We started the day with a sail on the Sea of Galilee. It was a beautiful morning. The sun was shining, and the water sparkled. We sailed from Tiberias on the southern end of Galilee. In the time of Y-shua, Tiberias was the capital of Galilee and the seat of Herod Antipas, one of Herod the Great’s sons. After an hour of sailing, we landed at Ginosar on the north end of Galilee. The Sea of Galilee is 13 miles long, 9 miles wide, and approximately 80 feet deep. The Yarden River (Jordan River) enters the Sea of Galilee from the north and exits from the south before continuing further. From Ginosar, we drove to Kefar Nahum (Capernaum). We visited the ancient ruins of the city, and saw what was left of a magnificent synagogue that ... read more

Well, I had planned on updating the blog as we passed through each airport, but never got the chance. Our plane was late leaving Portland because they had to spray deicer on the wings. Consequently, we were late arriving in Phoenix. By the time our plane landed, our next flight had already started boarding, and was in fact due to depart very shortly. We made a mad dash to the opposite end of the terminal and just made it our connecting flight to Philadelphia. We landed early in Philadelphia, and everyone had a chance to stretch their legs a bit. However, with the additional security screening required before our flight to Tel Aviv, there really wasn’t time to get connected and post anything. We got through security, boarded, and settled into our seats to enjoy the ... read more

Our bags are packed. They are standing by the door. We are ready to go. All the preparations are at an end. Excitement and anticipation have set in. Today Mike and Mardi drove us to Portland. In the morning, we'll finally be boarding the plane. Over the last few months, time has alternately seemed to either lag or speed ahead, but all the time has finally elapsed. Soon and very soon, we'll be flying east towards Israel and an amazing adventure. So I only have one question.... How on earth I am going to sleep tonight? ... read more

Its less than two weeks now, and the excitement is starting to build. I feel like the kid in the back seat whose always asking "Are we there yet?", but instead, my question is "Is it time to go yet?" Putting the finishing touches on all the preparation now. Checking and double checking my list to make sure I have everything. And, yes, for those of you who are wondering, I am pretty much completely packed at this point. All I have left to throw in are those last minute items that can only be thrown in right before going out the door. Of course, there is one person not entirely happy about the suitcase situation. I think the photo says it all, don't you?... read more

Its just three weeks to go, and it seems like there is always one more thing that needs to be done. One more detail to consider, one more item to be taken care, just one more... Trying to keep on top of things, but somedays it feels like I'll never get everything finished in time. I can't wait to leave. I am really looking forward to this trip and know that it will be a great adventure. But, there are days when my "To Do" list leaves me too tired to be excited. I will be really happy when all the preparation will be done, and we can just "GO".... read more