The end of one journey, ready to begin another...

Sunday, September 9th marked the end of our tour of Egypt, Jordan and Israel. The tour was remarkable, unforgettable and enjoyable.  Not only did we enjoy the sites and experiences, but the 28 Christians brought together for this pilgrimage was a very special group, diverse and from around the world, but bonded together by our faith in Jesus Christ.  Special friendships were formed and we will miss the companionship of the group!

The two of us in Petra in Jordan on Sept. 1st.

 

On the Sea of Galilee

 A boat like the one we were in.

 

The Jordan River, several in our group were baptized here.

 Wednesday, September 5th we stayed in the Daniel Hotel on the Dead Sea.  We took a dip...actually a "bob" in the water.  You can't help but float!

 

On Thursday, September 6th we went to Masada. After a tram ride up and a tour we headed into Jerusalem.

 

Some of the MANY date trees lining the road from Masada to Jerusalem.

 The view of the temple mount as we came into Jerusalem.

 The Mount of Olives

 

Russ and Carol overlooking the Old City

 

The Wailing Wall

 The Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem

 You know I have to catch some signs that make me smile!

 

On Saturday, September 8th we walked through the Jaffa gate into the Old City of Jerusalem.

 From the rooftop of the Old City

 Another sign that made us smile!

 We walked the Via Dolorosa and stopped at the Stations of the Cross.

 

The Church of the Holy Seplechre

 Golgotha, or "Skull rock"

 One of the highlights of the trip is visiting the Garden Tomb.  It is such a peaceful, beautiful garden area where you view what could have been Jesus' tomb.  This place makes you realize it doesn't really matter if you know the exact spot, it's more important to know what Christ did for us through His death and resurrection.

 After our tour, our group had a time of communion in this spot.  As we worshipped, there were many other groups around us worshipping and singing in other languages. Praise the LORD, what a time of unity and peace!

 I know this has been a VERY quick overview of the past week or so of our tour.  Today we left Jerusalem to begin the next phase of our journey, tonight I write from Nazareth, but hope to tell the details of our adventures on the Jesus Trail which we begin on Monday, September 10 in our next post.  Until then...

Blessings to you!
Russ & Carol