What a full and wonderful day we had today! We enjoyed a feast for breakfast filled with Israeli pastries, breads, eggs, potatoes, etc, etc.
We travelled from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, only to travel through the city briefly. It wet out appetite for the city we will visit more thoroughly at the end of the trip. We quickly gained an understanding of the division in Israel. As we entered the city we did so on a highway that had a wall on both sides. It was Palestinian territory on both sides of the road, but the road was under Israeli control. We felt quite safe and saw no problems, but could readily understand that there is not unity in the land.
We travelled on from Jerusalem toward Qumran where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered near the northern part of the Dead Sea. On the way we passed the city of Jericho. From there we could see Mt. Nebo where Moses viewed the land and died. We made a brief visit by the Dead (Salt) Sea where some tested out their buoyancy in the 33% salt water. From there we drove to an oasis in the desert called Engedi where David fled ad hid from Saul and enjoyed our lunch. From there we visited Masada, the absolutely amazing fortress where over 900 jewish zealots withstood Rome for five years until 73 AD when they took their lives as a "Holiness to God" rather than surrender to be slaves to Rome. Our hearts were taught and challenged by their zeal and dedication to live or die for God. We all wished for more time there as we were overwhelmed by the story of the fortress and the beautiful scenery from atop of the fortress overlooking the Dead Sea. Several of the ladies enjoyed getting great deals on the Ahava creams at the factory store at Masada. The major industry of Israel is the Salt Sea products.
Our final drive was through the Southern Desert in Israel. The Negev is over 30% of the land mass of Israel. We are now staying the night at the beautiful Royal Tulip Hotel in Eilat, where we once again enjoyed a delicious meal for supper. Some of us walked to the shore of the Red Sea before returning to get a good nights sleep. We started the day at the Mediterranean Sea, stopped at the Dead Sea, and ended the day at the Red Sea. What a fulfilling day!!!
Well, I must get some rest. Tomorrow we enter Jordan and visit the stone city of Petra.
Thank you for your continued prayers!
4 comments:
For people that like views- you can certainly see everywhere from Masada.
Israel Team,
You will be very glad that you are writing down your initial thoughts after visiting these sights.
Pastor, if you have to combine daily reports, I understand. Sleep is important as well. I look forward to your report on Petra.
Praise the Lord my labtop was repaired under warantee today and my Israel files are safe :) I am going to purchase an external hard drive for backup tonight to insure they are safe longterm.
Jonathan Shafer
Thank you again for posting about your journey today!
I have been reading your blogs to mom. I think she is glad that it is warmer in Israel...so that there is no chance for snow or Skiing! :)
We are praying for you many times a day!
Annette Hesson
It's so exciting to read your journal and see pictures. We are praying for you all daily.
Rita
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