May 27.  Click here for day 10 photos

This morning was a little later morning for us.  We were able to sleep in some which was nice for many, especially those who have not been feeling very well.  There are a few with some stomach issues which we pray will not get worse as we anticipate the long flight back home.  We loaded the bus at about 10 am with great anticipation of going back to Israel from Jordan.  There was still residual sand in the air from the sandstorm, cars were covered with sand, and visibility was low.  But off we went.  We went through border control which went very quickly and without any issues as well as we changed buses and got Haim back (Haim has been our driver for the entire time in Israel), which was very exciting for all of us to have him back!!  He is a great driver and has such a sweet, quiet spirit about him.  Many claps for him when we saw him and we were on our way.  As we crossed over the border many of us wanted to kiss the ground. There was a surprising feeling; it felt like we were home.  Yes, Israel has made it into many of our hearts.  Immediately the group began to chatter back and forth and laughter radiated through the bus.  The cloud of oppression lifted and many hearts felt peace which had not been felt in the two days while in Jordan.  The weather was beautifully inviting and the sun was shining.  There was no more evidence of the sand storm!

On our way to Jerusalem we drove through a newer settlement that had been built in the desert.  It was great to be able to see some neighborhoods and get a little window into the Israeli homes and lives. What was once dry and barren is now beautiful homes for many Jews. It was like a little suburbia. It was Shabbat today so it was a bit busy with everyone trying to get home, kids were getting out of school half day, and traffic was pretty heavy.  It was just interesting getting a glimpse into their lives.

After our little drive thru tour, we arrived at the hotel and all got out our luggage and did the needed packing and unpacking, distributing weight, to get ready for going to the airport.  We had 3 hours of free time.  Some who weren’t feeling so well opted to just hang out in the hotel, while others went into the Old City to do a bit more shopping and grab something to eat, perhaps a last Shwarma, or Falafel!!!   Some love it some don’t!!!!

After 5 o’clock we left the hotel and headed to eat our last meal in Israel.  We went to a Lebanese restaurant and enjoyed a delicious meal and some wonderful sharing time with one another.   This journey has impacted each one of us in one way or another.  It was neat to share a few of those things that have touched us deeply, and share the things that are at the forefront of our hearts.  There is no doubt that God has revealed so much to many, but my heart tells me He has so much more to reveal as we go back to our normal daily lives. He will continue to use this journey in so many ways.  I have to ask myself, how is this trip going to impact my life?  What does God have for us in and from this experience?  Jeremiah 29:11 says, “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”  What speaks loudly in my heart is what Christ did for me; He became sin for me, and for you.  What an AMAZING sacrifice.  And what an honor it is to be a Child of Him, a Child of THE King.  I leave this beautiful land having walked where He walked and seeing where He paid the biggest sacrifice with a deeper love for Him, a deeper understanding of Him, and an open heart for what He has in store for my future.  It’s exciting.  I am thrilled that He saw it fit to have me be a part of this journey with such wonderful people.  And I am excited about the future He has planned for many of us.

We arrived at the airport at 8 o’clock….wow what a LONG process that was. Arriving 4 hours early is a must!  Some were questioned and security procedures were pretty intense.  It took about two and a half hours for the last two to get through.  Their security is very thorough which is comforting.  We walked on the plane and here we are sitting on the plane as I type!  We have an 11 hour flight and then we will be home, home with many more memories, many more friends, and a deeper love and understanding of His chosen people.  We are all SO excited to see our families and friends.

Thank you for walking this journey with us through prayer and following us through the pictures and journals.  We are so thankful for God’s protection over us all these last 11 days.

And thank you to all of my new friends that walked this amazing  journey with Scott and I, Diane, Joe, Steve, Donna, Jeff, Joanna, Dave, Christopher, Marge, Maryanne, Marnie, Mary Jane, Glen, David, Donna, Dave, Heather, John, Mark, Susan, Paul, Gary, Kathryn, Beverly, Marilyn, Dale, Anne, Jeanette, Russ, Staush, Bobbie, John, Renee, Jill,  and Laurel!  What a spectacular group of people that He has brought together.  It has been fun wandering through God’s land with you all……a trip of a lifetime, never to be forgotten.

