Hello to all! Wow, another wonderful day in Israel. The day started off by waking up at our Kibbutz, Kfar Giladi. Yet another amazing morning with beautiful weather. After our breakfast, we left for to start a day of site-seeing, journeying, and learning. The Mount of the Beatitudes was our first stop. Red, blue, yellow, and mutli-colored flowers set the stage for a breathe-taking experience. To think that we were at the spot where Jesus taught: The Sermon on the Mount. Side note: The most common quote on the trip, "I cannot beleive that we are in the spot where Jesus..." Jerry read Matthew 5 and 6, which is the Sermon on the Mount. Again I say WOW!
Next we headed off to Tabgha, the site of the multiplication of the loaves and fishes. This Catholic site was also just amazing. Within the church housed one of the most famous mosaic floors in Israel, the loaves and fishes. Read Matthew 14:19.
Down the road we went to Capernaum. This is the town where Jesus "set up His headquaters." Many miracles took place here, more specifically in Peter's mother-in-laws house. We were able to walk on the remains of a synagouge dates back to the 3rd century AD. We were able to picture what it might have been like to see Jesus reading the scriptures to the masses. Take a moment to think about it-what would he have sounded like? Where would the inflection in his voice have been? Would he look you in the eyes? Now imagine thinking these thoughts while standing in Jesus's home base. Have chills yet?!
Our next stop was Bethsaida. This is another Tel (city built upon city built upon city), like Dan. It was only confirmed to be a Tel twenty-five years ago! Bethsaida was formerly under Syrian control and was used as a military position. When it was returned to Israel, they discovered that Bethsaida was a fishing town and that, at one point, the Sea of Galilee's shoreline actually reached Bethsaida, which today is a mile and a half away from the actual Sea! There is only one street in Bethsaida and we know Jesus was there...so we can almost certainly believe that we walked where Jesus walked!
After a quick lunch in Tibereas, we visited another synagogue with a beautiful mosaic floor. Next, we went to Kinneret Cemetary, which was a cemetary for the Kinneret Kibbutz. The Kinneret Kibbutz was founded in 1911 and is the 2nd oldest Kibbutz. Our final stop before the Holy City was Yardenit, a baptismal site on the Jordan River. We all shared a deeply spiritual moment with each other as we reaffirmed our baptisms.
Finally, we made it up to Jerusalem. As we entered the Holy City, we heard the beautiful words of the old song, "Jerusalem, Jerusalem! Lift up your gates and sing! Hosanna in the highest! Hosanna to your King!" Entering Jerusalem at night was incredible. The lights of a city that is home to over 700,000 residents seems to look more beautiful at night. Even Condoleeza Rice was here! We'll ask her to come over and visit later!
Keep praying as we enter into the Holy City sites and move into exploring Bethlehem tomorrow. Your comments are so wonderful. Every morning and evening, we look forward to seeing what our friends and family have written to us! We love you all and can't wait to share all our beautiful memories with you. God bless! Keep writing!
6 comments:
Hello everyone! We are enjoying your journal and pictures so very much. Thank you, Ian, for doing this for all of us at home. Hi Justin...it was great to see your picture! We just got home from OC but we checked the blog while we were there. Barb Rankin and Gary stopped by for a visit and they are enjoying your blog, also. They both said "hi" and send their love to you and everyone else. It's easy to see that you are having a wonderful and very meaningful trip. Shalom!
Love, Mom and Dad
Ian, Thanks so much for writing and seriously making us feel like we are there. It is something we wish we could do with you right now, but you are helping so much by your awesome descriptions. Maybe you should have been an English teacher or a writer! Maybe you should write a book about Israel........Love to you all, continue to soak up the blessings of being in those incredibly spirit filled places and the images I am sure you are getting and learning about as you see each one! Josh and Kate
WOW! Another great day of descriptions of your journey. You really do make us feel like we are with you. Please soak up everything you can and then be prepared to share more with us when you get home. Be safe.
LOVE YOU!!
Mom
Hi Everyone!
Ian, thank you so much for sharing the pictures and wonderful details of your incredible trip! I'm learning things through your descriptions. It looks absolutely beautiful there. I can't imagine how amazing it must feel to be standing and seeing places that we hear and read about in the Bible!
You are all in our prayers!
Melinda
Ian, Love the Blog. My wife and I live 3 doors down from your Dad and Deb. Hey to Bill B and Ginny R. It's starting to finally get warmer in Chambersburg. Bill B, If you get a chance, check this out. http://www.marketwire.com/mw/release_html_b1?release_id=217352. Have a great trip.
Rich M
To Judy George and the entire group,
Everyone here is enjoying your pictures and commentary. Sounds like a most exciting and fulfilling trip. Thanks to Ian for the continued reports. The weather looks beautiful. So many sights to see and so much history to soak in. We wish you well and remember that we in New York and New Jersey (and those away in Texas) are thinking of you.
Love, Karen & George
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