Israel Day 12: Western Wall (aka Wailing Wall), Pools of Bethesda, St. Anne's Church, Via Dolorosa, Garden Tomb, American Colony Hotel

Today marks the 12th and final day of being in Israel. It's amazing to think of all that we've seen, done, and experienced. I look back through some of our pictures and can't believe how many of the days start running together. This is actually one of the main reasons I'm posting a blog per day. So when I look back and want to remember the details and random things that happened, I can not only look at pictures, but have an account for what actually happened day by day.

As you probably have noticed, each day has quite a few written details to go along with the pictures. This final day I didn't take down as many notes because I just wanted to soak it all in and have a time of reflect.

Any notes that are provided are due to my memory (now over 1 month old) and also courtesy of JT's journal. So here goes...

We started the morning at the Wailing Wall. A quick glance once more.

When then took a tour underground through various tunnels to see part of the wall that are not exposed to the outside. Here is a picture of 1 of the stones that weighs more than 7 tons! On the far right of the picture you can see where the stone starts and the end of it is just past JT's hand on the wall. I can't even fathom how they got this rock into place.

As we walk through the tunnels, there are Jews praying alongside the wall, in belief that they are closer to where the old temple stood, rather than standing outside.

Our next visit is at The Fortress of Antonia. Here, Jesus was condemned by Pilate and give the cross beam. The pavement from Christ's time is still here and there is engraving of a Roman game that the soldiers would've played to cast lots for Christ.

Dr. Hannah reads from the gospel of John, chapter 8. Accusation. Interrogation. Defense. Verdict. It is finished. We sing How Great Thou Art and our voices echo through the chambers below the fortress.

We spend a moment touching the pavement and reflecting on what we've just read, heard, and sang.

Our next stop is the Pools of Bethesda. Bethesda, which means house of Grace, was built on pagan worship altars that were thought to be places of healing. Jesus is showing here that He is the Great Physician, not the pagan gods.

Right next to the pools is St. Anne's Church, which was built by the Crusaders. The acoustics in this church are amazing and after we sing a line in the song Hallelujah, we can hear our voices echoing through the whole church. I didn't get a recording of it, but you can find some examples on YouTube.

As we walked outside the city walls towards the bus, we see some guards standing casually... so it was the perfect time for a photo op.

For lunch we stopped by a local falafel shop and it was AMAZING!!! I absolutely LOVE falafel. We also wanted to grab a picture with our tour guide, Yuval, because he was so instrumental in all that we saw and learned this whole trip. If you ever get a chance to go to Israel, try to get him as your guide. It's worth the money.

Our next stop was an overlook outside Jerusalem where you can literally see all the way from Jerusalem, down the valley, and onto Jericho. Absolutely the most breathtaking view I've ever seen. Words and pictures cannot do it justice. I'm surprised that this is a view someone hasn't place a building on to capitalize on real estate.

There are a few locals there who have their camel and donkey and try to barter with you to ride their animals and pay them. A few people took rides. Definitely worth it as a spectator.

Some of you might be wondering what we traveled in on a daily basis... the coldest most wonderful bus ever. Seriously.

On our way back into Jerusalem, our final destination was the Garden Tomb. It is located right next to a bus station, which is very fitting because even in Jesus' time, all executions were done by a very public spot so that everyone could see.

This was a place of stoning. Stephen may have been stoned here. This is in your face... everyone would see what was done to you.

We start at the viewing of what is believed to be Golgotha. Right next to the modern day bus station. We then go to a beautiful part of the garden to reflect on the story of the crucifixion and take communion together and share our favorite parts of our trip. Then we end out time outside the garden tomb. This may in fact be the tomb where Jesus was buried, but more importantly... the tomb is empty. He is not here, for He is risen!

We're given 45 minutes or so to read, pray, and spend time by ourselves. I wish I could've had 4 hours to be here.

We finish our trip with a celebration dinner at the American Colony Hotel. Very beautiful. Quaint. Delicious.

