Jerusalem

---

Amazing, amazing day. We had our wake-up call at 4:00 a.m., but I was up at 2:00 a.m. having gone to bed at 9:30. I finished my blog and then we went downstairs at 5:00 to meet the rest of the group. Today we started the day early praying the Stations of the Cross ending up at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre where Jesus was crucified (Calvary) and buried, and then rose again. I applaud our tour director and guide for their knowledge and ability to make this one of the best experiences for us. We celebrated the Holy Mass as we do every day except this time we celebrated in the Tomb of Christ. There were 40 of us and we entered a small room where there was a small altar in the center. While Father was saying Mass 2 to 3 people at a time went inside the tomb and as they came out we had to keep rotating around to make room for them so that another few people could go in. I didn’t think that another person could fit in there, but Dennis told us that the most he had taken in was 47. This is the most Holy place I have ever been to and it was extremely emotional for everyone in our group. Just amazing.



We stopped for breakfast at the hotel we would be staying at (Notre Dame of Jerusalem Center). Afterwards we continued onto the Pool of Bethesda which is a pool of water in the Muslim Quarter of Jerusalem. It is associated with healing. It is the scene of one of Jesus’ healings.



We visited the Convent of Zion Sisters and St. Ann’s Church (birthplace of the Virgin Mary).



We ended the day with an amazing exhibit called “The Man of the Shroud” at the Vatican Mission in Jerusalem. We were told that we would have to make up our own mind as to who the Man in the Shroud was after hearing about the scientific data that was collected. It was also amazing.



Afterwards we checked into our hotel early, around 1:00, and the rest of the afternoon was free. John and I decided to take a rest as we were exhausted. Later we went up to the rooftop wine and cheese bar to see the view and to have a glass of wine. The view of the city at night was breathtaking.



Dinner was at 6:30 and afterwards we went to the gift shop to look around before going to our room to turn in early.

---

Comments

[Deborah]

You make it come alive
Hello, it is so easy to visualise what you are seeing and doing. You will appreciate in years to come that you did this blog and can relive the amazing time you are having, sounds really special. We have a long weekend this weekend, it is Australia Day on Monday. Looking forward to relaxing and enjoying the great weather we are having. Federer just lost in the 3rd round of the Australian open, bit of an upset! Just about to watch two Aussies Groth & Tomic play, we will have at least one Aussie make the 4th round, that hasn't happened in a long time!! I look forward to reading more of your adventures, lots of love from me xo

[Sharyn Heisick]

Jerusalem
Hi George and John I feel like I am there with you as you have an amazing way of writing. As you mentioned visiting the Tomb of Christ was very emotional, you will find that on Easter, Christmas etc. all that you have learned and visited will have a lot more meaning than it did in the past. I went to a Jockey Clothing party last night and bought a couple items from their Travel Collection for future travels. Have fun and stay SAFE. Luv Sharyn