After a pretty restless night (it was pretty rocky), I awoke to Greg telling us all to wake up before we missed the sunrise. A half hour later, the sun began to slowly rise over the mountains of Jordan. It was incredible! My pictures don't do it justice. After the sunrise, a few went bent to sleep, while others jumped into the crystal clear water. I'm still amazed on how clearly I could see the fish swimming around me. Before leaving Eliat, we decided to go "tubing". What's tubing? You take 2 rafts with 4 pairs of rope holds on each. [View Full Entry]

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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 [View Full Entry]

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Today was incredible! In the midst of the campground, I was able to find a little remote area nestled between 2 trees where the water was just starting to become rapid. I was able to read my bible and reflect/pray on how many blessings God has giving me. Including being able to come to Israel and spend time in the area that Jesus lived. This has been an amazing experience for me; most of which I can't even begin to put into words. After breakfast (pita, cucumbers, tomato, cheese and turkish/arabic coffee - there was a pretty healthy debate on who [View Full Entry]

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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 [View Full Entry]

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So when I left off, the plan was to go to bed. But somehow that did not happen. I stayed up until 6am. It was cool though. I spent time talking with Mary Eileen (Denver) and then Analia came in from Bolgaria. Somehow or another I managed to wake up at 9am. Shibolit made Turkish Coffee for me. It smells like Cedar (yes the tree - and it looks like there are little bits of bark in it too). It was very tasty (even though I disappointed Shibolit by putting milk and lots of sugar in it). Apparently, this particular type [View Full Entry]

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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 [View Full Entry]

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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 [View Full Entry]

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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. W [View Full Entry]

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