Day 7 - Jerusalem

Tired but happy. That describes today. The weather was cold today, coldest day we have had while here. Not sure exactly, but guessing it never got above 45. Our mission was to see Jerusalem, in all its glory. And boy did we ever. I really wonder how much we walked, but everyone agreed it was miles! Still, even with the cool weather and the strenuous walking, we ended up with a great day and everyone is in good spirits. I’m sure just a little of it is the knowing that we are almost going home. Several of us are showing signs of homesickness.

Our morning started out on the wrong foot, nobody got their wakeup call! But after a good breakfast, we headed out to the Mount of Olives, where Jesus stood many times, prayed , and sweated blood here. While on the Mount, we visited the cemeteries (all Jewish people desire this area because it is so close to and faces old Jerusalem). We got great pictures of the Dome on the Rock, which is where the Muslims say their God, Ishmael, climbed up to Heaven. Following this we walked (and walked some more) to the Church of All Nations, which stands right next to the Garden of Gethsemane (where Jesus was betrayed by Judas and arrested). On to Mt. Zion, for the denial of Peter, torture of Christ by the Romans, Lords Supper, and the Pentacost.

After lunch (falafel’s eaten in the old city, Jerusalem), we made a short shopping stop, then visited the Church of the Resurrection. Next was a leisurely walk (yeah right) thru old Jerusalem and its walkways and covered streets, ending up with an exit out the Damascus Gate of the Holy City. Our final stop was to the Garden Tomb and to Calvary (Skull Hill) where Jesus was crucified and laid in the tomb. It was a very powerful day, trust me. To see this amazing history take place in front of your eyes, to see the proof and amazing evidence of Christ’s place in the stories of the Bible, is just unbelievable.
Doug’s camera gave out by midday, I gave him my camera so he could oversee all photo taking, while I concentrated on video. Honestly, we collected hours of stuff, just today. It becomes painfully obvious that there is no way you can video or photograph everything, even though there is so much to see. We are finally forced to be selective about just what to photograph! Very very hard to do, trust me!

Just saw Carol for a bit at dinner. She is tired, came to hotel to sleep tonight. She says Bill has been moved to intensive care and things are getting petty serious. Since we are leaving Jerusalem to travel back over to Jordan again, I am leaving my rented cell phone with Carol in the morning, so she can be in contact with her family and 2 sons back home. I believe her son Doug is making arrangements to fly out here in the next day or so. Again, keep Bill in prayers, he is in pretty serious situation at the moment. And Carol needs our thoughts too.

Tomorrow we travel to an area known as Petra Jordan. Supposed to be beautiful there. Looking forward to it, mostly cause it means we are about ready to return to Missouri!
Well, better stop, get packed and get ready for the trip tomorrow. Night everyone! Dave

Pictures
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=51566&l=d597f&id=578079683


Map of our day
http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?hl=en&ie=UTF8&msa=0&msid=113407999173617109556.00045f8d4b7b6c0b137ce&z=13