Israel

Israel

JULY 2008 ONCE IN A LIFETIME EXPERIENCE









LeAnn goes to

visit Darrel in

Israel

July 16 - July

28th, 2008







Israel or Bust!

things you keep putting off. I put the family were here for dinner and then

Getting ready to leave original in the fire safe. some went home to sleep and some

for Israel stayed at our house with the kids. I think

What about the kids? My brother Sarah did a great job caring for the kids

As I have been getting ready to go to John Mark and wife, Nicole offered

Israel to spend 10 days with Darrel, I to watch the kids while I was gone,

have been doing a little spring type but Darrel and I decided it would be

cleaning, making sure all the bills are up

to date and not due while I am gone,

better if they stayed at our house

(and John Mark could not come here

What about the kids?

preparing a menu, making meals to put

in the freezer and buying groceries.

due to work). The first 3 days, Jonny This was everyone’s first

was the man in charge. Though

Checking schedules and making sure I Sarah had them during the day while question both here and

have all the bases Jonny worked. Then Joshua came in

covered while I am from camp for the weekend, so he in Israel.

gone. I am trying to was in charge. Sunday afternoon

keep things simple so Joshua and Jonny went back to

no one has to do a lot camp. Also on all of those days I

in my absence. And I had an adult friend checking in on when an adult was not there to take over.

hope I do not miss them, ready to spend the night if needed She did many fun things with them and I

anything really big. and taking them to church, etc. From am proud of her.

Darrel and I made out wills, this was long Sunday night on, there was an adult

overdue. We should have done it the day spending the night with them each night.

Joshua was born, but it is one of those Most of the time the adult, Amy and her





Amy Moffet

Amy picked me up and drove me to the

airport on Wednesday Morning and picked me

up on Monday evening. Great shuttle service!

Traveling to Israel

I felt a little more than selfish. the window) to check on the boys,

take the 7 year old back, go to the

The flight over made me feel a little

bathroom from 5 cups of wine, not

more than selfish. I flew first class

only reminded me that my children

from DFW to Chicago. They give you

were at home and not with me but

your own little ‘area’ with a chair

also made it a little hard to rest.

that reclines to a complete bed

But, it was not uncomfortable and the

position, a little seat area where a

food was excellent especially the

friend can come and sit and visit, a tv

chocolate ice cream with chocolate

screen and a large selection of

graham cracker crust at the bottom

movies, games, flight info at your

and fudge sauce and raspberry

fingertips. They offer you warm

cheesecake chunks on top. As you

cashews and almonds, any drink you

can tell, I suffered through it. Our

could want, and a nice meal if you

plane was a little late taking off and

want it. The transfer in the airport

getting to London and the London

was pretty easy as I only had to

airport is not real user friendly. No

move down 4 gates. During the

one tells you where to go, you just

flight from Chicago to London, I had

follow people and hope you are going

a business class seat. I had a lady

to the right place. I went from

beside me. She was very nice, her

terminal 2 to terminal 4 via stairs,

two children were in coach. They

long halls, long tunnels and a bus.

were taking her son to Cambridge to

Then when I got to terminal 4 I had

do a summer program there for high

quiet a time finding and being sure I

school students. She said her son did

had found the right place. As I had

not want her to ride with him as all

2 minutes until posted departure

the other students would be on the

time and no one was there to man

same flight so she sat where she

the gate or answer my questions. I

normally sat (business class), but

called Darrel and he assured me all

then at the last moment she decided

was well. When they opened my

to take her 7 year old with her. So

doors to go down the tunnel to get

she had to get him a ticket in coach.

on the plane it was actually a tunnel

They were from Santa Barbara, CA.

to go get on a bus. We took the bus

The flight was nice, though her

to the airplane out on the tarmac

getting out many times (she was near

and climbed up the stairs to the





and climbed up the stairs to the plane. When they saw my ticket was first class, they took

my bags, took me to my seat, offered me a drink and slippers and asked if I wanted a sleep

suit? I must have looked puzzled because she then explained they were pajamas. I noticed

her asking others if they wanted sleep suits and they said yes, but no one changed into

them. So I asked her, she said you can take them with you. So I said sure I will take them

(so now Sarah has a new sleep suit) They come over to your private little cubby hole and

unwrap your pillow and blanket and show you how to use the recliner/bed chair. This airlines

was not American Airlines, it was British Airways and though their plane was not as nice as

the American plane the staff were so much nicer. They catered to your every whim. I was

able to sleep for maybe two hours on this flight. They had a very fancy meal, but it was a

little too… fu-fu for me, I asked for just a plate of fruit, they kept asking if I wanted more.

Flying over the Mediterranean Sea just before landing in Tel Aviv was beautiful, you could see

yachts and sailboats floating through the incredibly blue water. Landing at Tel Aviv I tried to

follow Darrel’s instructions, but called him for clarification when I ran into a snag. I was

blessed at each point, when I got to the passport check a line opened up so I didn’t have to

wait, for luggage I took a potty break and then waited only about 5 minutes (usually at least

an hour) and I simply walked through customs no one stopped me or checked anything. It

was wonderful to see Darrel’s smiling face.

We came to the hotel put up my luggage, Darrel worked for 30-60 minutes and then we went

It was fun to see the road signs written in upstairs to the lounge for free dinner and then went for a walk in Tel Aviv. Came back and

different languages, most had hebrew, arabic and had some watermelon and went to bed. We are on the 10th floor and can see the sea and

English. hear the waves. It is beautiful. After not having but maybe 3 hours sleep on the planes, I

slept pretty good. Though I miss my babies, Darrel is so glad to have me here.

Day Two - Jaffa Herod The Great. The Bible

This morning after Darrel went mentions Jaffa several times.

downstairs to work out and we Although in some of it’s

had breakfast (free with our room) translations it is called Jaffa,

we walked about 3 miles to the Joppa, Japho, Jaffe, or Yafo.

Bezalel open-air market and to The biblical account mentions

Jaffa. Bezalel market reminded that the cedars from Lebanon for

me of the mercado (market) in the construction of King Solomon’s

Mexico and the open market Temple came in via Jaffa’s shore

days in the Netherlands. Sort of a (2 Chronicles 2:11,16). Remember

very crowded flea market/farmers Jonah running from God’s calling,

market. They set them up only he took a boat out of the Jaffa

one or two days a week and you port and soon was swallowed by

go there to get most of your fresh the big fish! Simon the Tanner

produce and fresh baked breads. lived in Jaffa, and it was here that

They also have a variety of things the Apostle Peter performed a

like hats, t-shirts, souvenirs, etc. It miracle of raising Tabitha from the

was fun to listen to them do their dead (Acts 9:36-43) In Jaffa Peter

sells bit in Hebrew. They would was divinely led to 'think out of the

compete with each other and do box.' The story in Acts 10:5-23, finds

‘yells’ together; you could tell they Peter on the rooftop of the House

were having fun while working. It of Simon the Tanner, where he

was also interesting to watch the had his famous vision (Acts

people haggle for the prices. 10:12-13), that led him to preach

We then walked over to Jaffa. the Gospel to the gentiles at

According to historians, Jaffa was Caesarea.

named after Noah’s son, Japheth, After the Israelites entered the

who built it after the flood. In Promised land under Joshua, the

Hebrew it drives from the Hebrew tribe of Dan received Jaffa but it

word ‘yofi’ which means beauty. was later lost to the Philistines.

