May 26. Click here for day 9 photos
After a delicious breakfast, we ventured out at 7:15 a.m. for a long ride to the one of the Seven Wonders of the World, Petra. There were several in the group that stayed behind for some much needed rest due to different ailments, including John. They were missed greatly. We traveled 3 ½ hours to get there. The landscape is so barren and desolate which is such a depiction of the spiritual bareness which is so apparent here in Jordan.
We arrived at Petra where we walked around looking at the beautiful, unbelievably majestic rocks surrounding us. Certainly one can understand why it was given the title of one of the Seven Wonders of the World. What a creative God we serve. The stone cliffs towered over us each with different dimension, color and beauty. God is an amazing architect. Petra was built by the Nabataeans. The buildings and structures were carved right out of the rock facades. One thing we discovered was that the buildings we often see pictures of are really tombs. They built this city and those buildings to be their tombs. As we walked through I wondered how God might use this place in the future to protect His people during the latter half of the Tribulation period. It is speculated, although we do not know for certain, that this is the place God will bring the Israelites to in order to protect them during the latter half of the Tribulation (Revelation 12). There is such a strong depiction for me in this place of God as our refuge. It brings to my heart and mind the scripture in Psalm 46, “God is our refuge and strength, an ever present help in trouble.” What an amazing promise this is that He has given us. My heart rejoices at the thought of this!
This trip brought many new experiences; some were able to ride a horse and carriage, and some a camel. We don’t get to do that too often in America!! The temperature was extremely hot. Water was a must. All were troopers, and we had a great time! As we walked through the amazing rocks there were many little kids that were trying to sell postcards and other souvenirs. That surely tugged on my heart strings. They were just adorable. With some help, I was pulled away. But we were told that a lot of these kids make a decent income which has a negative side effect of keeping them out of school.
We spent a few hours exploring and taking many pictures. You could spend days there exploring. There is so much to see. So, off we went back on our 3 ½ hour drive to the hotel where many look forward to swimming and relaxation! But when we arrived, the sandstorm restricted our view of the Dead Sea. It was pretty hard to breath the sand was so thick.
Dinner was wonderful as we just enjoyed our last night in Jordan. Many heart to heart conversations and much gratefulness for this amazing experience He has lead us through. Sleep will be sweet tonight, as we anticipate a long day of travel tomorrow. We will be heading back to beautiful Jerusalem for a few hours of free time, and then off to the airport we go for a red-eye flight back home. It has been an amazing journey. Somewhat indescribable! The Bible has come alive in a profound way and a greater love for His people and His land has been sparked. We are so grateful for His protection over us all. Thank you for your prayers. Please continue to lift us up in prayer as we travel back home to our families, and pray for the physical health of us all.
Goodnight to you all. We look forward to seeing you on Sunday. Tiffany
Thanks Tiffany. You and Diane really brought your trip to life for those of us here. I so enjoyed following along with my husband as he enjoys Israel with yous guys.
I want to give an “amen” to Carol’s statement. Diane is already home and has shared her pictures with us. What a blessing.