Today was another very full day that was spent in Jerusalem and most of the time in the Old City. We began after going through security to visit the West Wall (aka, the Wailing Wall). You pray at the wall separated by gender and it was a very interesting experience being there with people from around the world including Orthodox Jews, Christians of varying stripes, and less orthodox Jews.
After the wailing wall we then had to go through another security gate to enter the Old City. Our first destination was the Dome of the Rock which is controlled by the Muslims. We were able to see it and buy picture postcards of what it looks like on the inside as non-Muslims are not allowed to enter.
We then visited a number of church sites in the city built over "holy locations": the site of the pools of Bethsaida and the Church of Saint Catherine where Bev sang solo, "We are the Body of Christ," and brought tears to many eyes especially her own; the Church of the Holy Sephlecure where it is promoted that Jesus was crucified; and many of the points along the way of the Via Delorosa (The Way of the Cross).
We then left the Old City and went next to the church that has been built over the site where it is believed Jesus was brought before the high priest, Caiaphas, and held in a tomb like prison before being handed over to the Romans for scourging and crucifixion.
Our next to last stop for today was the Israeli Museum where we were treated to a model of the City of Jerusalem that included three different times it was built/rebuilt; the museum also included the opportunity to see portions of the Dead Sea Scrolls.
Our last stop for today was the Garden Tomb where is is believed Jesus was laid following his crucifixion in the spot donated by Joseph of Arimathea. This visit concluded with our having communion led by Bill Longenecker.
Our guide Raouf, a Christian who is Aramaic by birth is proving to the be one the best guides possible. He is very well studied and knowledgeable.
More tomorrow. Salaam and Shalom!
Hi Grandpa and Grandma!
ReplyDeleteI wonder how you are feeling being in all those places Jesus was... I can't wait until you come back, cause I can't wait to see you again!
I love you- Adam
Hi Grandpa and Grandma-
ReplyDeleteI hope you are having lots of fun, sounds like a lot of fun!
I can't believe you got to see all that you did about where Jesus was! That is exciting.
I love you- Gavin
Umm,it is Isaac, we had a squirt gun fight today with the sprinkler on and our friends over today. Umm, I hope you have a good trip. The End, I love you Grandpa and Grandma.
ReplyDeleteWOW WOW WOW WOW WOW WOW WOW WOW WOW!!!!!! I cried reading about Mom's singing! I can't imagine just how moved you all are being there. We just finished reading your updates to the boys, I wish you could have heard their WOW's! And Jeremy and I as well! We were all full of Ohhhh's and Ahhhh's. Praying that it continues to be a blessed experience. WOW! Praise God!
ReplyDeleteLove you both bunches- Kirsten
Gavin, Adam, Isaac, Kirsten and Jeremy- thanks for writing back. Your words were like music to our ears. We have been having a wonderful and blessed time. We are seeing so much, learning so much, hearing so much, and eating so much that we are full spiritually, emotionally, and physically. Hard to believe that our last day is tomorrow all ready before we fly home and arrive early Sunday in the US. Love you all bunches- DAD and MOM (aka, GRANDPA AND GRANDMA)
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