Archaeological discoveries and King David re-took Jaffa in his

ancient documents support that it time, and when Solomon

existed as a port city some 4,000 succeeded his father as king, he

years ago, serving Egyptian and developed it into Israel's major

Phoenician sailors in their sea seaport.

voyages. Historians believe that

Jaffa is the only port in the world After learning about Jaffa and

which can boast uninterrupted walking through the old city we

inhabitation throughout it’s entire enjoyed some beautiful views of

existence The earliest known the beach and the port. We

written reference to Jaffa is found watched surfers, swimmers and

in inscriptions on the wall of the fishermen. We then went back to Coast near Jaffa. Our hotel far left

temple of Karnak at Thebes. In it, the hotel, cooled off and had a

Thutmose II, who ruled from 1490 little rest. We then went for a walk

to 1436 B.C., boasts of capturing a in Tel Aviv to find a falafel stand,

number of cities of Israel, including but it was shabat and we did not

Jaffa. It is told of how Thutmose’s make it there before it closed

minister of war went to Jaffa and down. On the way back to the

took with him 200 human sized hotel we did find an Italian

jars; in them they hid soldiers and restaurant and had some of the

slaves with ropes. He told the best alfredo we have ever had!

governor of Jaffa that he had run Back to the hotel to talk to the

away from Thutmose and brought kids, Darrel did a little work and

all these riches with him in the jars, we went to bed. I loved the

so they brought them into the city. walking, but now have several big

Once inside the minister killed the blisters to show for the work. My

governor and all the soldiers clock is still a little off so I slept until

came out of the jars and they 3 am and then could not go back

took the city. Through Bible History, to sleep. Shabat Shalom!

the city was in turn taken by the

Assyrians, Babylonians, Persians,

Greeks and Romans in which it

was included in the kingdom of

Port of Jaffa

Day Three - Caesarea

We drove up to Caesarea today. I * Philip the evangelist lived in

do not like riding in a car in Israel, Caesarea with his four daughters

all the drivers are CRAZY including who prophesied (Acts 21:8-9).

the one driving our car…. Oh, that

is Darrel. Oops, I will be ready for Not long after his conversion on

my big van and Springtown traffic the road to Damascus, Paul sailed

when I get home. Although the from Caesarea to his native Tarsus

people here are very friendly, they (Acts 9:30). He passed through the

all honk to tell you hello and in city during his second and third

case you didn’t hear it the first five missionary journeys. Later, he was

times they will honk again. Very held prisoner in the city for two

Friendly. years (Acts 24:1,27), where he was

During Jesus’ lifetime and well into put on trial (Acts 23:31-26:32)

the New Testament stage of Bible before his voyage to Rome.

History, Caesarea was a major

Roman political center in occupied It was at Caesarea that Herod

Israel. It is located on the shore of Agrippa I was struck down by God

The Mediterranean Sea, on the road for his idolatrous blasphemy (Acts

from Egypt to Tyre, about 75 miles 12:19-23) Neat story, you should

northwest of Jerusalem. It was built read it.

between 25 to 13 B.C. by Herod

The Great, who named it after Today, the site of Caesarea is still

Caesar Augustus, the Roman known by its ancient name,

emperor most famous for ordering Kaiseriyeh, but there are only ruins

the census (Luke 2:1) that resulted remaining.

in Joseph and Mary traveling down

from Nazareth to Bethlehem where It is a beautiful port city or should I

The Savior was born. say it was as you can tell from the

ruins. It was…thought provoking

It was originally established as an to walk into and around the

anchorage by Sidonian king hippodrome, the place where many

Christians were tortured and killed Moat around Caesarea

Abdashtart in the 4th century B.C.,

when it became known as "Strato's as part of the ‘games’. We went to

Tower." The Hasmoneans took King Herods Palace, to the

possession of it in 96 B.C., however governors palace where Pontius

Pompey brought it under Roman Pilot would have lived when he

rule in 63 B.C. ‘washed his hands’ of the crime

against Jesus of Nazareth. We

Mark Antony presented the city to chased a huge lizard through some

Cleopatra, however when Octavian of the ruins, walked on top of some

(later known as Caesar Augustus) of the walls. Wanted to get our feet

defeated Antony at Actium, it was into Herod’s pool but they had it

put under the control of Herod who chained off, though locals were on

built it up and renamed it after the the other side fishing and

Caesar. It then became the capital swimming and having a good time.

of the Roman province of Judea, the I did however go down to the

headquarters for the procurators seaside and get my feet wet in the

(governors) and the Roman troops. tide at the foot of where the pool

was and picked up some seashells

Caesarea is mentioned frequently in for the kids. For lunch we had

New Testament events: lamb chops, grilled chicken,

hummus and mint lemonade. It

* Peter first took the message of was wonderful. The day was Hidden entrance into Caesarea

the Gospel to Gentiles at Caesarea, extremely hot and we walked

while in the house of Cornelius, the several miles climbing up and down

centurion in what was known as the on the ruins, we had a great time

"Italian Regiment" (Acts 10:1-48). together, learning history and

While there, as Cornelius was about walking where those who penned

to bow down to Peter, the apostle the Bible walked. We went through

made it clear than he was merely a the amphitheater and were amazed

servant of The Lord, like the rest. by the incredible marble and

(Acts 10:26) granite work in the columns and

buildings.

Day Four - Jerusalem The angel of the LORD had to cover their heads.

There is another guy from commanded David to set up an Although I truly know that God is

Lockheed working here in Israel, altar unto the LORD in the not anymore at the wall than He is

last night his wife came in to visit threshing floor of Ornan the anywhere else I go, I prayed for

him for a week. Today they went Jebusite, after the destruction of those I loved while at the wall. I

sightseeing with us. We went to Jerusalem was halted. King David also prayed for the Jews that they

Jerusalem. It is about an hour bought the threshing floor from would open their eyes and see

drive East/South East of our hotel. Ornan the Jebusite, an inhabitant that Jesus was and is the messiah.

You drive uphill much of the time of Jebus (early name for I prayed for the muslins that are

as it is on the top of Mount Jerusalem) and the descendants of being lead away by a horrible cult.

Moriah. I took things to read so I the 3rd son of Caanan, and paid When you leave the wall you walk

did not have to enjoy the full price for the land with six backwards out of respect not to

wonderful driving, last time I had hundred shekels of gold by turn your back on the wall. It is

a hard time pulling my fingernails weight. 1 Chronicles 21:18-30 ) sad to think that day after day

out of the leather seats of the Jews go there to pray to God

Jaguar that we were riding/driving King Solomon built the house of though they are not really praying

in.  Some of my reading the LORD at Jerusalem in Mount because they do not believe that

material included: "After these Moriah. Mount Moriah is where God can hear them until the

things God tested Abraham, and the LORD appeared unto David temple is rebuilt. It is wonderful

said to him, "Abraham!" And he the father of Solomon, in the to know that God does hear us

said, "Here am I." He said, "Take place David had prepared in the because of His son and our savior.

your son, your only son Isaac, threshing floor of Ornan the

whom you love, and go to the Jebusite. (2 Chronicles 3:1) We wanted to go in the tunnels

land of Moriah, and offer him behind the wall and see the

there as a burnt offering upon We went to the Western Wall. The cisterns, etc. But they do it by

one of the mountains of which I Western Wall (Hebrew Ha-Kotel reservation only and are booked.

