Archive for
January, 2010
January 13th, 2010
Today was our “free” day and I believe everyone spent their time well. I cannot speak for the others but I spend the day primarily by myself wandering the streets of Jerusalem. particularly in the Old City, people watching, visiting the Dome of the Rock, and revisiting several places that I wanted to learn more about. By the time we all returned (or most of us anyway!) for supper, everyone was chattering excitedly about their adventures.
Tonight it is pack up and prrepare for our flight home – and it is a doozy! Wake up call is at 1AM, coffee and danishes at 1:45, and leave our hotel no later than 2:30. We fly from Tel Aviv to Vienna, change plans and fly to Dulles, change planes again and arrive into Atlanta by 11:37pm. I hope to be home by 3 AM Friday morning. As long as we all arrive safe I will be happy -tired, but happy.
This will be my last blog entry for our Holy Land Wanderings. Thank you all for reading and sharing in our great pilgrimage. this has been extrordinarily special to share this place and journey with so many from our church. I am blessed indeed.
See you Sunday! (I will try to find my ties)
January 12th, 2010
Today most in the group are realizing that touring the Holy Land is tiring. Nontheless all hands were on deck for breakfast at 6:30 and on the bus by 8. We drove for about an hour south of Jerusalem and along the way to our destination passed by the famous excavations of Qumran, the site of the discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls. The discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls is one of the most significant archeological finds pertaining to scripture to date.
We made our way to the remains of Masada, the fortress built by Herod the Great.It was quite a massive building project. It was the site of the Jewish revolt which ended in mass suicide when the Romans broke through approximately 73 AD.
The surrounding arid and dry land is a striking contrast to the verdant green we experienced just a few short days ago.
Our next stop was a real treat as we entered into one of the world’s oldest cities – Jericho. First, as we did when entering Bethlehem, we had to change buses, since Jericho is controlled by Palestinians. It is more like a small town than a city, with a population of about 20,000. The roads, houses, and people are quite poor by our standards, yet the markets were busy. We had a good lunch of traditionally fare and at the top of the restuarant there was a great view of the Mount of Temptation, the traditional location of Jesus’ 40 days in the wilderness as he was tempted by Satan.
Beneath the shadows of the Mount of Temptation several found the opportunity to take camel rides. I was not one of them!
By the time many of you receive this week’s Interpreter in the mail our group should have made it home from our Holy Land Wanderings. At the time of this writing we have one more day left before flying the friendly skies home. Our trip has been one filled with beautiful, inspiring and at times downright funny memories.
Today was a day for funny memories as many of us went frolicking in the Dead Sea. Travelling by bus, we made our way to the Dead Sea by descending from nearly 3000 feet above sea level to the lowest point on earth. The Dead Sea is 1300 feet below sea level. The Sea has no natural outlet and, therefore, has become the world’s most saline body of water with averages of around 30%. It is called “dead” because due to its high salinity no significant aquatic life exists. Additionally, the starkest, most desolate scenery the world has to offer surrounds the Dead Sea.
You could not tell things were dead for several of us who decided to take a swim. We waded out into the water with the slick and slimy mud squishing between our toes and floated on top – literally on top – of the water. I am not sure who was having more fun: those frolicking in the water or those along the shore taking pictures.
The irony is that today this “dead” body of water is a source of both life and health: the pot ash contained in its bitter waters is an invaluable fertilizer; while, the lake and the springs that feed it are said to have cured everything from arthritis to psoriasis since ancient times; and for a handful of Baptists and friends it was a place of immense laughter and fun.
Christ has come, so the gospel of John reminds us, that we may have life and have it in abundance. (John 10:10). Even when our life is sometimes bounded by death, may the joy of the Lord infuse each of us with light, and life, and even a few giggles. The empty tomb reminds us that death does not win.
Our evening concluded by observing an anniversary of sorts. Fifteen years ago Shirley Badke was injured with third degree burns over 86% of her body. She shared her story, her faith, her hope and her encouragement to all of us. In a land of miracles Shirley is a testimony of God’s hand continuing to shape her wonderful life.