Shabbat Shalom and blessings to you all, Tiffany

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

May 25.  Click here for day 8 photos

We woke up to the most beautiful sunrise on our last morning in Jerusalem.  What a privilege it was to walk around God’s land for those four days.  Your heart grows deeper and deeper in love and appreciation for His people, the Jews, and His land.

It was also a sad morning because we knew we would have to say goodbye to some of our group, our friends.  Six of them had not planned to go to Petra so we parted ways at the hotel after another delicious breakfast before we left for Jordan.   So we said our goodbyes with some tears.  What an amazing group of people God orchestrated.  John prayed before we separated and then we were off on a new adventure to Jordan. We also, anticipated saying goodbye to Abraham, our new friend whom we began to love very quickly.  There was some concern when we realized that Jane would not be our tour guide prior to coming.  We missed Jane greatly, but we are so grateful for God’s provision of Abraham.  God gave us a man who deeply loves His country, was easy to understand, and was quite funny to be with, and his knowledge was just unbelievable.  God has given us a new friend, whom we can pray for, especially for his salvation.  And many of us will certainly keep in touch with him!

We left the hotel and headed off to the border to go to Jordan.  There was sadness in our hearts as we left Jerusalem.  There is no doubt that we all leave this city with a piece of it etched into our hearts.  We arrived at the border and what a process that was! We had to go through several border patrols, which took much time.  They went through our entire luggage, but we are thankful that although it took a lot of time, it all went without any big issues.  Praise God!  Here is where we said our goodbye to Abraham with gratefulness in our hearts.

From the border, we headed up to Mount Nebo.  For those who struggle with motion sickness, and fear of high cliffs and narrow winding roads—it was quite the challenge.  We climbed 2000 feet above sea level.  The scenery was very rocky, dry, barren and extremely HOT.  Not much sign of life, besides the few camels we raced up the mountain with.  Mount Nebo is the mountain Moses climbed and where God showed him the whole land that was promised to His people.  After God showed all this to Moses, Moses then died and was buried by God in a valley somewhere in that area.  No one knows where he was buried.  Deuteronomy covers this in chapters 32 and 34…now I can read it and picture where he stood and breathed his last breath!

At the top of Mt Nebo, you can look out over the Jordan Valley and see Jericho off in the distance.  One can imagine Moses viewing the whole camp of Israel down in the valley, see the Jordan River they would soon cross, and anticipate the campaign they would soon embark on against Jericho.  And I was standing there—how amazing is that!!!

After we left Mount Nebo, we stopped off at a place that makes beautiful mosaic tile pieces of art.  What patience it must take for these women to sit for hours and create these masterpieces.  We looked around, admired, and went off on our way to our hotel.  As I was sitting on the bus traveling, there was such unsettledness in my heart and spirit; actually I felt it pretty quickly after we left Israel.  There is such a clear sense of spiritual battle here in Jordan, something I had not felt in Israel.  There was a keen awareness of God’s presence and love for Israel when we were there.  I certainly did not expect or anticipate that vast difference in my spirit.  After sharing that I realized that many others felt this as well.  But I was quickly reminded that God loves the Jordanians just as deeply as He does us all.

We arrived at the Movenpick Hotel with great excitement to see this place of rest and excited to experience the “Dead Sea Float”.  After we settled into our rooms, some of us quickly got into our bathing suits ready to experience the Dead Sea.  And what an experience that was!  Many of us got in and were amazed at how buoyant our bodies were.   Our bodies were so buoyant that we could stand with our feet pointed toward the ocean floor and not sink.  You could even run in place….and sit Indian style and not sink.  Scott had never experienced floating as he usually sinks like a rock but for the first time he floated—I don’t think the smile ever left his face!  It was such a fun and unique experience.  We were swimming in the DEAD SEA—amazing!  Then we plastered our bodies with mud and enjoyed together many laughs as well as new sweet memories.

A few of us were enjoying some time around the pool and there was an unusually loud exploding sound.  I looked around and at first thought, wow that was an enormous lasting clap of thunder.  But I quickly realized as I was surrounded by beautiful blue skies that it couldn’t be thunder.  We began to scan the horizon and clear across to the Israel border was a billow of smoke and dust from the enormous explosion.   Israel was having a war practice drill and we think it was a result of that.  Certainly an alarming sound!  It really makes us think how fortunate we are to live in America and how protected we are from these experiences.  Sadly, the sound of war is often too familiar in this side of the world.  Brings us to our knees, not only in gratefulness for the peace we daily live in our country, but a reminder to pray for those who rarely experience that peace in their land.