shall tell you." So Abraham rose Ha-Ma'aravi), also popularly They do the tours even at

early in the morning, saddled his known as the Wailing Wall, is all midnight so we figure our

ass, and took two of his young that visibly remains of the Second chances of getting in were null.

men with him, and his son Isaac; Temple in Jerusalem, which was

and he cut the wood for the burnt destroyed by Roman Legions in We went through Damascus gate,

offering, and arose and went to 70 A.D. Measuring some 160 feet Jaffa gate and Zion gate. We

the place of which God had told long and 60 feet high, it forms passed the Dung gate and the

him." (Genesis 22:1-3) part of a larger retaining wall of New Gate. We walked through the

the Temple Mount. Muslim quarters and through the

"Then Solomon began to build the market streets, they were vendors

house of The Lord in Jerusalem on The Western Wall is constructed of on the sides of the streets and the

Mount Moriah, where The Lord limestone blocks, one of which streets are very narrow with walls

had appeared to David his father, measures more than 13 feet in on each side that go straight up

at the place that David had length, and has an estimated and so with the vendors it was

appointed, on the threshing floor weight of 628 tons. It is the were two people could barely fit

of Ornan the Jebusite. He began greatest stone ever quarried by through. They had everything for

to build in the second month of man - nothing of its size exists sale in there. Trinkets, toys,

the fourth year of his reign." (2 anywhere else, including in the whole lambs, goat heads,

Chronicles 3:1-2) great Pyramids of Ancient Egypt. intestines, etc…. clothes,

Just beside it is a stone weighing menorahs, things made out of

Mount Moriah means "chosen by 407 tons, and there are others olive wood, anointing oil, you

Jehovah". It is an elongated ridge over 100 tons. Modern engineers name it they probably had it. We

with the southern end of the ridge express amazement at how such were glad to get out of there.

at the intersection of the Kidron massive stones could have been Plus we sort of got lost in there

and Hinnom valleys. The placed as they are. and so we were glad to find our

northeastern ridge is the present way out.

Damascus Gate of the Old City. For nearly two thousand years,

The Temple Mount and the Old since the destruction of the We explored all though the tower

City of Jerusalem as well as the Temple, the Western Wall has of David. Several groups of

Dome of the Rock, a Moslem been the focal point for prayer of Jewish school children were there.

shrine, are located on top of Jews in Israel and throughout the They were so cute. Darrel and I

Mount Moriah. The Mount of world. loved the history and enjoyed

Olives is just east of Mount reading all about it; the couple

Moriah. We had to wash our hands before with us were tired of it after just a

entering the women’s side of the short while.

wall, Darrel and Jerry did the same

to enter the men’s side, plus they

Jerusalem

The City on a Hill



David’s Tower









moat around the citidal









Although I truly know that God is not anymore at the wall than He is

anywhere else I go, I prayed for those I loved while at the wall.



The Citidal Jerusalem - Day Four continued Church and talk to the people

there. They have a wonderful

For lunch we ate in Jerusalem. grasp on the Lord’s work in Israel

They had schwarma and I had and it was a joy to visit with them.

falafel. Both were really good. It

was a very HOT day! The hottest We went to where David is

day so far. We walked miles and supposedly buried and they have

miles. put a little prayer room there.

(men and women divided of

We went to Christ Church. That course and you must pay to go?)

was very neat. They had a service We went to the upper room

Hebrew School Children at base of going since it was Sunday and though who knows if it was the

Citidal they were so gracious to us. We actual upper room that Jesus was

listened in on the beautiful choral in for the last supper. But it was

singing of the congregation for a an upper room in Jerusalem.

few minutes. Then the hostess

told us about the church and their We were very hot and very tired

ministry in Israel. They are when we left the city. We drove

praying for and working toward home, took showers and ate in

the salvation of both the Jews and the lounge of the hotel, though

the Muslims there. They also they did not have any real choices

Stone carving from Citidal found a tunnel under their church for a main dish, we loved the

that leads to the temple mount. watermelon. We talked to the

They are only allowed to go so far kids and went to bed. We are

in it, so they are not sure if it is in starting our day by leaving our

good structural shape the whole hotel rooms at 7am. I want to get

way, but it was neat. They are to see and do as much as I can

located on part of the land where while I am here.

King Herod’s palace use to stand.

I would say if you are going to God Bless you, Shalom

Jerusalem you should to go Christ

Day Five - Acre/Akko

One of the oldest Port Cities in the world.









fisherman at Acre









Templer Tunnel water system









This was the city market during the time of the crusaders.



Acre/Akko/Acco Today we drove up North to Acre handed this territory back to

or Akko as it is sometimes called. Hiram. A major landmark in

Standing on the hill, which still Acre’s history was Alexander the

bears his name, a little over a mile Great’s unopposed conquest in

east of the present day Acre, 332 B.C. Julius Caesar visited it

Napoleon hand his eyes fixed on in 47 B.C.

History as he directed his army’s The city is now inhabited mostly

siege of the walled city in 1799. by muslims, Israeli Muslims. We

Unknown to him, history was toured a Turkish bath and were …

curled up beneath his feet, some I don’t know if entertained is the

4,000 years waiting to be right word, Darrel says ripped off

Port of Acre

exposed. Archaeologists have by a cheesy video production of

now stripped back layers of the the bath done very much in a

past and have exposed one of the revisionist history of the bath and

oldest settlements in this part of the area done from a muslim

the world. It was first mentioned point of view with Al Jazzar being

in writings of the Egyptian the just ruler (looping off of ears,

Pharaoh Thutmose III. Acre/Akko noses and heads is after all a very

appears in the Bible. The city was just way to deal with someone

part of the territory designated to you do not like, at least their

the tribe of Asher, but as Judges history believes it is just) and Jews

Inside the fortress 1:31-32 tells us “Asher did not being sneaky and not to be

drive out the inhabitants of Acco, trusted. We had some good

or…… So the Asherites lived falafel and chips (French fries) and

among the Canaanites, the enjoyed some ice-cold fresh

inhabitants of the land; for they squeezed orange juice.

did not drive them out.” 200 We also went and saw an old

years later, Akko is mentioned as templer’s tunnel, built to take

part of King David’s empire along water to the city by the templer

with a strip of coast extending to knights.

