Holy Land 2023

 Landed in Newark around 7 AM after a long 11 hour flight on El Al. We have had an amazing experience in the land where Jesus walked. Some highlights were the Garden Tomb, Sea of Galilee, Mary’s Spring and Capernum and Baptism in the Jordan River to name a few. Every day provided a wonderful experience. The Wildman family took good care of us.  We made some good friends in a short time. The Red Bus #1 was the best!! We shared an amazing and holy experience. We also shared a lot of laughter!! What a blessing to be with other believers on this journey.  We are so very thankful to Jesus for allowing us to make this holy land journey. What an incredible privilege to walk where He walked and see what He saw. Thank you Jesus!

 Our luggage is loaded in the Red Bus #1. Today we say good bye to the Holy Land. This trip has been more than we expected. Thank you Jesus! Heading to Nazareth, Mount Carmel, Megiddo and Caesarea by the Sea. Cloudy and cool- we have had great weather. Everyone is looking forward to getting home, but not looking forward to the long flight. Our flight doesn’t leave until 1 AM.  Johnny has been an excellent tour guide. He went to college for 3 years to become a guide. He speaks Italian, English and Arabic and Hebrew fluently.  “Sam”, our bus driver, is amazing! He has taken the big red bus to places it should not go. Sam is the man! We took up a collection for tips for Johnny and “Sam”. Nazareth- Mary’s well- only spring found in Nazareth. Mary and Jesus got water here. Mary may have had a visit from Gabriel at the well- the annunciation. Drank out of the spring that Mary and Jesus used. Bought a small jar to put the spring water in. So glad we got to see this. Went to Moun...

 Sunny ride to Sea of Galilee. Stopping at Mount of Beattitude. Boat ride today. Baptism in Jordan River.  Hotel is in Haifa- 3rd largest city in Israel (500,000 people)Haifa is a beautiful city in the Mediterranean Sea. Visited the Mount of Beattitudes- beautiful! On the Sea of Galilee. So pretty! Drank some fresh squeezed OJ and thought about the time Jesus spent here. Wow!  Went to the Church of the Multiplication- site where Jesus fed the 5,000.  There are no words to describe the feeling of the Sea of Galilee!! So peaceful and beautiful. They raised the American flag and sang the Star Spangled Banner- moving! Played 10,000 Reasons and Amazing Grace🎶. Truly an incredible experience- thank you Jesus! Capernum- the place were Jesus stayed and preached and healed. There is a church built above the place believed to be where Peter lived and Jesus stayed. Interesting place. Ate lunch at St Peter’s Fish on the Sea of Galilee!! Beautiful!! Baptized in the Jordan River ...

 Another 6 AM wake-up call. Put luggage outside at 6:30 AM. Leaving Grand Court Hotel.  Gas is $8-9/gallon Before leaving Jerusalem we went to the site where Jesus had the last supper. Saw a site that commemorated David’s tomb. Leaving Jerusalem heading to Nazareth and the Sea of Galilee.  Hate to leave the holy city! Went to Israel Museum. Saw model of Jerusalem and Dead Sea Scrolls. We were not allowed to take pictures in the Dead Sea Scroll.  Teresa was late for the bus! Ate lunch in Jericho. Great restaurant- owned by a Christian family. Lots of different salads and lamb, chicken, beef kabobs- delicious! Banana for dessert.  Bet She’an- amazing!  Our hotel is on the Mediterranean Sea. Tomorrow we go to the Sea of Galilee and Jordan River to be baptized!! Big day tomorrow- 5:30 AM wake-up call The view from our hotel tonight with the Mediterranean Sea in the background.

 Rainy day in Jerusalem. Going to the old city, Via Dolorosa, St Anne’s Church, wailing wall, area of the Last Supper, garden tomb with communion- sounds like an incredible, holy day! Can’t wait! This trip has been amazing!  Entered Sherp Gate or Stephens gate John chapter 5 Singing at St Anne’s church was heavenly. Pool of Bethesda- incredible!! We sang Amazing Grace  We walked the way of the cross. Went in the Church of the Holy Sceplacer- very ornate ! Got a fresh OJ- yum!  Went to Garden Tomb- amazing!! Had communion with our whole group. Emma and friends sang: The Old Rugged Cross. Got a wooden communion cup. Beautiful day!! Taking communion near where Jesus was buried was so very holy and moving. Such a sweet time! Went to the Wailing Wall and prayed. So special!  Went to the house of Caipheus this afternoon- saw the dungeon where Jesus was after He was convicted. Saw the path He walked after the Last Supper to Mount of Olives. Full day- holy day. Halleluj...