We enjoyed an amazing feast for dinner.  The desserts were a hit!!  We certainly cannot say that we ever went hungry on this trip!  How blessed we are.  After dinner, we had some time as a group to do some debriefing and ask questions that we might have had, so we dodged into a conference room and laughed, talked, and prayed.  Then off to bed we went.

A goodnight’s sleep is well needed as we anticipate a long, hot day of travel tomorrow.  We miss you all and will see you in just a few short days, with so many stories to share.  Thank you for your prayers.

Tiffany

May 24.  Click here for day 7 photos

We started the morning with a journey to Yad VaShem, the Holocaust Museum. We were warned about some of the exhibits we would encounter, but we were not all prepared for the level of emotion we would experience when we saw the photos.

We saw a list that Oscar Shindler made to keep track of those he helped to escape persecution, piles of shoes, and remnants of clothing. What a tragedy!!! I was ashamed and broken and I was not alone in my grief. With tears staining our faces, we made our way through to the end and back to the bus. There was a lot of silence as we drove to our next destination.

We made our way back to the bus (Hiam the driver is our hero!) to the Damascus Gate and entered back into the Old City for lunch and some free time. We all went our own way and wandered the tiny streets. It was wonderful to get lost in the market place, the sights and smells were all new, some wonderful, some….. not so wonderful!

The free time was great but the anticipation had been building all day since we all knew what was coming next and most of us were looking forward to it.

We soon found ourselves standing on the Via Dolorosa, also known as the Way of Sorrow.  It is known as this since it is the path that Jesus took on His way to the cross.  A solemn moment in everyone’s heart.

We gathered in the Cardo, the main street in the Old City, and made our way to a convent called Ecco Homo (Behold the Man). As we ducked and stooped in some low places, we descended to the lowest place in the church, what most would consider to be nothing more a basement. John read us the Passage of Scripture about Jesus having been beaten and scourged, and we saw the most amazing piece of Roman history that put so many of the pieces together. The Roman Guards played a game called “The Game of The Kings” They would choose a prisoner that they knew was slated for execution and  make him the king for the day. The prisoner could have anything he wanted, knowing at the end of the day his life would be taken. It was this game the Roman Guards were playing when they put the robe around Jesus shoulders, and placed the crown of thorns upon his head.

We realized that this was the game they played, according to the scriptures, when Jesus was betrayed.  They say the game is brutal and in many cases the “king” is killed at the end.  But, when Jesus was the pawn that night, He was not killed; instead he was beaten beyond recognition and scourged on the cold, stony payment in this place.

We quietly got up and moved downstairs to the very floor this beating took place.  It was a difficult moment for many.  Tears flowed as John recounted through the scriptures in Isaiah and Luke.  And, to be there, to touch the floor, to imagine what happened in this place was very hard, just like the cold, stony floor.

We understood at that moment what it truly meant when scriptures read that Jesus shed His blood for all.  And, we knew now the place this happened and our grief overflowed.  A difficult moment, but for each of us, we knew we had to move on.  There was so much more to see and do.

Leaving the convent, we walked out the Damascus Gate to a beautiful area, bursting with colorful flowers and tress of all kinds.  Although the noise in the background was at a high frenzy, we knew this place was different from the rest … it was Golgotha, the place where Jesus was crucified.   We met up with the guide from the Garden, his name was Hank from Holland.  A delightful man with a heavy, but not too broken accent.  Joy flowed from his voice as he brought us to a clearing on the path, and there before us stood the face of a man, carved in the rock.  Actually, it was not intended to be a face, but the place where Jesus was crucified was known as the “Skull”.  And, you could clearly see a forehead, eyes and nose.  This was the place and it was if the eyes consumed in the rock were staring at each of us.

Hank recounted the scriptures where Jesus was crucified.  He humbly spoke of the agony that Jesus must have gone through and the powerful words He spoke.  We all sat there, some crying, some weeping, and some just staring at the eyes peering back at them.  But, all of a sudden, Hank said three loud words … It is Finished!  The final words of our King Jesus.  And, how He gave up his life for us because He loved us that much.  A mixture of emotions was evident, joy, sorrow, quiet Spirits and many smiles, knowing this wasn’t the end of the story.