Tyre. David’s son, Solomon,

walls of Acre

Day Six - Sea of Galilee deep, but I can tell you God was on us very angry. He was saying how

that hill in the high places and He many people including himself

Today was a day of both reigns supreme over Israel and the believed that Josiah had not really

disappointments and blessed world. found the scrolls of the torah, but

revelation. Today we went to the They were doing a lot of excavations he had instead written them himself

area between us and the Sea of on Tel Megiddo and we stopped and to serve his purpose and the same

Galilee and to the Sea of Galilee, talked to a couple of kids that were was true for others in the Bible.

which is now called Lake Kenneret. working. One from Connecticut and

The first place we went was to one from Louisiana. They were We went through Nazareth; it is a

Megiddo or actually Tel Megiddo. college students and they came far cry form the Christmas card

This is also known as the battlefield there for seven weeks to work in pictures of a land with grazing

of Armageddon. It is a beautiful the excavations. What an sheep. Though it is the setting of

valley full of bountiful crops of opportunity, I would have loved to Jesus’s younger years and the home

citrus fruits, pomegranates, melons, have been allowed to get in there of Mary and Joseph, it is now a

cotton, olive trees and others. We and get my hands into the dirt gritty town. It is 1/3 Christian 2/3

went up the hill (Tel means hill) to looking for buried treasures that Muslim and only a handful of Jews.

the ruins of Megiddo. From on top tell the story of the history or that We passed by Mount Tabor the site

of the hill you can easily see the place. The bible was the inspiration of Christ’s Transfiguration. (Luke

whole Jezreel valley which is for excavators to turn over the first 9:28-36) We went through

Armageddon. You could see how the spade of earth at Megiddo in 1322. Tiberius.

armies from Russia and China will Megiddo is mentioned eleven times We then went to Tabghe. This is in

come in from the North East and in the Bible including its conquest by the area where Jesus multiplied the

move down the valley on their way Joshua (Joshua 12:21), its loaves and fishes on the hillside to

to Jerusalem. I really don’t know reconstruction by Solomon (I Kings feed the 5,000. (Matthew 14:13-21)

how to describe how I felt up there 9:15), and as the location of the We went to the Mount of

looking out over the valley. I could death of the two kings of Judah: Beatitudes, but they were closed for

imagine, though I know my Ahazia at the hands of Jehu’s the afternoon hours and we had a

imagination is not vivid enough to soldiers (2 Kings 9:27), and Josiah full schedule and could not wait.

even begin to explain what it will be after his confrontation with Pharaoh (Matthew 5) I did get out and get

like when the ‘blood runs as deep as Necho II (2 Chron. 35:22). (This of a few pictures including some

the bridle of a horse’. On top of course was a heart tug for us as looking down the mountain to the

that hill, I prayed again for the we named our seventh child Josiah, Sea of Galilee.

salvation of the Jews, specifically after the Child King who sought the We went to the Church of the

the ones that we have come to ways of the Lord.) Primacy of St. Peter which

know and love and the ones in We enjoyed going to the granary at commemorates the of the catching

strategic places of influence to Megiddo which was a 7-8+ deep of fish on the other side of the

other Jews, I prayed for those I granary that was built during a boat, (John) but the other guys had

love, my family and my friends and rebuilding of the city around on shorts that showed their knees

their families that no one in their 721-705 BC. It was fun to imagine so they were not allowed to go in,

realm of influence would be in that the Red Hen Sisters going there to so I went in looked around and saw

valley or on this earth for that get their grain to make their the rock that was supposedly where

matter during that time. I prayed bread. (hee hee ) the granary they had the meal after this big

that we and they would take and could hold approximately 12,800 catch, went to the beach and put

hold the high places (like Megiddo) bushels. We also saw Solomon’s my feet into the sea and went back

both physically and spiritually. Then stables and thought of how Danene up where they were waiting.

I looked over and I saw a single could bring her horses here and We went to Capernaum but again

palm tree sitting there in the stable them so we could all go their knees were showing and so

baking hot sun being an oasis of riding around the area. We went they would not let us in. I did not

shade in this dry hot place and I into one of their water systems that leave them and go myself; it would

saw Darrel and I there being that they dug out and filled with water have taken too long for them to be

oasis. Over 10 years ago the Lord (rain) and used to provide water to waiting in the heat. And Darrel had

gave Darrel a very clear vision of their city on the hill. been here on a previous trip so I

his/our future and it involved an We had considered getting a tour knew I cold look through his

oasis. I think that is why He chose guide to drive and take us on this pictures.

to show me how we are to be and day, but were very glad that we did

we are an oasis. I cried like I have not. At Megiddo we were passing a

not cried in a long long time. I can’t group and stopped to listen to the

go into it in depth here, it is too guide for a few minutes and it made

An Oasis

Megiddo









in a Dry Hot Place

We ate lunch right on the beach at then dunked me under. When I came

the Fish Restaurant Kfar Nahum. out from under the water, I felt so

Darrel and Jerry had Saint Peter’s refreshed and clean and renewed.

fish. They simply gut the fish and The sun seemed to shine brighter and

cook them whole. Though not my yet it was much cooler. Like the

favorite, I did look the little fellow in breeze of the Holy Spirit rushed

the eye and taste of him. He was not through there and descended upon

bad, though I looked in his mouth and us. Although we had both been

found no coins to pay the bill. Debbie baptized before we talked about how

and I had chicken k-bobs. We went it was an outward expression of an

down and put our feet into the sea. inward decision and being obedient excavating at Megiddo

We went to Yardenit. The gospels say and doing it in front of those who are

that John baptized Jesus in the not Christians could be a witness to

Jordan River. So I took my own John them. But honestly, when I came up Valley of Armagedon

(Darrel John) and he baptized me in from the water, I knew it was for me

the Jordan and I did the same for and my relationship with Christ and

him. We both had to make ourselves truly a part of that is me being a

go ahead and do it. It was hot and witness to others of the greatness of

getting dressed for the baptism and my saviour. Honestly, the sun seem

then redressed and messing with all brighter though cooler and it seemed

of it made us hesitate. We went and to be directed on me. I felt a rush of

looked in the river and the catfish cool air as if it were going to lift me

were huge, some were easily 18 – 24 up. I knew I was in the arms of my

inches….. But I knew I wanted to do Lord. I felt cool and refreshed all

it, so we forged ahead. When we got the way home. And it was a long

into the water, the mood changed, it drive home. A funny thing that

was all about what was happening. I happened was when we were in the

loved that there was no one else river there were lots of little bitty

around except the people who were minnows. When I went into the place

with us (Jerry and Debbie). Darrel to change I felt something.....

talked to me about what we were

Be an Oasis

doing and then prayed over me and



tickling me in my shirt, when I took it off a little fishy fell into my shoe. I named

her Jordan and let her go free. Also, on our way to Yardenit we were the closest

we would probably ever be to Jordan the country. It was just maybe two miles

away. We could see it through the windows of the car.

Today, I read Deut 8:1-20. I was actually going there to read verse 8 where it

talks about the different fruits and foods of the area, but ended up wanting to

read the chapter. Just the first verse alone is beautiful… “All the commandments

that I am commanding you today you shall be careful to do, that you may live and

multiply, and go in and possess the land which the Lord swore to give to your

forefathers.” Do you see the promise in there? If we do what He commands, we

will live and multiply and possess the land! Do you just want to yell “How Great Is

Our God?” I do! Then the second verse comes and it is equally as deep. “An you

shall remember all the way which the Lord your God has led you in the wilderness

these forty years, that He might humble you testing you, to know what was in your

heart, whether you would keep His commandments or not.” Ouch, am I ready to be

humbled, to be tested? Do I want God to know what is in my heart? That is

where I want to be, but am I there. Verse 3 and 4 go on in that same manner tell

Above is a prayer alter and below is me

us to remember the time of testing and to know that man lives by everything that

standing beside a granary.

proceeds out of the mouth of the Lord, not just bread alone. Then verse five tells

us “ thus you are to know in your heart that the Lord your God was disciplining

Sea of Galilee Area



Armagedon









St. Peter Fish for lunch St. Peter Fish after lunch









horse stables of Megiddo water system of Megiddo

excavating at Megiddo









Jordan River Mount of Beatitudes









Shofars for sale. Bowl of Hummus

Public Profession of an inward decision

...a land of wheat and barley, of vines

and fig trees and pomegranates, a land

of olive oil and honey...

