Today we began with a stop at the River Jabbok where Jacob wrestled with God demanding a blessing from God and where God changed His name to Israel (The Friend of God).
We spent a good part of our day visiting Jerash (Gerasa), the second largest city of the Decapolis, a group of ten cities in league during Roman times. Some of the world's best Roman ruins are in Jerash. It is one of the cities that the Maniac Jesus healed went to to tell how great things Jesus did for him (Mark 5).
We also visited the town of Gadara where the Maniac Jesus healed was from. It to was a part for the Decapolis and heard the testimony of the one who once could not be bound with fetters and ran naked among the tombs and was now found seated, clothed and in his right mind. From Gadara we could see the Golan Heights of Israel. it is no doubt very strategic for Israel's security.
We went through 6 or 7 Jordanian military check points along a road leading to the border with Israel. 60 - 70 % of the Jordanian population is now Palestinian so the government must be careful not to allow Palestinian attacks into Israel.
Eventually, we made our way to the border and crossed the Jordan River into Israel at the Hussein Bridge. After careful border check including luggage scanning (both leaving Jordan and entering Israel) we were allowed into Israel. We arrived at our lovely hotel on a kibbutz right on the southern tip of the Sea of Galilee. We were all excited to be in Israel after a few days of wilderness wanderings! We were also excited to be right on the Seal of Galilee and to spend three nights in the same hotel.
1 comment:
Nancy seemed to fit right in with the locals. It must have been her coat of many colors.
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