Trip to the Holy Land

Dear Readers,     Yes a post is missing!  On May 24th My husband and I were just returning from a trip of a lifetime …To Israel.   In seven days we saw and learned so much it was like trying to drink from a fire hose.   1500++ photos to sort through and copious notes to compare.   My biblical understanding and geographical perspective has grown enormously.  Teams of archaeologists continue to dig through multiple layers of civilizations all over the country. If only we could build roads to last like the Roman Empire!!!

The country of Israel could fit inside of New Jersey and the landscape is very diverse. Lush areas where the water springs flow and mountainous dessert wasteland . Acres upon acres of plantations were growing dates, olives, lemons, bananas, mangoes etc…. We saw Shepherds herding sheep, goats and camels.  (Not far from the highway) Visiting the headwaters of the Sea of Galilee ,we saw crystal clear water pouring out of Springs. The “Sea” itself is really a lake 13 miles long by 8 miles wide. Our perspective of the actual land size and heights has changed. Above is a picture of us at Qumran where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found.

We also saw areas of wealth and poverty; housing slums in the big city and tin shacks by the wayside.  Diverse religious sects live near each other yet apart. It was Ramadan and we heard the Muslim call to prayer while staying in Jerusalem.

This is only a very small preview.  I will definitely be sharing more of what I learned over the next year! Actually seeing the places where ancient civilizations lived,worked and battled is and will be so enriching to my Bible study. To walk where Jesus walked was just amazing and there were times of great soul searching.

Please continue to follow my blog and share with your friends.