From Golgotha, we walked a short distance down a path and around a bend.   We knew what we would see, but when you get there, it truly takes your breath away.   The tomb spoken about in all the Gospels was in front of us.  Carved into the limestone, it is white, not too big and with a long trough in front.  The sides of the rock walls seemed to be curved just slightly, enough to hold the heaviness of the large stone rolled in the doorway.

It was the Garden Tomb where Jesus was laid.  Hank continued on and spoke of what happened from the time Jesus gave up His Spirit, to wrapping His body quickly and just laid in the tomb, to be tended to later.   But, as we know, a miracle happened in those few days, a miracle that will change lives forever. Each of us was able to enter the tomb to see the layout and especially the place where Jesus was laid.  But, the greatest feeling of Joy we know is that in this tomb, no body is there.  And, on the door, the familiar words – He is Not Here – He Is Risen!

Every emotion was spent this day.  And, for many, it was a day of mourning, repentance and forgiveness.  But at the end, we knew the truth that was before us, He is Risen, Indeed!

We gathered together near the tomb, in a garden spot reserved for us.  Glenn led us in a time of beautiful worship.  As we sang to our King, other groups that were visiting the tomb sang similar songs.  At one time, there were three groups praising God, in three different languages.  What a special and unforgettable moment in time.

We continued to sing and celebrate communion at the very place the great miracle of all took place.  It was a perfect ending to this day and a perfect beginning for those that may have come to Christ during our time together.  Imagine taking communion for the very first time at the tomb.  What an amazing blessing that must have been!

We gathered our thoughts and with hearts filled with joy, walked back to the bus to go to the hotel.   But, we soon found out, the night was not over yet.   We had a “date” at the Citadel, a fortress-like setting in the Temple area.  John described it as a laser show but it was far from a laser show.

Now, if you’ve been there, you know it is something that cannot be described in words, but I’ll try.  The night was absolutely perfect.  The sunset was extraordinary (Jeanette got a great picture of it) and the moon was bright and filled the sky.  Again, it was comfortably cool, a welcome change from the heat of the day.   Sitting in the midst of the massive stone walls that surrounded us, we could only imagine what this would be like.  Soon, the sound system was engaged and we were brought back in time, when Jerusalem was born.  The images that covered the walls, surrounding arches, walkways and tower were filled with color and contour.  It was if we were sitting in the midst of ancient Israel and all around were images of the past – in full color vibrant on the towering rocks.  The unspoken story told of the city’s many sieges, destruction and rebuilding.  The music was the amazing surround sound ever!  At times, we just stared like children, holding our breath at some parts, mesmerized at others.  An outstanding event that everyone just loved!  It’s so hard to describe, and if you do go to Israel someday, this is a MUST on the ticket.  A powerful picture of God’s love for His holy city and His people.  And, the final image on the walls was a simple statement …. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem.  And, I know that everyone there that night was moved at this request.

As we left, we realized that tomorrow would be different.  Six of us (including myself) are heading back to the States on Wednesday, while the others head to Petra and some much needed R&R for a few days.

Today was such a memorable day and night.  And, as we head to dinner and then bed, our hearts are souring with new truths, new love and new understanding of the greatest sacrifice ever – Jesus Christ, our King forever.

For me, it was if the pages of the Bible have now become alive, even more than before.  Not are they just words on the page, but the pages have became a God-filled, 3-D picture book, the kind parents love to share with their children.  Each page now has more color, more depth and more understanding than ever before.  And, I know for everyone, they will each have their own personal experience to take away from this amazing journey and share it with everyone they can!

Sweet Shalom to you all … as our journey continues we say Toda (Thank you) to God for all He has shown us, given us and will continue to show us in the days ahead.   Blessings,  Diane & Jeanette

May 23.  Click here for day 6 photos

Wow, what an absolutely incredible week this has been. Jeanette said it was a “Devotion of Reality” and that is so true.  Today, is the most beautiful morning here in Jerusalem.  The cool mornings are delightful and the blue skies continue to greet us each day.  Blessing upon blessing; each day better than the next.