With full stomachs and packed bags, we head to the airport, reflect on all the things we've seen, and head back to the US at midnight. By far this is the most impactful trip I've ever been on in my life. Now I read the Bible with a "High Definition" lens when I used to see it in black and white.

Thank you Lord for you provision in allowing us the opportunity to go. We'll never be the same.

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Israel Day 11: Temple Mount, Southern Steps, City of David, Warren's Shaft, Hezekiah's Tunnel, Pool of Siloam

This morning was an early start at 7:50AM. We head in the bus with curious and anxious minds as we head towards the Temple Mount. We walk through the security gate where guards are separating the men from the women and making sure you don't have any weapons and are fully covered (clothing that is).

As we walk up the wooden ramp to the top of the mount, you can look through the cracks down at the Wailing Wall and see families celebrating Bar Mitzvah's and also praying their prayers to God.

Once we arrive that the Temple Mount, my heart becomes heavy. Israel keeps the security of this place, but Muslims have the spiritual control. Muslims gather in groups of mean and women and separate while they take time to pray, learn, and be together.

Israeli's are concerned that the southeast corner of the mount might fall, but the Muslims won't do any reconstruction to fix it. Jerusalem is the third most important city outside of Mecca and Medina to the Muslim faith.

We head up to the Dome of the Rock and when you get close to the marble on the side, you can see something strange... (can you see what we all saw? Creepy if you ask us.)

Through the arches you can see the Mount of Olives.

Underneath this covering is solid bedrock, just placed outside where the Dome of the Rock is. This is where Abraham sacrafised Isaac, where the 1st temple was built, where the Ark of the Covenant stood, and one day, where Jesus will return to reign. Just another moment on this trip where my mind was blown and I stood in awe.

We head outside the Temple Mount and visit the Wailing Wall for a brief time. Women are crying their prayers to the Lord.

You can write your prayers on paper and stick them in the wall. Hundreds of thousands of prayers are everywhere when you get up close. Every crack you see has papers in it.

There were also many moments of celebration as quite a few families were going to the Wailing Wall area to celebrate their sons Bar Mitzvah's. This was very special and unique for us to be there and spectators.

Some of you know how Marcy likes to ask, "Was this the exact spot where Jesus was? Did he stand right here?" It makes it extra fascinating for there to be affirmation of what you hope and dream is true. This is a pic I finally got for Marcy... she's literally walking exactly where Jesus walked 2,000 years ago.

And JT and I sat right outside the southern gate where hundreds of thousands of pilgrims would come  every year to visit the temple. These are the steps Jesus would've walked up when coming to the temple.

That afternoon we headed over to the City of David, just outside the Temple Mount and visited the beautiful garden, examined what the city would've looked like in David's time, and then those who were brave enough, slushed through knee deep water in a pitch black, narrow tunnel for 20 minutes. This is also known as Hezekiah's Tunnel. I'm sad I don't have any pictures from this... but it was too wet and dark to risk ruining my camera!

Once out, we walked just a ways to visit the Pool of Siloam. This is the pool where Jesus healed the blind man. It's neat to now be able to put visuals to everything you read in the Bible.

As I was waiting on the bus to pick up the rest of our group further up the hill, I looked to my left and saw a man working construction on a home. He quickly pulled out his orange mat, removed his hat, and knelt to pray. He is Muslim and it is time to pray to Allah. Multiple times a day Muslim prayers will ring through the air reminding the people to pray. I wonder if it ever gets to a point where Jews will drown out the sound and it becomes background music to their lives in Jerusalem... probably not. It is a constant reminder that things are not right.

Our final visit was to the Holocaust Museum. This was one of the greatest museums I've ever been to. The designers did such a fantastic job of telling the stories and facts of this awful, tragic event. As I walk through the halls and zig zag my way through, I feel raw emotion. Tears fill my eyes and I think to myself, "Pictures tell 1,000 words". I almost didn't even need to read the captions. The Horror... such evil. What they do with the photos is just amazing. I now have a greater appreciation for the stories photos can tell.

