So we are definitely learning to be FLEXIBLE on this trip.
It was yet another day of not getting on the Temple Mount, as most of the Old City is on ‘lock down’. (you may have seen this in the news?) There is a HUGE police presence at all the gates entering the city and many entrances, streets and all attractions were shut down. We are about an 8-minute walk from the Christian Quarter of the city, relatively far from the violence which seems to always happen in or near the Muslim Quarter. While we were on the Mount of Olives today we heard shots being fired somewhere by the walls (about a quarter mile from where we were). In talking with some of the ‘locals’, this is common stuff and they just roll with it. And as far as we can tell it is pretty easy to stay out of the fray if you just don’t go in certain spots.
Don’t worry, we’re safe. But please do pray for the Peace of Jerusalem.
We did get to stroll around the Garden of Gethsemane today and it was really beautiful, though most of what we saw on the rest of the Mount of Olives left something to be desired.
We then headed to the Jordan River where we baptised each other. The river itself is really muddy, but the experience was great. Chris told me to count to ten before letting him up. 🙂
We were literally about 5 feet from the Jordan border as that country starts on the opposite river bank.
Very interesting approaching this site, as it was an active military location and there were caution sign to stay on the road or you might hit a land mine. This was one of the ‘cautions’ Chris actually heeded on this trip!
We stopped for lunch
and got to meet this handsome fella…
In heading back to the city, we realized we were going to miss the window of opportunity to walk through Hezekiah’s Tunnels, and planned to do that tomorrow… before learning that tomorrow is a ‘double shabbat’, one of 4 that happen all year – we have hit so many holidays… unintentionally. If we had known, we probably could have planned better… live & learn.
Chris & I headed to the Jaffa Gate to grab a few gifts & some pizza to bring back for dinner while the girls “chilled” at the apartment – it was peaceful inside the walls there.
So, we have learned a lot. We have enjoyed most of it, but all agree it is going to be good to get home.
Tomorrow we are packing up and heading to a beach south of Tel Aviv where we’ll spend some time (and hopefully find a good shower) before boarding our plane at about 11PM. We will fly through the night, land in Philadelphia & then on to Wilmington. If we’re able, we’ll post again…. don’t know what kind of signal there’ll be at the airport or what kind of time we’ll have after getting through customs.
Thanks again for journeying with us… it’s been great having you along with your comments and especially your prayers. We look forward to hugging you soon –
So glad to see the girls bonding especially on their own. So glad you had the experience of getting baptized in river Jordan. Don’t think too many can make that claim. I’m glad you all are are able to make smart adjustments to your schedule. I know you will be glad when you are home and we all will breathe a sigh of relief when you are! Love you. You have done an awesome job of keeping us informed. ..Your blog with your pictures will be a priceless memory for you and the girls.