My life will never be the same after traveling to Israel. Most people never have the incredible opportunity to see the Holy Land. I feel extremely blessed to not only have visited Israel once, but twice in less than a year.
With each visit to the Holy Land, I feel as though I leave a piece of myself behind. For a majority of my June 2008 trip I was with a ministry team. We traveled around the land ministering to the Jewish and Muslim people. What an incredible responsibility. As Christians we have such a huge responsibility, to tell them of our greatest love, Jesus Christ. I found it difficult not getting somewhat emotional as I set at the top of the Mount of Olives, looking over into Jerusalem and the Temple Mount, knowing what will happen there in the future.
We spent a few days along the Sea of Galilee...traveling around the sea and seeing all the sites associated with Christ's ministry. We road in the Jesus Boat, along the Sea of Galilee. Our group consisted of only 8 people, which made it so easy to go places and see the sites. At night it was easy for us to jump in the van and drive downtown for ice cream. After our time in Tiberias, we traveled to Nazareth. I can't even begin to describe what an incredible time we had in Nazareth. We stayed at the Fauzi Azar Inn downtown Nazareth for almost a week. It's a 200 year-old mansion. I want to write more about this incredible place, but I can't seem to come up with words to describe what an amazing time we had in Nazareth and at the hostel. If you're looking for an adventure check out backpacking through Israel. You can stay in hostels along the way: http://www.hostels-israel.com/
For two of our days in Nazareth we worked at Nazareth Village. Nazareth Village is a village created to look like Nazareth would have looked during the time of Christ. We had the incredible opportunity to actually dress up like people from from 2,000 and work in the village. I now have a better appreciation for the people of that time. My feet have never been dirtier.
After visiting Nazareth, we made our way to Jerusalem. Oh, what an adventure. There is nothing like sitting on the Mount of Olives looking down into Jerusalem. We walked through the old city. We ate falafels until they were coming out of our ears. We swam in the Dead Sea. We hiked up the waterfalls of Ein Gedi and even went for a swim.
The last few days of my trip I had the incredible opportunity to stay with my friend Angela in Jerusalem. Angela had an apartment downtown. What an incredible way to see Jerusalem. My time with Ang was so different than when I was with the group. On my first day with Ang we spent the day at the Ein Gedi Spa. I wish I could show you some of the incredible pictures that we took, but they wouldn't be allowed on here. We visited the nude section of the spa, which was an incredible experience...something I never thought I ever even consider doing, yet actually do. The rest of my time in Jerusalem was spent getting to know some of the local people. What an awesome experience...one that I will never forget. I will always carry with me memories of sitting in a bar in Jerusalem with Angela until the middle of the night just talking. I'll always carry with me memories of shopping for Jewish toys in Jerusalem. I'll always remember my late night experience of going to the Western Wall with a Jewish man I met in Jerusalem. So many memories...I'll never be the same...
With each visit to the Holy Land, I feel as though I leave a piece of myself behind. For a majority of my June 2008 trip I was with a ministry team. We traveled around the land ministering to the Jewish and Muslim people. What an incredible responsibility. As Christians we have such a huge responsibility, to tell them of our greatest love, Jesus Christ. I found it difficult not getting somewhat emotional as I set at the top of the Mount of Olives, looking over into Jerusalem and the Temple Mount, knowing what will happen there in the future.
We spent a few days along the Sea of Galilee...traveling around the sea and seeing all the sites associated with Christ's ministry. We road in the Jesus Boat, along the Sea of Galilee. Our group consisted of only 8 people, which made it so easy to go places and see the sites. At night it was easy for us to jump in the van and drive downtown for ice cream. After our time in Tiberias, we traveled to Nazareth. I can't even begin to describe what an incredible time we had in Nazareth. We stayed at the Fauzi Azar Inn downtown Nazareth for almost a week. It's a 200 year-old mansion. I want to write more about this incredible place, but I can't seem to come up with words to describe what an amazing time we had in Nazareth and at the hostel. If you're looking for an adventure check out backpacking through Israel. You can stay in hostels along the way: http://www.hostels-israel.com/
For two of our days in Nazareth we worked at Nazareth Village. Nazareth Village is a village created to look like Nazareth would have looked during the time of Christ. We had the incredible opportunity to actually dress up like people from from 2,000 and work in the village. I now have a better appreciation for the people of that time. My feet have never been dirtier.
After visiting Nazareth, we made our way to Jerusalem. Oh, what an adventure. There is nothing like sitting on the Mount of Olives looking down into Jerusalem. We walked through the old city. We ate falafels until they were coming out of our ears. We swam in the Dead Sea. We hiked up the waterfalls of Ein Gedi and even went for a swim.
The last few days of my trip I had the incredible opportunity to stay with my friend Angela in Jerusalem. Angela had an apartment downtown. What an incredible way to see Jerusalem. My time with Ang was so different than when I was with the group. On my first day with Ang we spent the day at the Ein Gedi Spa. I wish I could show you some of the incredible pictures that we took, but they wouldn't be allowed on here. We visited the nude section of the spa, which was an incredible experience...something I never thought I ever even consider doing, yet actually do. The rest of my time in Jerusalem was spent getting to know some of the local people. What an awesome experience...one that I will never forget. I will always carry with me memories of sitting in a bar in Jerusalem with Angela until the middle of the night just talking. I'll always carry with me memories of shopping for Jewish toys in Jerusalem. I'll always remember my late night experience of going to the Western Wall with a Jewish man I met in Jerusalem. So many memories...I'll never be the same...
They took our Bible's from us when we walked up to the Temple Mount-Dome of the Rock.
My reaction to being in Jerusalem
The Sea of Galilee
Regina and I all dressed up in Nazareth Village
Hanging out with the boys!
Praise the Lord!!
Working in the field...
Dead Sea mud!!
Angela and I in Jerusalem
Church of the Nazarene in Nazareth.
2 comments:
Hi Meg,
I'm so glad that you had a great vacation trip in Israel. You know, having a vacation trip in the Holy Land is one of my greatest dreams. Christians, Jews, or Muslims, Israel, truly has its own trademark in the minds of people because of the many miraculous and interesting historical events that happened here.
While I'm looking at your pictures and reading your blog, I can't help myself but be more excited for the coming family vacation trip in Israel. Maybe this coming November, my family and I will spend our holidays in Jerusalem. As early as possible, we will get Israel family tours reservations so we can save cost and time. Actually, finding great deals for family tours to Israel is now a piece of cake.
Thanks for sharing this great post!
its great to see people having fun in Israel. Great country, great food and a great mix of cultures.
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