One of the most impressive moments in the museum was when I was standing in front of a 10 ft. tall photo of Auschwitz and it appears as if I'm standing right on the train tracks heading towards the end. To my right is a life size box car from one of the trains that would've pulled into that very spot. The children were separated from their parents here. Heartbreaking.

At the end of the museum you walk out and see the most magnificent view of a huge forest in Israel. This is to remind you of the new growth and the re-birth of the Jews. Off to the side is a 6 candle menorah. This stands for the 6 million lives that were lost, and 1.5 of which were children.

Come, Lord Jesus, and save us.

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Israel Day 10: Herodium, Shepherd's Field, Hezekiah's Wall, Cardo

After a huge breakfast buffet, I grab my small Dixie cup of to-go coffee and head on the bus. Our first stop of the day is just 15km outside Jerusalem, the Herodian Fortress which was built in 23-21 BC.

Of course, these fortresses were built on top of the highest hills they could find, so that you could spot anyone coming into your land. A great defense position. 

We climb to the very top and look down at the valleys and imagine David being a shepherd, leading his flock through the land below us. Psalm 23 is read. When flash floods come into the land, the water rushes from the high mountains and down through the valleys. After the storm, there is still water, greener fields after the rain. Yuval shares a few insights with us about sheep and how they follow the shepherd at all times. They know no other way. Olive oil is also used to put on the nose and mouth of sheep to protect them from flies... and it is also used to anoint Kings.

From the top we can also view many Palestinian and Jewish settlements. It's interesting to see how close, yet how separate everything is. 

We climb down into the fortress and see some of the Roman baths (post Herod's time) and view live excavations of what is being uncovered even today. This fortress is MASSIVE. This shot will give you an idea...

Think about how in the world they got all the stones up on top of this hill. Crazy to think about. 

JT stole a clay shard from one of the piles from the excavation (shush, don't tell anyone). We then walk down through the water cisterns (seems like we've seen 10 or more of these... but what do you expect? It's the desert and there needs to be a way to store water) and we see more of the live excavation happening. Can you believe this is still so intact?

When we leave the site, we get on the bus and drive by a military station down below. There are tanks and what do you know, a soldier wants to hitch-hike on our bus back to Jerusalem. Get on soldier! We'll take you. (P.S. Hitch-hiking is very common in Israel)

Just before lunch, we go back to the Old City of Jerusalem and walk through the Jewish Quarter. 

It is basically a community/neighborhood within the old city that was demolished in the war in 1948 and to this day it is being brought back to life. There are more excavation happening throughout this area and you can see holes down various parts where there is the old wall around the temple mount and then modern day Jerusalem sitting on top. 

One of the culture shocks we experienced were large groups of 18-20 year old men/women walking around with AK47's. Odd, yet I felt totally safe. 

The rest of the day is a free day, so we decide to grab the best pizza in all of Israel (seriously, so good), do a bit of shopping in the markets, and then go back to the hotel. 

On our way back, I saw the cutest kitten in the whole world. I wanted to take her back to the hotel, give her a bath, and then take her home :) Too bad this picture will have to do. Just precious!

We're so beat and just need an afternoon of napping, blogging, photo editing, and then fill ourselves at dinner. Since our rest during the afternoon wasn't enough, we head to bed extra early (8:30) and watch an episode of the greatest show of all time: The West Wing. 

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Israel Day 9: Mt. of Olives, Dominus Flevit, Garden of Gethesmane, Caiaphas' House, Model of Jerusalem, Shrine of the Book

Our trip is winding down and things are starting to become a blur. We've seen so many sights and stood in awe of so many things. It's hard to keep track of it all.... which is why my blogs will start to be more about emotions and pictures rather than facts and numbers.

