Last evening we visited with some Christian Aid Ministries folks. We went through Jaffa Gate on our way. Our last full day in Jerusalem…. We’re feeling sad about that; at the same time, we’re looking forward to seeing our homes and families again. We left Jerusalem behind temporarily and went toward Bethlehem. Our first stop … More Taste of Honey (Leadership Study) Day 13

We had a beautiful start to our day by taking a boat ride on the sea of Galilee. It’s a beautiful, warm, sunny day. Joe has been hoping for a chance to make us really sweat, and today the weather cooperated with him. On the boat, we were privileged to sing along in worship as … More Taste of Honey (Leadership Study) Day 9

What a relief this morning to leave our luggage in the hotel, and know we’ll be coming back to the same place this evening! Everyone was busily catching up on laundry since it would have extra drying time. We drove northward, crossing Jordan and spying the famous snow-covered peaks of Mount Hermon. This part of … More Taste of Honey (Leadership Study) Day 8

We arrived at the Dead Sea on a breezy, foggy gray evening. Not exactly the kind of weather we expected to find here in the desert 1412 feet below sea level! But nobody wanted to pass up the chance to float in this water, 34% salt. Because of the salt, you can’t sink. Even people … More The Dead Sea

Today is Shabbat (Sabbath), which officially began at sunset last night. The hotel was filled with people who came out to celebrate. The celebration begins with a candle-lighting ceremony; there was a tray of votive candles set out, with matches. Women, young and old, singly and in small groups, came in, lit a candle, and … More Shabbat