!
Hi Mom...saw your tailend again going into another building. Bet you're glad you took your old shoes...so much walking! How was the camel ride? On your free day, call my cellphone and I'll answer even during class. Have you seen any keychains in the markets? Just wondering. All is well here....pant, pant and kissies from Moondust & Sparky.(and us).
Ian, you deserve a day off. Thanks for the pictures. We're so jealous of your weather! It looks beautiful. Today is warmer here, but it's still gray. Enjoy your day of R&R! Hi Justin...xo
Love,
George and Leslie
Well folks, by now you have had a chance to meet Lindsay. As one of her "trainers", I hope that she has been behaving properly. Now that she has left the rigid standards of her home and community, her mother and I can only hope that we have instilled in her the proper form of conduct to visit another country and not disgrace or embarrass her company. (I really empathize with you, Tracy!) Should any of you find her unbearable, please do not hesitate to send her home!
Love ya and miss ya LD! Dad
Wish we were there with you....looks like a great time. What an incredible idea with the website....great job Ian!! Karen is doing fine...we head to Pittsburgh on Monday the 26th...pray for us as we are praying for you. We love you all.
The pictures say it all. Great photography! Rest up and enjoy your day tomorrow. L.D. - want you to know that I had nothing to do with your Dad's posting! Sorry I missed your call today - work gets in the way of all the fun. Miss you!
Love,
Mom
Ian,
I have no clue what's going on with your tanks! The big one is getting all murky and the stones in the small one are gross. Also about 4 of the little fish have some sort of white stuff around their mouths and I don't know what it is. I don't want any of the fish to die! Please tell me what I need to do...i'll do anything! Hi Lindz! Love you guys!
Greetings! Just returned from Peru and am enjoying the blog...special hugs to the bible study girls..know you will come home enlightened....prayers for safe travel to all! Great photos and journeling Ian! Pat Schweitzer
Pete & Mary and Crew --
Sorry I missed your call today, Dad! I saw Ken and Victoria and Bill in the photos --- looks like everyone's enjoying themselves and you're having wonderful weather!
I bet being there on Ash Wednesday was amazing! Can't wait to see you and all the pictures --- hugs and kisses to both you and Debbie!
Love you! Mare
lucille boyajy said Judy-this blog is amazing. I'm sorry I didn't write before. We were busy in Austin and had a great visit with the family. Our plane was sitting on the runway for two hours because of the weather but we did get there safely in time for dinner. The family in Texas sends their love. We are home now and will continue to enjoy this blog. Tom sends his love too. Have a wonderful and safe trip. Love, Lucille and Tom
Edogg, great picture of my dad and what a fancy hat he is wearing! :) A few others in the group have them too...is that the famous AVIV tours hat??
Also saw the back of Mike Rogoff. Listen closely to what he says!! Tell him I say hi, and also if you see Jill say hi and we want to have her new CD (if she has one).
Safe travels and time is flying by, isn't it?
talk soon, Pearlie and Joel
Hi all,
Glad you are having a wonderful and meaningful trip. I am now going out of the house and feeling a little sorry for myself, but, am not having a moment of regret for all of you. Even thoughI miss not being with you I know that I did the right thing by not making all of you having to take care of me. I am glad that God is taking care of all of you and I hope to see you all safely at home with some wonderful experiences to share with me.
My love to all and travel safely,
You are all in my continued prayers.
Helen Zimmerman
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