In the Desert

Today started again at 7:30 with a bus ride to Masada. Masada is located on the southwest shore of the Dead Sea.masDa is a large plateau, rising over 1,300 feet. Masada was built by Herod the Great as a refuge to flee to. There are several ways to get to Masada, one is to ride the gondola up and down. We choose to walk up the ramp the Romans built and then took the snake stairway down. Our hero's of the day were Haley, who has sprained her ankle badly and Reid who celebrated his 20th birthday.

While walking around Masada, they took us to a scribe who was actually copying the Torah, Boaz, introduced us to him and he wrote a beautiful inscription of a blessing for our 50th wedding anniversary.

After a lecture by Boaz and David, we walked down. We were treated to a wonderful picnic lunch by our bus driver.

After a quick lunch, it was on to another hike. We are amazed by all of kids (and us), at everyone's stamina, from a five year old who never stops, Silas, who runs circles around everyone.( he feel asleep at the dinner table! It has been nonstop. Also, just to brag about each of them, when it is time to hear about history, archeology, or a story from the Bible, they are so attentive, we are blessed. They realize the importance of this country.

We went into Ein Gedi. This is a beautiful oasis in the middle of the desert. This is where Saul chased David and David went into the cave where Saul was and David cut off a portion of Saul's robe. It was refreshing after a long hike to cool off in the water.

Back on the bus for a two hour drive down to the Negave desert. We are at a beautiful hotel and we celebrated Reid's birthday, the young kids went out for a walk and most of us are going to bed, can't make it to. Midnight! Happy New Year to all of you! 

God is good, all the time and all the time, God is good.

A Psalm I read tonight is Psalm 3. I love these verses and they are a reminder how God puts a shield around us. We have felt it on our trip, thank you for your prayers.

Going to the desert

Again up early, on the bus by 7:30, another day ahead of filled with adventure. Our first hike was up to the top of Bet Shea. As we approached to top of the hill, Boaz had us walk backwards for the last 30 feet. As we turned around, below stood the most beautiful ruins we have seen so far. As we stood there gazing, we could only imagine the splendor of the town below.

We then drove for about an hour to the place where they believe John baptized Jesus. This area has just opened up in the last few years, it is a beautiful spot on the Jordan River. Several people in our family wanted to be baptized, it was a thrill to hear how God is working in their lives. Chris sang a song about going down to the river that they often sing at House of Mercy, it was fun for him to sing it actually being at the Jordan.

David then talked with us about the commitment to Christ, when we are baptized.

The following pictures will express more then words what took place one special day at the Jordan River.

How can you ever top this? Praise God!

On the bus again! This time to Qumran, this is where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered in 1948. 

We hiked up to some of the caves where the scrolls were found, and heard a beautiful lecture by Boaz, how the scriptures have been preserved for thousands of years. 

Hiking down was a challenge, but everyone (almost), loved it!

Next stop, The Dead Sea! 

A swim was tops on everyone's list. After changing into our swimsuits, we headed down to the beach. Little did we know how cold it would be! Remember, we are in the desert, but it is winter. The outside temperature was warm, but the water was freezing, everyone was determined to go in and we did.

A good day was had by all and even little boys get tired!

Last day in Galilee area

Another great day, I know of no other words to discribe it. Today we started out at Caesarea by the sea. It is about two hours away from Tiberias where we have stayed for four days. Caesarea is on the Mediterranean Sea.this was a large seaport and it was the fifth largest in the world. Paul was probably imprisoned here. David gave a very moving account of Paul's defense of the gospel.

We sat in a large arena where Christians and Jews were tortured for their faith in God. 

Afterwards, Boaz took us along the shore where we could actually dig pottery, marble, pottery handles and other treasures out of the dirt walls.

It was hard to pull everyone away!!!

We made a quick stop to see the aquaducts, they spanned eleven miles and the water flowed perfectly from the source of the water to the 

Or next stop was lunch at a Druze village, fresh vegetables, humas, pita bread and flaffals! 

Our next journey was to Mount Carmel. Rain was in the forecast and Billy watched the radar and predicted it would rain about one. Our plan was to hear the story of Elijah and the 450 prophets of Baal at the top of the mountain, but because of the rain, we first walked down Mount Carmel. It was a steep  descend and it took about an hour to get down, but we did beat the rain. It is hard to imagine how they got the bulls, water and wood up there.

After we got down, the rain started and our faith lesson was on the bus. Billy's prediction was close! Last stop was at zippora, there we saw some beautiful mosaics.

Time for heading home, God blessed our day with his presence.