you just as a man disciplines his (Things don’t always look good or

son.” Then again a reminder to keep feel good when we are in a

his commands in verse six. Verse 7 wilderness but that doesn’t mean

“For the Lord your God is brining they are not good for us!)

you into a good land, a land of Otherwise, you may say in your

brooks of water, of fountains and heart, My power and the strength

springs, flowing forth in valleys and of my hand made me this wealth.”

hills a land of wheat and barley, of Then there is a reminder to keep his

vines and fig trees and command and not to go after or

pomegranates, a land of olive oil and worship or serve any other gods

honey; a land where you shall eat because if we do we will surely

Top to Bottom: excavating at

food without scarcity, in which you perish. We need to never forget

Megiddo, horse stables of King

shall not lack anything; a land that it does not have to be a guy Herod at Megiddo, water system/

whose stones are iron, and out of with a fat belly to be another god, tunne and cistern of Megiddo, Darrel

whose hills you can dig copper. Oh TV can be a god, stuff can be a and LeAnn at Tel Megiddo

it just keeps getting better and god, money can be, anything that

better it goes on to give a warning we put before God can be a god.

for me to beware that after I eat Makes me meditate on my priorities

good and multiply and am satisfied and where I spend my time and my

that I don’t become proud and energy. Sometimes you can get so

forget the Lord my God who busy doing for god that you are not

brought me out from my land of doing for God. Anyway, I loved that

Egypt where I was a slave. He passage today, I am going to go and

brought me out of that and kept me read it again and maybe have some

in the wilderness and brought me figs or pomegranates or honey and

into the land of milk of honey. I wheat….. Deuteronomy 8 1-20.

love this verse 16:”In the wilderness

He fed you manna which your

fathers did not know that he might

humble you and that He might test

you, to do good for you in the end.









The Sea of Galilee was beautiful,



though not really a sea, it was a lake.

I was baptized by my Darrel ‘John the Baptist’.

And then I baptized him......

Day Seven Dead Sea Area heard a sound of breaking pottery. Joel 2:20 call it the East Sea and

Today was a very full day… full of Thinking he may have discovered Zech 14:8 call it the Former Sea.

lots of walking and hiking and hidden treasure, he returned to get We then went on to En Gedi. It

climbing. It felt like all uphill… some help from a friend. They both was quiet a hike up to the upper

both ways… but I know it wasn’t. returned to the cave excited and springs, but on the lower part we

But it was a great day of exploring hopeful of what they might find. enjoyed some of the flora and fauna

this wonderful land it’s rich history. Inside they found fragments of of the oasis. We saw the ‘Christ-

We drove as close as the highway broken pottery littering the floor thorn jujube’ it is believed that

would take us to Jericho, but it is in and large earthenware jars all along this is what was used to make the

Palestinian territory so we were not one side. They removed one of the crown of thorns placed on the head

able to see it, but I did take a lard bowl like lids and found some of Jesus Christ. Its Latin name is

picture of the area it was in out dusty old parchments with strange Z. spina-christi. We also saw many

through the car window. It was fun writings on them, all of which were Ibex; these animals live in herds and

seeing all the camels in the dessert wrapped up in linen cloth. are famed for their ability to climb

on the trip to Qumran. We looked Muhammad nor his friend knew how steep hills that provide them with

for one that we could hire to take to read so the writings had no refuge form predators. They look

us for a ride, but I don’t think the meaning to them. They took their similar to a deer. We also saw a lot

guys were much into the idea. findings into Bethlehem and someone of Rock Hyrax. They are also called

Our first stop was at Qumran; my there recognized them as an conies; they live in rock crannies or

children would know this as the important find. After a few years of in thickets. They live in groups and

place that Jathom was taken by the haggling and maneuvering to gain are remarkable climbers. They feed

monk who rescued him by acting like control of the scrolls they on plants some of which are

a fool. It is most widely known for announced their find. The actual poisonous. Despite the fact that

being the place where the Dead Sea scrolls are now in the Israeli they are mammals, their body

scrolls were discovered. museum in Jerusalem. Knowing that temperature is not constant,

Let’s see if I can put the story in a there must be some type of changing according to the

nutshell for you. It all began in the community close to the caves that temperature. Therefore on cold

spring of 1947 (my dad had just held the scrolls, archeologist started mornings it is possible to see them

turned 11 but that is another looking for signs of life and found sunbathing on top of rocks before

story). It was the beginning of Qumran. Qumran was a monastery resuming activity. They are

another ordinary day for Muhammad once occupied by the Jewish Sect pregnant for 7 ½ months. They are

Adh-Dhib and his tribe of Bedouin. known as the Essenes. We walked small like a big rabbit but look

Little did he know what the day up on the Qumran Watch tower over somewhat like a badger. We saw

would have in store for him. A looking the Dead Sea and enjoyed lots of dragonflies and beautiful

group of Bedouin from the Ta’amireh learning about the water system. birds and a little mouse. Thankfully

tribe were on their way from It was very hot here being in the we saw no black vipers or leopards

Transjordan to the black market in dessert. Today’s temperature was both of which also live there.

Bethlehem. The purpose of the 109. All the places we went today This vital oasis was allotted to

journey was to sell a herd of were along the Dead Sea or in the Judah’s tribe for an inheritance

‘contraband’ goats. Normally such a Dead Sea area. The Jordan River is (Joshua 15:62). The area became

route would not have been used but the only major stream flowing into known for its palms, vineyards, and

due to the political scene in the Dead Sea. There are no outlet balsam (Song of Solomon 1:14) In 2

Palestine at the time, they needed a streams but because of it’s Chronicles 20:2, En Gedi was called

route that would avoid them getting dehydration rate it is receding 80 cm Hazazon-tamar and was involved in

caught. Muhammad noticed that per year, this is alarming both the several Old Testament events.

one of his goats had wandered off Israelis and the Jordanians and they Kedorlaomer conquered the Amorites

up the steep rocky cliffs while he are now looking into what they can here (Gen 14:7); when David fled

was seeking fresh water and do about it. Ezekiel 47:7-10, 18 tells form Saul he found refuge in the

tending the other goats. He us of Ezekiel’s’ prophecy regarding many caves of the region (1 Samuel

immediately set off to retrieve the this body of water and the Israeli 23:29, 1 Samuel 26); and in Ezekiel’s

stray goat. Bedouin are renowned and Jordanian desire to build a vision of Israel’s restoration,

for their ability to track down stray channel from the Red Sea, gulf of fishermen would catch fish from the

animals through the hills and Aqaba in order to bring it back to Dead Sea from En Gedi to En Eglaim

deserts of the wilderness. While past levels….. (Ez 47:10).

searching he came across a small In Numbers 34:3 and Numbers 34:12

opening in the rocks and became it is called the Salt Sea.

curious and proceeded to throw Deuteronomy 3:17 and Deuteronomy

rocks into the cave. When he did he 4:49 call it the Sea of the Plains.

Meeting and getting to know the

people that Darrel works with and

seeing the work that he does.

