Jordan, “Garden of the Lord”

---

Jordan is a land rich in epic scenery, world heritage sites, and natural wonders. It is also a spiritual heartland; a land blessed with a rich religious history. It is a land that inspired prophets and formed the spiritual backdrop for God’s covenants. Over the next four days, we will visit sites where modern day miracles happened, trek along pilgrimage routes mentioned in the Old Testament, take in views of the Promised Land revealed to Moses, visit the site where John baptized Jesus, see where Elijah ascended into heaven on a Chariot of Fire, and stop to enjoy the tranquil scenery where Jacob wrestled with an angel. Remarkably, the landscape in Jordan has changed little in the last 2,000 years. Today we ventured north of Jordan’s capital to Anjara, Jerash, Tell Mar Elias & the Jabbok River.

---

Photos

Garden of the Lord
Lot looked about him, and saw that the plain of the Jordan was well watered everywhere like the garden of the Lord (Gen 13:10)

Anjara - Our Lady of the Mountain Church
Our tour guide (Steve Ray) telling the group about Jesus passing through Anjara preaching the Gospel. Behind him is the Miraculous Weeping Statue - tears of blood shed on May 5, 2010.

Miraculous Weeping Statue
Celebrating mass at Our Lady of the Mtn Church.

Tall Mar Elias
Ruins of a Byzantine church marks the site of the home of Prophet Elijah.

Roman Ruins
Jerash, city that dates back to the Bronze age. It is one of the best preserved Roman archaeological sites outside of Italy, revealing fine examples of colonnaded streets, soaring hilltop temples, handsome theatres, spacious public squares, plazas, and baths.

Forum oval colonnade
When the city was inhabited, there were shops between each pillar, it was a marketplace in the middle of the city.

Hippodrome
Where chariot races took place

Jabbok River
Father James tell the bible story of Jacob wrestling with an angel. (Gen 32:22-32). The account includes the renaming of Jacob as "Israel", literally "He who struggles with God."

Bread Man
Eat at a local restaurant with freshly made Pita bread

Nancy going native
Traditional Red/White headdress of Jordanian men and women