We started out the day at the top of the Mt. of Olives. This is just breathtaking. Modern. Ancient. Visual. Unbelievable. All those things and more. The Dome of the Rock is shining and we are quickly reminded that things are not as they should be. One day Christ will return to reign from that very spot. The very spot where Abraham offered up Isaac, where the 1st temple was built, where the 2nd temple was built, and where Christ will reign forever. And we were standing right in a spot where we could see it all.

words cannot express....

It is really windy and chilly. We sit and look at all the sites while Yuval points out the monuments and buildings. There are muslim graves all along the outside of the wall. There are Jewish graves all along the Mt. of Olives side.

We grab a group picture and then head down the road that Jesus traveled down to the Garden of Gethesmane. It's hard to believe that all of those historical accounts happened on these few hills. Remember, it's all within walking distance.

We stop half way down at Dominus Flevit. Here we read Luke 19 where Jesus, while walking toward the city of Jerusalem, becomes overwhelmed by the beauty of the Second Temple and predicts its future destruction, and the diaspora of the Jewish people, weeps openly. This is where Jesus wept. We step inside the modern church built here and I snap one of my favorite shots of the entire trip. 

We finish our walk down the hill and end at the Garden of Gathesmane. This is where Christ's concern for the 11 that were with him was greater than his concern for himself. Olive trees are survivors and there is one that is over 2,000 years old. Which means this tree was present when Christ was in the garden. Amazing.

There is also a church there that inside has the rock bed that is believed that Christ wept on. 

We go inside for a few moments and then end our time outside in a secluded garden just on the other side. Here Dr. Hannah gives us a devotional and talks about Christ's humble submission to the Father which ultimately took him to Caiaphas' house. We sing Amazing Grace and also There is a Redeemer. We spend 10 minutes or so on reflection and in prayer by ourselves. This was one of the best 10 minutes of the trip. It's nice to be able to have a moment and pause and reflect. 


Across the Kidron Valley and up the hill is the home of Caiaphas. There is a church there now, but we walk in the doors and down to the basement where Christ was in prison and kept in the dungeon while being prosecuted. We stand in the dungeon where Christ was chained and read Psalm 88 and also sing Man of Sorrows What a Name. This is absolutely one of my all time favorite songs. You listen here. Here's the lyrics:

1. 
   
   “Man of Sorrows!” what a name
   For the Son of God, who came
   Ruined sinners to reclaim.
   Hallelujah! What a Savior!
2. Bearing shame and scoffing rude,
   In my place condemned He stood;
   Sealed my pardon with His blood.
   Hallelujah! What a Savior!
3. Guilty, vile, and helpless we;
   Spotless Lamb of God was He;
   “Full atonement!” can it be?
   Hallelujah! What a Savior!
4. Lifted up was He to die;
   “It is finished!” was His cry;
   Now in Heav’n exalted high.
   Hallelujah! What a Savior!
5. When He comes, our glorious King,
   All His ransomed home to bring,
   Then anew His song we’ll sing:
   Hallelujah! What a Savior!

Just outside are the 36 steps to his house. These are the steps that Jesus was brought up.

That afternoon we stop at a large model of Jerusalem to examine what it would've looked like in Jesus' time. This is a picture of the City of David just outside the temple mount. 

After that we went to view the Shrine of the Book where we examined the Dead Sea Scrolls. The scrolls are on display for 3-6 months and then go to "rest" from exposure so that they do not deteriorate. 


That night JT, Marcy, and I headed out on the town to see the sights. On our way, we walked through the market and also saw some unique sites. 

Our final destination was the Wailing Wall. This is our first sight of how important this monument is to the Jewish people. The is approximately 50 feet from where the previous Holy of Holies stood, which is why they view this spot so holy and reverent. Above us there is a Bar Mitzvah going on. 

When we went down below, JT was asked by a jewish man if he had a cigarette. This man's name was Moti and we had a long conversation with him. Jerusalem has some of the nicest people. We enjoyed our conversation with him... which lasted close to 45 minutes :) 

After a long evening strolling the town, we head back to our hotel and crash. Tomorrow's another early morning.

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