One night we drove up to meet a them. Psalms 122 We want to see

group of the people that Darrel each of them saved, but have a real Falafel

works with at the base. They are

passion towards reaching Mini and

such a nice group of people and it

was very interesting to fellowship LeeRoza and Ariel and Meital. I

with them and get to know them. was saddened that we did not get

We meet Amos and his wife Karen to see Ralphie his wife and son Ariel

and their little boy, Yiftav. Mini and this trip. They were not able to

LeeRoza, Mayeer, Sagi, Slomo, and

make it to either of the get

Ori. The couple with us also went

(Jerry and Debbie). Then one day togethers. We have the same

feeling about them too.

F-16s

when we went to Jerusalem, Ariel,

his wife Meital and their little girl,

Tohar were our hosts to show us the Honestly I could have spent a

market and then we had lunch. lot more time with these people and Ariel and Tohar

Their little Tohar is one month really enjoyed it. Perhaps they will

younger than Daniel. She was

someday get to come back to Texas.

adorable. They are observant so

they have to choose whether to eat I had Schwarma one time and

a dairy kosher meal or a meat

had falafel several times. I really

kosher meal as they are not allowed

to mix dairy and meat within 4 really liked falafel. I hope to learn

hours of each other. We chose to make it here at home and I

dairy and had some wonderful really hope that my family will like

Italian food. it too. I will need to learn to make

I really enjoyed getting to good fresh pita bread because



know the people Darrel works with everything I find at the store is not

in Israel. Darrel and I really have a fresh. In Israel their pita is so very



burden to reach them and pray for fresh. It is wonderful.



Yiftav, Amos and Karen





RLTB: Ori, Jerry, Debbie, LeAnn, Darrel, Mair, Sagi, LeeRoza, Mini,

Slomo, Amos









Above: LeeRoza and Mini. Below:

Sagi

The heroic though tragic stand of the zealots

of Masada in 73 AD is probably the most well

known story in the long history of Israel.



The springs were beautiful though BC Herod fled from Jerusalem,

filled with people. One group from taking refuge with his wife and

Birth Right Israel was here at the family at Masada. Leaving them

same time we were. This is a there he continued on his journey

program where the Jews in Israel to Egypt, finally reaching Rome.

pay host Jews (ages 18-26) from Chosen to be king of Judea in 37 BC

other countries to come here and Herod returned to Masada together

have a ten-day visit in the holy with two Roman legions. He built

land. Sadly, these young people use himself huge palaces with wonderful

the trip as a party trip instead of a mosaic floors and magnificently

learning trip. Although I am sure decorated walls. Enormous Top to Bottom: Writing table at

they learn a few things as they visit storehouses and massive Qumran, food ‘shelf ’ at Qumran,

all the wonderful places, they also fortifications were also added to the ritual bath at Qumran, Darrel and

dress inappropriately (g-strings and complex. When Herod in 4 BC LeAnn standing in front of caves

Speedos being normal attire), party Masada passed to his son, Archelaus, where Dead Sea Scrolls were found.

and drink (legal drinking age here is but soon it was taken over by

18). We have encountered many Roman rule. Masada became an

while in Israel.. armed Jewish encampment when it

After a big bottle of water to cool was take over by zealots in 66AD.

us down we got in the car to drive Many survivors fled from Jerusalem

up to Masada. after its fall in 70 AD Taking refuge

The heroic though tragic stand of atop Masada they banded together

the zealots of Masada in 73 AD is holding out against Rome until 72

probably the most well known story AD when the Tenth Roman Legion

in the long history of Israel. Herod’s with roman governor of Judea,

stronghold is set on a wide plateau Lucius Flavius Silva stared to attack

overlooking the Dead Sea. A few this final Jewish stronghold. They

coins minted during the reign of laid siege to the fortress. After

Alexander Jannaeus were found failed attempts to breach the wall,

during excavations and are all that they built a circumvolution wall and

remain from this king’s reign. In 40 then a rampart against the western





face of the plateau, using thousands of tons of stones and beaten earth. The

zealots held out for another year until 73AD when they (1,000 men, women and

children) chose to commit mass suicide rather than be captured by their enemy.

(This part I think was a bad decision, a wrong decision.) But one woman and five

children did survive the mass suicide/murder by hiding in the southern cistern.

They have found the pieces of pottery that were used to cast lots to see who

would be the last ones standing. First the men were to kill their wives and

children, then the men drew lots to see who the last ten would be and then of the

ten the one who would be last. Each making sure the ones before him did what

they had promised to do. Then when the Romans broke in all they found were

burning buildings and the dead bodies. They did not destroy the mass storehouses

of food because they wanted the Romans to see that they were not starving, they

chose dead over slavery. (This they found out from the woman and children who

hiding in the cistern.)

We opted to take the cable car to the top of the fortress and spent hours climbing

around on top in the 109 heat exploring all the ruins (we also had an audio tour

and loved it.)

Above is a Rock Hydrax and below is me We enjoyed joking about the dovecotes which is where they kept and trained

standing in front of one of the many caves pigeons, this being their pigeon building. (Only Real Family readers will understand

around the springs of En Gedi. this joke)

Dead Sea Area







Top to Bottom: LeAnn in a very salty Dead Sea,

LeAnn covered in Dead Sea mud (felt great!!!),

Ritual bath at Qumran Top to Bottom: Figs and Mangos at

market, LeAnn buying wheat at

Market, LeAnn floating in dead sea

and Darrel standing at Sea Level









Top to bottom: Darrel and LeAnn at Masada,

Masada with Dead sea in the background,

LeAnn entering storage area at Masada









En Gedi springs were a beautiful place in the

middle of a hot dry dessert. You can see why

David and Saul went there.

Top right: Qumran Dead Sea Scrolls caves, Top left: cave at En Gedi. Bottom right: En Gedi



Bottom Left: En Gedi Springs

Dead Sea Continued

They did have the high place here

at Masada and they also had their

pigeon building. 

Israeli money

We were all pretty tired when we

left here, but we were set on going

to the Dead Sea and floating in the

refreshing water. The first beach

we found was closed. The second

beach was opened, but the

changing rooms were closed and

unlike many others on the beach

we were unwilling to change out in

the open…. Debbie and I did

however get into the water. It was

very warm and the beach was all

white salt, the rocks near the edge

were rock salt rocks and we could

see pillars of sand out in the water,

they looked like ice bergs. I guess

you could call them salt bergs. I

got in to above my knees and it felt

wonderful. The sand under the They have copper coins and they are worth less

water was soft. But the guys were

VERY hot being on the beach and

than a shekel and they have silver coins and they

not in the water so we did not stay are 1, 2, 5 and 10 shekels. Their smallest paper

very long (109 degrees on a snow bill is a 20. One shekel is equal to 0.289746 US

white beach near the water). I

didn’t dry off my legs, just got into dollars. Though at the hotel where we

the back of the car. The salt dried exchanged money we are getting a lot less for

on my legs, my legs felt very….

Oily. 1 ½ hours later when we got our dollar. The copper coins are called ‘agorot’.

to the hotel and I wiped off the They are 10, ½, 1, 2 and 5, though they stopped

dried salt my legs were so very soft

and even the next day they looked minting the 1 agoro so they are not possible to

oily soft. It was a great feeling. We find.

were really tired when we got back

so we opted to shower and then

have room service.





