Day in Jerusalem and Bethlehem

Welcome to another day of our Israel family trip. The final days are coming fast now and there is still so much to see. We gathered early (again) and took a short ride into Jerusalem to participate in a archeological dig. The Muslims, thirteen years ago removed four hundred truckloads of dirt within the Temple Mount. They used bull dozers, which destroyed the layers of history. The Jewish government stopped the project and after a while the government of Israel got permission to claim all the rubble, they are now using volunteers to sift through the rubble.  After a very informative lecture, we were allowed to see what we could find. We washed the stones and separated the different things we found.There were six possible things we could find, bone; glass; metal; plaster; and pottery.

Our group found glass, metal, tiles, pottery and nails. It was really a fun experience!

Next stop Bethlehem. We visited the shepherd's field and the Church of the Nativity. Boaz, our guide who is Jewish, cannot enter Bethlehem, so we had a wonderful Christian Palistinian. Most of the sites in Bethlehem are covered by churches, so it is hard to even imagine what it would have looked like. We did learn that Bethlehem was a small village of about one hundred twenty five people, when Joseph and Mary went there for the tax, the town swelled to about twenty five hundred, no wonder they couldn't find room at the inn.

We did make a quick stop at a store run by a Christian, it was a good experience.

We then returned to old Jerusalem to visit the Garden Tomb. This is a beautiful garden setting in the middle of all the busyness of the city. It is one of two possible spots for the burial place of Jesus. While we were there, we found a quiet spot where we together celebrated communion together. David shared a message that prepared us to take the elements. It was so meaningful for each one of us.

Now the day was coming to a close. One of the experiences Ken and I love to see is and wanted our family to see, was the Jews preparation for the Sabbath. They gather at the Western Wall, to pray and praise God. The men pray on one side and the women on the other. Each of us prayed at the wall and prayed for those we love. Whenever we have visited Jerusalem, Ken and I have prayed at the wall for our family, how special for us to have them gathered there with us praying.

Silas, waiting to go pray.

The sunset was beginning to close in on us, time to say goodby and try to process all we saw and experienced in God's Holy City.

Jerusalem

Tonight we got back a little earlier, so I hope I can capture our first day as we walked down the road for our first glimpse of the Holy City. We were in awe of what we saw spread out before us. All week we have studied about God's faithfulness, both now and in the past of God's faithfulness and love for the city of Jerusalem.

We spent a few moments in an Olive Garden and reviewed the agony Jesus went through the night He was betrayed. It was a sobering thought to think what lie ahead for him.

Just a few pictures of time in the garden.

We then went down into a cave nearby where three prophets were buried. Haggai, Zechariah and Malachi. We were handed candles and explored the cave. 

We then walked over to the Mount of Olive and saw trees that were over 2,000 years old, they really believe this is the spot where Jesus prayed and perhaps it was one of the very trees we. Saw! 

We proceed down the road and entered the Stevens Gate of Jerusalem. Just as in Jesus times, the narrow streets are filled with people, sights and sounds. 

As we walked alone the Via Delarosa ( the path Jesus took to the cross), we could only wonder what it felt like to carry the cross amongst all the jeering people and the agony of his mother and the disciples.

Everyone was ready for a break and we found a small shop that made fresh orange and pomegranate juice. Delicious!

Time for a group photo opportunity, overlooking the Kidron Valley and the Mount of Olives.

Lunch was at a park, it was a typical Israelie lunch. Bread, spices, hummus, goat cheese and beverages.

The kids took sometime just to relax and play!

Our last stop of the day was at a private home of a friend of Boaz, who while building his home, he discovered a cave beneath the foundation. He gave us a lecture of how he found it and what he found. We descended down a long ladder and explored the cave and his find. He actually found the ossuary of the last king of Israel and his bones. Very interesting story, will tell you more sometime. It literary changed the man's life and his relationship with God. He also gave a blessing to Ken and I in celebration of our 50th anniversary. We had a great day!

Jerusalem is so different from Galilee and the desert, but all are special in their own unique way.

Time for dinner and a good night's rest.