Israel Getz Fun

We have had so much fun discovering the ancient times of the Bible. Our experience has been similar to our little car, Hyandi Getz "Fun." (see picture of car). click pictures to enlarge

Today is Friday and went to the Garden of Gethsemene/ Mount of Olives, Dominus Flevit, City of David, shopping with Matt Peterson (extreme bargining skills), and a fine dinner to come.

The Garden of Gethsemene where Jesus often took his disciples and prayed, was arrested here in the darkness of night. From the garden, the city walls are quite visible as they are high up the hill. In the Gosepel of Luke, the writer continually leads the reader toward Jerusalem beginning in chapter 11. Being here now, it makes fuller sense that in Jesus' time of prayer and petition, he would have set his eyes on Jerusalem and the cross.

Friday is the beginning of the Jewish Sabbath. On Friday, the market is absolutely crazy and packed. People scurying, shopping and buying food before the sun goes down to mark the beginning of Sabbath. We fought the crowds in the old city and open air markets.

Tonight we have a final supper with Matt and friends. Another American came intoday and three more will visit in the next couple days who will stay for two weeks. We hope Matt gets enough time to study.

See many of you soon.

Grace and Peace,

Steve and Daisy

Thursday-Leaving The Galilee

Today we left the Galilean area and ventured up hill to Mt. Tabor where the Transfiguration took place (Mt 17). The mount looks like a giant hump amidst little rolling hills until we had to drive the switchbacks all the way up.From Tabor we went to Megiddo which some people think will be the location of Armagedon. 19 civilizations had been unearthed at this location. The highlight of the short time here was the water tunnel.

Next we drove to see Mt Carmel. In trying to get there we traveled through Haifa. We arrived at the ancient sea port of Caesarea. I was in awe at the Roman tribute that Herod had built and the enormity of the city. The Mediterranean sets the perfect stage for the site. Herod did nothing small. The aqua duct transported fresh warter from over 17 miles away. With that much fresh water, might as well build a fresh water pool in your palace, a bath house and hot tubs. Stepping on marble pieces as we walk along the paths are a sign that nothing built by the hands of man is permanent.

We are sad that our trip is shortly coming to a close. Friday is packed with many last minute locations and shopping.

Grace and Peace,
Steve & Daisy

Wednesday in Galilee

Today was the most peaceful day of the journey. We spent the day touring around the Sea of Galilee. We went to Capernaum, where Jesus called his first disciples to follow him.

We also went to the Mount of the Beatitudes (Matthew 5-7). This place was very peaceful and absolutely breathtaking. There are many scents of spring in the air here.

We also drove around the sea of Galilee in our little car. It is much smaller than the flannel graph stories from my youth.

The Jordan river is a very protected stream of water. However, there is only one portion that is safe to visit. Many are baptised in the Jordan River. We were surprised to See so much wildlife around and in the river. One caution to the wise... Holy Water is not for consumption.

The Internet her is spotty and I frequently get disconnected. Thursday will be Caesarea, Mt. Tabor and a few other places on the way back to Jerusalem.

Steve & Daisy