Everyone’s was good except mine begging to get away. You say no

and the meat was raw, but I didn’t thank you they say, yes I

mind the potatoes were enough understand, I give it to you for 10

after a full day of hiking and shekels, I get it to sell to you. You

walking in the heat. It was a GREAT like it, no? Here I show you a nice

day! necklace, you like it, yes. And it

Day Eight - Tel Aviv goes on and on. The secret is don’t

Today was sort of an off day we make eye contact in the first place,

walked around Tel Aviv for a few once they see the white of your

hours we ate at Darrel’s favorite eyes, you are trapped!

falafel stand and for the first time One interesting store/place we

En Gedi Springs we spent a little time in the hotel. I went into was the Israeli Bible

read, Darrel worked and took a Society. They sell bibles in all the

short nap. Then we went to the different languages and they

boardwalk and ate while watching provide Bibles and other Christian

the sunset on the beach. Tonight materials free to Jewish people. We

was Debbie’s last night here. got a booklet that is the book

The sales men here are very Matthew for Darrel to give to one of

aggressive. You think door to door the guys here. We are praying that

sales men are persistent in America, it will be as the Bible said and be a

you have seen nothing. They will seed planted, it is the word of God

not let you walk away, it is a fine art and thus it is living and active.

or holding you captive while you are

have gone while here. It is not the Garden of Gethsemane. He

Day Nine Jerusalem incredibly impressive like Masada or underwent a great inner struggle,

We are going to Jerusalem today. I

as beautiful as En Gedi or the knowing that the hour of his

started out reading Psalms 122 but

Mediterranean Sea but it was a betrayal was coming soon. It was

ended up reading several before and

wonderful place. It was full of here that Judas betrayed Jesus to

several afterward. It is so

scripture. They do not say that it is temple authorities who place Jesus

beautiful. 133 talks about brotherly

for certain the place where Jesus under arrest (Matt 26:36, Mark

unity, and I think about how the

was crucified and buried, but they 14:32-50, Luke 22:39-53, John

Jews and Muslims both live within

show how it fits the descriptions we 18:2-12) The name Gethsemane is

the city walls right now.. 129 says

have in the Bible. I’m not sure if I used only in Matthew 26:36 and

to me let go of your past and let

can express what I feel about our Mark 1:32. It means ‘oil press,’ also

the blessing of the Lord be upon

experience there. We walked suggesting the presence of an olive

you. 128 Every time you sit down to

around and saw the sites, Golgotha grove. More than anything else

eat there are olives; I have seen

(the hill that looks like a skull) Jesus realized that he must say yes

dozens of varieties. It is as

where they believe He was crucified, to the Father and bare the weight

frequently seen on the tables at

the tomb where they believe He was of the sins of all mankind. He

restaurants as catsup in America.

buried and rose again. Then we prayed three times and was pressed

walked around and watched as to the extent that he was sweating

I wrote the above before we went

people from different countries great drops of blood. It is

to Jerusalem this morning. We meet

came and they had a church service, interesting to note that olives are

an Israeli that Darrel works with

took communion, prayed over each pressed three times. I got a couple

named Ariel, his wife Meital and

other, sang worship songs and read of olive leaves off a tree here. 

their baby girl, Tohar (purity). Tohar

the Bible all in their native tongues. We saw the Mount of Olives.

is adorable she is one month

You couldn’t help but think…. This is On Sunday of the last week of

younger than Daniel, made me really

what heaven will be like with every Jesus’ life, He descended from the

miss my baby. They are observant

tongue praising the Lord. But as we Mount of Olives to cries of

Jews. Meital wears a head covering

witnessed speaking in tongues ‘Hosanna’. On Tuesday of the same

and she makes them and sells them

sounds the same in every language. week, after answering questions

in some of the higher end stores in

 We then found a quiet place and from the religious authorities He

Israel. They are really very pretty.

worshipped our risen savior. We taught his disciples about the end

We went to the Jerusalem market.

prayed for those we love, for the times while seated on the Mount of

I bought some wheat so when I get

peace of Jerusalem and for each of Olives. Matthew 24:3, Mark 13:3,

home, I can make some bread with

our children by name. We sat and Acts 1:12 There is now a huge

wheat from Israel. I probably drove

we or maybe it was just me, cried. cemetery located here.

them crazy asking them questions

We spoke promises over our children From here we also saw Stephen’s

about their faith, their culture, their

and gave them back to the Lord gate, also known as Lion’s gate.

country, etc. It is fun to relate with

again. It’s hard to explain how

them since they speak English as a

powerful the presence of God was We then drove back to the hotel.

second language. Sometimes Ariel

in that place. We enjoyed a nice We went into Tel Aviv to eat and had

had to look in his i-touch on a

visit with a lady who volunteers a hard time finding anyplace that

dictionary to find the right word for

there for a month three to four was open because of Shabot. We

one of my questions. It is really

times a year (she and her husband found an Italian place that we had

quite amazing how well they speak

who is a guide live in England), she eaten at last Shabot, but they had

our language. I wish I knew theirs

told us of when Collin Powell came changed their menu and so we

even half as well. They are such

to the garden and when he came out decided not to eat there. We then

gentile and gracious hosts. It was

of the tomb he was weeping and he found a Mexican food place, yes I

such a pleasure to get to know them

went to a bench and got on his said Mexican food.  It was

and spend some of the day with

knees and stayed there for a while actually pretty good for Israeli

them.

weeping and praying. Mexican food. The salsa tasted like

After going to the Garden Tomb we picante, which I am sure it was. A

After navigating through Jerusalem,

drove around and saw a few of the young guy and girl sat next to us.

we found our way to a parking area

sights, we went to the Garden of He was here on the Birth Right tour

near the old city and went to the

Gethsemane. It was located and she was here visiting family.

Garden Tomb. On the way to the

opposite the temple, across the They head meet on one of the sights

tomb we had to pass through some

Kidron Valley on the lower slopes of and had hooked up for the night.

of the Muslim quarter, not a real

the Mount of Olives. After the (sad) He was an interesting guy,

safe feeling for Christian Americans,

Passover meal with His disciples, personality reminded me of my

but Darrel and I agreed that this

Jesus engaged in fervent prayer in nephew Jeremy. But was lost. He

was one of the best places that we

Shabot Shalom

went on and on about not being able

to eat any meat that he had not

killed himself but when we finished

eating he asked if he could have our Top: Upper Room

leftovers! It was weird and funny.

We wanted to get a taxi back to Bottom: Ariel, Meital and Tohar

the hotel (because the dark streets

did not feel safe) but when we

finally found one, he wanted 40

shekels which was at least double

what we should pay so we got out

and said no thank you.

Darrel stayed up rather late working

for work from his computer.









Top to bottom: Galgotha, Darrel in front of

Galgotha, holocost museum









Above is me at the Western Wall and below is

the mount of olives now covered in monuments.



right to left, top to bottom: tomb of Joseph of Arimathia, door on tomb, garden of the tomb

and Garden of Gethsemane

Covered in Mud

From Head to Toe!

