Rasean

Another early morning loading into the bus. But this time we were headed South. All the way South, to Elat, to be exact. On the way, we would be making a few stops. Where? I have no idea, so as I write we can be suprised together. Our 1st stop was at Tel Beer Sheva (or Bersheeba). Bersheeba ("well of the oath") dates back to Genesis. It's believed to be the place were Abraham made an oath with Abimelech (Genesis 21:22-32). Bersheeba also marked the southernmost point of ancient Israel (2 Samuel 24, 1 Chronicles 21). We were able to walk down into an ancient cistern and then around the remains of the city itself. It was amazing to see how all the rooms were laid out. One other little known fact about Bersheeba is that ... read more

After gathering outside Damascus gate (and taking pictures with the military), we loaded up on a bus and went to the Mt. of Olives. The views here are fantastic. You can see the Dome of the Rock, the Old City, Gethsemene and the City of David. It is believed that Jesus ascended from Mt Olives (Acts 1:3-11). It's quite remarkable to think about Jesus' disciples sitting there watching him ascend, not realizing that he wasn't coming back immediately. The Dome of the Rock sits on Mt. Moriah, which is where it is believed that Abraham was going to sacrifice Isaac (or Ishmael if you're Muslim) - (Genesis 22). It's the site where the temple of Solomon was built. It's now under Muslim control and functions as a mosque. The Muslims believe that Muhommed ascended from the ... read more

After being awake for 36 hours, I finally crashed. And by crashed I do mean crashed. I slept for 12 hours straight, with the exception of periodically waking up to Lisa (Shibolit's kitten) trying to use me as a play toy. So when I finally got out of bed it was 4pm! Can anyone guess what the first thing I did was! You got it. I made coffee! Instant Nescafe but it tasted great! About 1/2 hour later the local guys (Nubar & Aziz) showed up and started loading the flat with water, soda, juice and canned goods. Enough to feed an army. Well I guess with 50 of us arriving over the next few days we are an army. Soon after that more people from the States showed up. Jolie and Doug from Denver. Vanessa ... read more

After 3 days and 4 flights, I finally made it to Jerusalem. I made it through customs with no issues and found my way to the baggage claim, still unsure exactly where my ride (Greg) would be meeting me. I think my bag passed by me about 3 times before I realized it was mine. At which point I had to sling all 65 lbs of it across the belt almost taking out myself and a 9yr old boy in the process. But we both survived! Once my bags were loaded on the FREE luggage cart, I rolled out toward the exit sign. When the door opened there were hundreds of people on the other side - cheering and screaming! I felt like a movie star. Of course, they weren't screaming for me, but it felt ... read more

On my way to Israel, I had an overnight layover in Montreal. I got in late, after a confusing shuttle ride from the airport that involved a bus transfer onto a minibus only slightly larger than my suitcase. But my room was fantastic. Dark hardwood floors and white furniture (aahhh...) I ventured down to the neighborhood late night cafe and got some yummy fresh homemade potato chips. The next afternoon, I spent a few hours travelling around Vieux-Montreal (that's Old Montreal for you non-French speakers out there). I had a great time just walking around and looking at the architecture. Went to the Banque de Montreal (lots of Marble - built in 1847) and the Place d'Armes. The Place d'Armes reads "You are the buckwheat seed which will grow and multiply and spread throughout the country" ... read more