Bullet checked in and sent a couple of photos of their experience at Wadi Rum. They had a chance to ride camels through the spectacular canyons of Wadi Rum and have lunch at a Bedouin camp. The Wadi Rum (also know as Valley of the Moon) has a long history and some cool rock paintings and temples. Looks like a a lot of fun.
The group had a final meal together at Abu Gosh before some headed to Tel Aviv to board the airplane to head home. It is always a fond farewell. As the group shares many of the special and spiritual experiences together, a special bond is formed. Our guide, Ami Segal and coach driver feel like family.
This tour featured an option to travel to Jordan as well. The remainder of the group left Abu Gosh and made their way to Amman, Jordan via the Allenby Bridge crossing to spend the night in Amman, Jordan. Over the next few days they will visit Petra and Wadi Rum before returning to Elat, Israel and then on home.
In the group's final days in Jerusalem it works out that the final Sabbath in Israel is a free day to attend Shabbat services at the BYU Jerusalem Center and have a day to reflect on all the sights and sounds they have experienced and time to wander Jerusalem at their own pace. They are beginning to the time fleeing by before the tour ends. But that is what makes it special. Jane shared a picture with her and Dave taken from the BYU Jerusalem Center which overlooks the Kidron Valley, the Temple Mount and the Jerusalem skyline. It is such a surreal view.
The group spent some time today on the Mount of Olives and at the BYU Biblical Gardens. The view from the BYU Jerusalem Center for Near East Studies is spectacular. The beautiful clear day shows off how bright the white "Jerusalem stone" is which is used in most building in the Holy City.
This morning we are sharing a few pictures Dave (Bullet) sent from Jerusalem overnight. The first is a few from their hotel overlooking the Jerusalem skyline. The group went to the Upper Room to contemplate the Last Supper and the Savior's preparations for his final hours. The last shot is now one of my favorites as it captures Dave (wearing Doug's favorite red sweater) and Jane in front of a ancient olive tree in the Garden of Gethsemane.
The group had a huge day yesterday covering as a lot of sites and trying to squeeze as much as possible during their precious time in the Holy Land. One of Dave's favorite travel principles.."you can sleep when you get home." It is so true. When you return from the Holy Land you treasure every moment you had there. This group will feel the same way.
The pictures are from the shepherd's fields overlooking Bethlehem.
Church of the Holy Sepulcher
One problem with leading by consensus is it rarely works because lack of agreement becomes each side's source of power. The Church of the Holy Sepulcher is a prime example. The ladder in the picture above has reportedly been there since 1854. The multiple churches that are given authority over working affairs of the church continue to work under a strained status quo with each side not wanting to give any perception of ceding any authority. The group has never agreed on who could or should be allowed to take it down. At least they have agreed to do nothing.
And after those days we took up our carriages, and went up to Jerusalem. (Acts 21:15)
The group over-nighted near the Dead Sea and had the chance to ascend to Masada and see the magnificent view from the ancient fortress. It is a view like no other. They mudded up took a dip in the Dead Sea and felt unique sense of weightlessness you feel when floating there. They took a hike to the beautiful falls of Ein Gedi before boarding their bus (carriage) to make the climb to Jerusalem.
As you round the mountain pass and the city comes into view it is a life changing experience. It is that moment when you realize you are really there...the place where so many of the most significant events in history have taken place.. My sister Jane sent me this description and picture.
This was my first view of Jerusalem , a bit hazy but we were listening to the song the Holy City as we drove in. It wowed me!
Jeruslaem
The group has made it's way from the spring rains of Galilee to the warmer desert temperatures of Masada, the Dead Sea and Qumran. Jane experienced first hand the enormity and impressiveness of the excavation and dig at Beit She'an. In the shot of the theatre seating you can see Ami Segal, our favorite guide in Israel, describing significance of the seating. Can't wait to see video upon their return.