Day Ten - Dead Sea first batch stay on for probably an

We went back to the Dead Sea hour and it dried hard as a rock.

today. Since we were not able to Darrel of course did not want

get in and actually float last time, anything to do with putting the mud

we decided to go back again. This on him. I did get him to feel of it.

time we went to Kalya beach or It was incredibly soft and pliable

Qalia as they spell it. It was really and warm. I thought it felt great in

quiet different from the on the my hands and on me. I did run into

other day. The sand looked like a few difficulties though. While

regular sand instead of salt and looking for some mud I hit a soft

there were not salt rocks or salt spot and immediately sunk down to

pillars in the water. There was mid thigh it was like quick sand, I

however lots of people and lots of had a hard time getting out and

Darrel not daring to get in the mud

Darrel treated me like a princess

good dark Dead Sea mud! It was

amazing how hard it was not to just laughed at me. Then another the whole time I was there. He

float. Actually you couldn’t help but time I had put on my shoes and one carried the back pack and any

float, but the water seemed to want leg went in about 8-10 inches and other bags that I had, he pulled

to push you into a laying/floating came out without my shoe! I found out my chair, opened my door,

position. But even when you were it but the mud did not want to give treated me to whatever I wanted,

with your feet below you, you it up, I had quiet a fight to retrieve

it. Again Darrel just giving me this…

walked on the road side of the

floated when staying completely still

in the water. The water is 8 times you got yourself into this mess, you sidewalk, held my hand and

as salty as the ocean. And believe can get out sort of smirk. My skin allowed me to look in any store I

me it was salty. They say the mud does feel good and tight and soft wanted for as long as I wanted

can cure arthritis and aching now…. Except for the sunburn and it without any reservation. He

muscles (I hoped it would help my feels good and tight and soft and went out of his comfort zone

blisters ) but it did feel like acid burned.

It was neat to go down below sea

several times to give me what I

aftershave. Any cut or rashed area

burned. But it was well worth it! level and go around the curve in the wanted. Again I am reminded,

We loved it. I of course covered road and see mountaintops that he is my knight in shining armor

myself in mud…. Twice. I let the were below sea level. The Dead Sea and I am blessed to have him.

is the lowest place on earth. It was





M-16 toting 18 - 21 year olds

interesting to see the landscape change so quickly. Jerusalem is pretty, lots of

trees and then you go another 15 minutes and it looks much like New Mexico,

rocky mountains and fur trees and then it becomes just rocky mountains near

Jericho and then dessert. And all of that within 25 minutes of Jerusalem. We

saw lots of camels, sheep and shepherds, goats and goat’s herds men. Lots of

Bedouins, they are Muslim nomads. They live in the dessert or near dessert

areas in makeshift shacks and they move around to graze their sheep, goats or

camels.

Since we were very close to Palestinian areas on the highway to the Dead Sea

we went through military checkpoints, but as soon as they heard our accents

they waved us through. Though some of the young soldiers (18-21 years old,

mandatory service for all Israelis), carrying M-16 type rifles were friendly.

While in the market, there were several vendors One came up to the car and the first thing he said when he heard our voice

who sold a wide variety of olives, reminded me of was… “I’ll trade you my gun for your car! It’s very nice, yes.” He was cute.

the verse that says a blessed man has a wife who Wanted to know how much it cost and how fast it was. (Darrel’s rental car is a

bears children in abundance like the olives on a Mercedes Benz C-120 sports car) I’m glad it is not red, I wouldn’t be able to

table.

contain him.

Mediterranean Sea is

We walked down to the pier to have

dinner and the waves and sunset

were beautiful. There was a guy

down there entertaining people by

juggling and telling jokes and

walking on his hands, reminded us of

beautiful, anytime of day

Pastor Joe  and Jonny wrapped up

in one guy. He loved it when the

audience participated. He was

really good though we could not

understand a word he was saying….

Actually we did understand two

words: Las Vegas and Obama. Who

knows what he was talking about,

but he was entertaining to watch.



Have I mentioned that Obama is in

the newspaper

every single

day. On the

front page

everyday there

is his smiling

face. Tel Aviv is

a very liberal city so I am sure the

articles are positive though I

wouldn’t know since they are all

written in Hebrew. Tel Aviv is the Sail boats were one of the many types of water craft

gay/lesbian capital of Israel, so we we watched on the beautiful Mediterranean Sea.

have seen a little too much of that.

I could tell you stories, but…. I Back to Obama, he was in of the Bible have stood and offer

think I will pass writing them down Jerusalem yesterday, the same day that prayer to the same God and know He

on here. Tel Aviv is a big city much we were there. Though he was there is still all powerful. To see the places

like New York. I think it is dirty earlier in the morning. I have the where they worshipped Him and to

and such … diversity. On one corner newspaper article that tells of his visit. stand on that same ground. To touch

you have two nearly naked girls They have a picture of him at the the walls built by men under the

holding hands, on another is a

Western Wall. They say he put a piece direction of God so many years ago.

rather large

of paper in the wall, onlookers tried to Has it made the Bible seem to come

guy in a

Speedo, on yet

find the one he put in, but the one they alive, I think it has in a new way. The

another corner pulled out thinking it was his was Word of God has always been and will

are hesetic written in Spanish. Sadly, I have no always be living and active, but I thank

Jews covered doubt it was a curse and not a prayer the Lord for the renewed and new

from head to as it was not offered to God. desire I have to read and meditate on

toe with His Word. Now I must in some way

clothing, girls wearing head It has been such a pleasure to transfer this ferver to my children. I

coverings and guys sporting lots of pray for those we love while in the am very grateful to everyone who

hair, draidles (little locks of hair Holy Land. I think I could have spent made it possible for me to go. To my

hanging down in front of the ears) at least another week or two here and children who watched and cared for

and black suits with white shirts and not run out of things to do and see and

black hats and on the last corner

each other, especially Sarah. To my

read. Though I know what a blessing friend Amy and her family who

are Arabs with the women only

it has been to be here as long as I have,

showing their eyes or their faces covered my children, to others who

the rest of them covered in mostly

I can’t help but want to stay longer. To checked on them and covered them in

black and the men with their robes go and see things we missed, to prayer. And to Darrel who spoiled me

and heads covered. Darrel and I continue to sit on my hotel room bed with the trip of a lifetime. To my Lord

are in the middle gawking at them and read the Word of God while who had great plans for me. Thank

all.  sitting in His Holy Land. To stand on you!

top of one hill or another where those

While I was gone.......









Just barely 3 hours before my return, Stephen got a huge black eye!



enjoyed a couple of movie nights with

I think Sarah had fun Brittany (17 year old Moffett) after

playing mommy putting the little ones to bed. They went

to the jump house several times, went to

though I also think she was relived

Amy’s high school reunion for a short

when someone got here to help each

hello, went to the EMACHE fellowship at

time. But I also think she probably did a

the park, went on a picnic to Granbury,

better job when no one was here because

went to church and then out to eat.

she felt responsible and when they were

here, she reverted to being 100% kid with I am sure there were a few hard

no responsibility (something she rarely times of getting the kids in bed, enforced

does). the rules without mom or dad, sad babies

wanting a hug from mom and dad, etc.

The Moffetts came by or checked on

But overall they

them daily for the

did great.

first few days and

then some or all of Several people

them, depending on checked in on

the day and time them via

moved in. Sarah tele phone,

made several meals including my

for the kids and for m o t h e r s e ve r a l

both families when times. (This tickles

they were here. She me since she often

enjoyed doing fun forgets to call me

things like making until I call her.) I

shaped pancakes, really know how

and clown ice much she loves my

creams. She also kids.