In just over 24 hours we will receive our wake-up call (one in the morning to be exact) and we will be heading home. There is so much I have left out but I want to leave you with a few more pictures highlighting our time together walking where Jesus walked and playing like God desires.
Catfish – and I mean BIG catfish – swimming in the Jordan just up from where we were having a baptism.
Market scenes in Old Jerusalem
Walking along in the city.
Young soldiers are everywhere in Jerusalem. Many are just 18 to 19.
The shrine within the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. Within the shrine is the slab thought to be where the body of Christ was placed. This is a dark and mysterious church, filled with complexity and at times filled with hostile division.
Street musicians outside of the Old City.
One night we just had to have gelato.
Jill Davis showing off her new shofar while her Judy Huff wonders if it is in tune.
The eastern Wall with the Dome of the Rock in the background.
The Garden Tomb outside Gordon’s Calvary.
Worship Service at the Garden Tomb.
Getting myself beautiful for my wife!
January 11th, 2010
Today is a good day to let the pictures tell the story, so I have included photographs from the last couple of days.
A view from our hotel overlooking the Sea of Galilee on the morning of our departure for Bethlehem.
One of the border guards as we were entering Bethlehem.
This was an “impromptu” worship service in a shepherd’s cave in Bethlehem.
Jeff Badke blending in with the palestinians in Bethlehem.
That night several of us went shopping and I tried on some new crocs – they didn’t quite fit.
Milton Martin was entering into talks with John McCain. That is why he is not in the picture. I was making sure I was not going to have to negotiate for Milton’s release.
Keith and Carla singing a duet while worshipping at the Mount of Olives.
Standing on the Mount of Olives with Jerusalem behind us.
Part of our group eating in a recommended local restaurant that caters to Arabs. Hummus, falafel and all the fixins’!
Last falafel!
A highpoint for many – a visit and prayers at the Western Wall.
It is getting late tonight so I will plan to post more pictures later.
We look forward to sharing with you more about our fatastic pilgrimage.
Peace be with you.
January 10th, 2010
Saturday
Our day began with the usual wake-up call at 6 except for I barely needed it. While I have enjoyed two good nights of rest, last night was not one of them. I do not travel well when it comes to sleep. It may have been a case of delayed jet lag, excitemment about the coming day, missing my family or general concerns with ensuring a smooth tour for the group, but it was certainly a long sleepless night.
After breakfast we loaded the bus and departed Galilee for good, heading south with Jerusalem as our ultimate destination. Our guide, Nadar, is outstanding. He is a Syrian Orthodox and full of good humor and important knowledge. Should I return to Israel for another church tour I would like to retain his services for another time. His favorite line as we depart the bus for each site is: “Chop, chop; shake a leg; let’s get going!”
Our drive was about 2 1/2 hours which was largely below sea level as we journied down the Jordan Valley. The geography changed dramatically from vibrant green hills and rich vegetation to stark, arid land. The wilderness, or desert as it can be translated in the Bible is a rough and rugged environment. Yet it was out of this same wilderness that Moses was called, Israel was led and fed and John the Baptist preached. The desert was where Jesus was tempted and so is a place of holy happenings and wanderings.
We made one pit stop at an interesting roadside convenience store/toursit attraction. Along with bathroom breaks, others took advantage of new and exotic snacks and one in our group decided to take a camel ride around the parking lot.
We entered Bethlehem and our first stop was a shopping stop, since many in the group where itching to keep the economy rolling. Prior to today we have been moving from one site to another with lectures in between. Lunch of falafels followed our exhausted shoppers, which was somewhat unnerving because Jeff Badke insisted on wearing his newly purchased Palestinian headress throughout the meal! I sat at an appropriate distance and acted as if I never laid eyes on him.
