Israel!

Jerusalem

Our boat ride on the Sea of Galilee

Sea of Galilee

Top of Masada overlooking the Dead Sea

The trip to Israel was wonderful! I learned so much and I had many "aahaa" moments when things really came together for me. My favorite spots were the natural places- Sea of Galilee, Dead Sea & wilderness- those places that man hasn't created an elaborate worship place. It's pure and simple- just like I think of Jesus. It's was incredible to walk the steps at Caiaphas' house where Jesus walked on his way to be questioned. God was so good to us during our trip. Despite the conflict in Israel, we never felt threatened (all though we learned a lot about the very different lifestyle Israelis lead).

These are a few of the places we visited:

Caesarea Maritime- where Paul pleaded for his life before Agrippa, also ruins of one of Herod the Great's palaces

Mt. Carmel- Elijah and Baal had the fire contest

Tiberias- on the Sea of Galilee

Mt. of Beatitudes- Sermon site

Capernium- Jesus spent most of his time in this area

Jericho

Dead Sea- yes, we floated

Qumran- site where Dead Sea Scrolls were found by shepard boys

Masada- site of one of Herod the Great's palace and later a fortress for Jews

En Gedi- site where David cut off Saul's robe

Bethlehem

Mt. of Olives

Garden of Gethsemane

Via Dolorosa

Golgotha

Thank you for all the prayers for us on the trip. Also, Wes and Colt did great! I came home Saturday night (after 14 hours on the plane) to a clean house, stocked fridge and two very happy boys! Colt got this big, goofy grin when he saw me and wouldn't take his eyes off me! I was a very happy girl!