Another full schedule today, and although our feet ache from the miles walked yesterday, we are still ready to go at 7:45 a.m.  If I haven’t mentioned it before, the group is bonding closer and closer.  We really love each other and love experiencing this appointed time chosen just for us.  Today, we head back down to the Temple Mount, but are making a left turn outside the Dung Gate.  We are visiting the City of David this morning, the preserved ruins of King David’s home, years and years ago.  And, we have learned that not only is there a city preserved, but an intricate underground tunnel called Hezekiah’s Tunnel, where the water supply for the entire town was stored.  Abraham separated us like the “sheep & goats” and eight of us raised their hands to go into the tunnel that still had water flowing through it, some as high as their waists.  I was not one of those brave souls, but those that went said it was “awesome” and so “interesting”.  The rest of us enjoyed the dry land, but had to squeeze through the small caverns twisting and turning underneath the once-city.  Once outside, we saw the others emerge from the cave, Jill, Christopher, Dave and a few others, pants wet, but smiling about their experience.  What a great way to start the day.

As we talked with those drying out, we realized that our next visit would be an incredible and personal part of this journey.  We all know the story about Jesus at Gethsemane the night of his arrest, but to really see the grove, the olive trees and be led into the garden was almost surreal.  We gathered at the far end of the grove and bowed our heads in prayer.  Although there was construction all around us and horns beeping at the traffic, God just pulled a veil of privacy over our group as we listened in when John recounted that night as it was recorded in all four Gospels.  He pieced together a night of anguish and sorrow, but ultimately, our Lord Jesus chose to take God’s full wrath for each of us (and you too!) when He said “not my will, but yours be done.”  As John closed his Bible, each of us found a quiet place amongst the trees to share some time with Jesus.  I don’t know what was said, prayed or cried out, but know for myself, it was one of the most powerful times I’ve ever spent with my Lord.  A time I (and everyone else here) will never forget.  And, with our hearts filled with thanks, we left this place of solitude undoubtedly changed from the experience.

After gathering our thoughts, we were again back on the bus at the Temple Mount.  This time, we saw where the Jews were once again ousted from their homes, and their cities taken over and destroyed by others.  The marketplace where we stood had been a pile of rubble just 40 years ago.  But today, it has been rebuilt, and is flourishing.  There were people from so many nations conversing in the square.  And, we were so excited to see three Bar Mitzvah celebrations traveling through the streets. (We found out that children do not go to school on Monday, Thursday or Saturday).  There was such joy with every family passing and we joined in to clap and become, even for a few short moments, one in family with them.

We were all given free passes for lunch, so where do you go in the Jewish Quarter of town?   The local hamburger joint, of course.  Actually, there was pizza, bar-be-que, ham/lamburgers and assorted goodies for dessert. And, shops of all kinds!   It was a magnificent day and fun afternoon as we ventured free for a few hours!

After lunch, we had an appointment at the Temple Institute – a place with the artifacts and implements that are to be used for the next Temple are being created and stored.  The large pieces of gold, bronze and copper were behind sealed glass and we saw others first hand as the guide explained the promise of the Temple to come.  It was all very interesting and those there at the institute are anticipating the completion of the next Temple in the future … but, only God knows when?

From the Temple Institute, we headed to the Israel Museum where incredible replicas of the second Temple and surrounding cities, countryside and villages had been laid out.  Wow! It was so great to understand the entire land layout, see the Temple and the porticoes and vision the night Jesus was betrayed and was brought from place to place, before his was handed over the Pontius Pilate.  It was a helpful visit and as we continue on, a good one for everyone who comes to Israel to see.

Another part of the Institute was some of the original Dead Sea Scrolls that were retained there.  The exhibit was just beautiful and laid out for all to view the parchment that the scribes left behind.  Seeing where the scrolls were found just a few days ago and actually viewing some of them today was certainly icing on a great cake of joy we’ve been sharing together.

And, speaking of together, we headed back to the hotel about 5:00 p.m., early for us.  Some are going swimming, others relaxing before dinner and still others may venture into the shops around us to check them out.  Whatever we all do, we will once again gather as brothers and sisters for dinner in a little bit, break bread and talk about the day.  God has joined us as a special family this past week and it truly is time of giving great thanks for the days we’ve been here and the days ahead.

Tomorrow will be a day that will stir out hearts for sure.  But before then, a good night’s sleep is on the horizon as we wish you Layla Tov for now (Good Night).   Diane