Two days in Israel have been amazing! On Sunday we got off to a late start because my plane had to land early because someone on our flight had a stroke. My good friend Amit, whom I met at Acton, picked me up in a really nice rental car and drove us down to Jerusalem for the day. Gethsemene was closed but we did get to go to the wailing wall and walk the Via Delarosa...Jesus's path from when he was beaten all the way to the his burial sight. Most all of the stops had memorial churches in honor of what happened at that particular point. I prayed often and the Holy Spirit kept reminding me that Christ is alive...so that was really inspiring and eye opening. Although there were times where I did feel sad and relived the pain Christ endured, I just kept getting a sense of his resurrection. Way cool. Amit and I stopped half way to have cake and tea at really cool Roman Catholic hostal. They had a great view of the city from the rooftop. I was not feeling well at all but I was so in awe of where I was it really didn´t matter. We finally got to Christ´s burial sight and lit a candle and prayed for several things and for healing of some close family and friends.
We left Jerusalem to head down to the Dead Sea. I didn´t realize it, but it´s the lowest place on earth. Amit and jumped in for a dip and the water was so warm...even though it was 7pm. Also, I didn´t realize how dangerous it is...even though it´s great for your skin, drinking a cup full can kill you and getting it in your eyes burns really. But...you can float like a tube...it´s really a unique experience. After that we drove east near Beer Sheba to stay with a friend of Amit´s...we had a hot shower, AC, and a bed...so I was in heaven!
Today we drove up to Galilee and Amit baptized me in the Jordan.....what a day. We also played in the Jordan, as I was feeling much better. They had this huge rope swing and I´ve got some video of getting airborne.
Later we headed north near Capernaum...where Jesus gave the Beattitudes, and are staying is this quaint hotel called Filgerhaus Tabgha. It´s a German place for pilgramers traveling to see where Jesus lived. It was first built in 1889, but has since been updated and by far the nicest place I´ve seen since being in Israel. It´s actually hidden a bit on the north shore, and when I come back with family we definitely have to come back here.
Tomorrow we´ll head to Capernaum and see where Jesus gave the Sermon on the Mount...then we´ll head back south to a crusader´s fort that´s supposed to be amazing. As always...I just wish my family was here as it´s a once in a lifetime experience. BUT...its awesome none the less because my ultimate Counselor is always with me!
God bless...until next time!
The JOY of the Lord is my strength,
Travis
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