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.