March 18,2023





 Got out 6 AM wake-up call after a good night’s sleep. Last night’s meal was amazing: lots of salads, fruit, fish, beef, lamb, sushi, vegetables and an elegant dessert table- lots of bread too. Since it was Shabbat there was a “Shabbat elevator” in our hotel. This elevator stopped on every floor for a minute, that way you didn’t have to push a button because that would be considered “work”. On Shabbat Jews can’t drive a car- they can’t walk over 2 miles. 

The sun is shining and we can’t wait to see what today brings. God is so good and we are feeling blessed. 

On the bus at 7:45 ready to go! Several tour groups at this hotel! Finding our bus was interesting. 


On our way to Mount of Olives and the Garden of Gethsemane. 






The Garden of Gethsemane was a holy place. Imagining the suffering of Jesus as He faced the cross was so moving. We sang Amazing Grace and In the Garden.  Gethsemane means olive press. The Church of the Agony was dark and ornate. We saw olive trees dating back to Jesus’ day. 



We went up to the Mount of Olives and had a group picture taken. The view over the eastern wall of Jerusalem was amazing. From there we went to Shepherd’s Field- the place where angels announced the birth of Jesus to the shepherds. We went in a cave there. After Shepherd’s Field we ate at an interesting restaurant- when we arrived there were 12-15 salads and pita bread. It was so good. The main course was chicken, lamb and beef kabobs with french fries. It was delicious!

After lunch we went to a gift shop belonging to some Christian families. They make olive wood nativities, crosses etc. Bought some gifts. The street venders were very persistent!

Church of the Nativity was next. We waited 1 1/2 hours to get in to see the cave where Jesus was born. 







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