After lunch we toured the Basilica of the Nativity and looked upon the traditional spot of Jesus’ birth. Amidst the cacaphony of fellow pilgrims, aggressive pedlers and various religious groups chanting, singing and praying, it is not too hard to imagine the chaos of Bethlehem when Mary and Joseph searched for a place for Jesus’s birth. On our way to the hotel we stopped by the Shepherd’s field and looked over one of Bethlehem’s many rugged hillsides. There was an old cave that was once used by shepherds but now serves as a modest chapel. At Kathy Martin’s suggestion we held an impromptu worship service where we sung hymns, read scripture and reflected on God’s gift to the world through the Son Jesus.
Our hotel in Jerusalem – The Plaza Jerusalem – is superb. We wearily hauled our luggage to our rooms and enjoyed a meal together. Several of us then took a 15 minute walk down to the Old City to sneak a peek at what awaits us in the day ahead. Along the way Milton Martin leaned to me and said, “That is John McCain,” and sure enough, it was Senator John McCain and his entourage. Imagine that – running into McCain half way around the world! Several had their pictures made with him and should I get my computer issues worked out I will post some soon.
It is hard to describe how stunning and beautiful and moving this city is, especially when first arriving as we did this morning. It is a holy place to three major world religions, and for good reason.
Now it is time for me to log off and put this full day behind me and pray for a better night’s rest.
Peace be with you,
Sunday
Thankfully I had a great night’s rest and so I was more than ready for the wake up call at 6am to begin another great day for our Holy Land wanderings. Outside our hotel windows we share lovely views of the city including glowing sunrises. Each day we have enjoyed weather in the 70s and bright sunshine. We could not have ordered better weather. On a different note I have a voracious appetite when it comes to Middle Eastern dishes, so I have delighted in all the fresh olives, hummus, dates, and pita bread – and that is just for breakfast! The Jerusalem Plaza has not disappointed.
We boarded our bus driven by our capable driver Gilley who has taken loving care getting us from one place to another while driving through narrow streets and harrowing curves. Following a prayer where we remembered First Baptist that would soon be in worship, we began our touring by visiting the Mount of Ascension, located just outside of the Pater Noster Church. In the early days of Christianity, followers of Jesus would conclude worship and walk out to this mount, looking to the sky and remember the ascension of Jesus.
Before leaving the Mount we posed for a group picture in front of the hill of the Eastern Wall with the Dome of the Rock and much of the Old City in the background. This was our first group shot since we left Atlanta last week. It has been such a personal blessing for me not only experience this great land again but to do so with dear members and friends of our church. The best thing we will take back with us will be our memories.
A short bus ride later we entered the Church of Agony, or the Church of All Nations, which has had a presence in the Gethsemane gardens since 390 AD. The current church was built in 1919 which incorporated striking architecture, shimmering mosaics, and alabaster glass, recalling the night sky. The olive trees in the garden boasts one that is 1500 years old. In this grove we found a lovely spot for our Sunday morning worship. Keith led us in singing hymns, I read from Matthew 26, Keith and Carla sang a beautiful duet, “In the Garden” and following my brief remarks Harold Smith closed us with a prayer. It was a most moving time as we reflected beneath the silvery-green olive trees.
We spent our lunch break at – surprise, surprise – a place that has an extensive shop. Much of the store’s merchandise included antiquities. I fear that some of our member’s discretionary income that may have gone to our Chapel fund has been spent in stores in the Holy Land!
After falafels and salad we visited the City of David and viewed ruins dating back to the 12th century BC, during the era of King David. A quick walk up the hill and we were met by the poweful visage of the Western Wall, the only structure remaining from Herod’s Temple that stood during the days of Jesus. Out of tradition prayers are written on slips of paper and then inserted in the tiny cracks and seams of the stone blocks. As I was praying at the wall there were three African boys no more than ten or eleven praying out loud. Each day nations all over the world are represented alongside this wall. It is the wall that Jesus passed many times on the way to worship at a Temple where he reminded all that this was a house of prayer for all nations. This visit was a highlight for many in our group.
We concluded our afternoon by visiting the Shrine of the Book museum, built to house the collection of the Dead Sea Scrolls, found near Masada. Outside the museum is a remarkable model of Jerusalem as it looked when Jesus walked the earth. It is a helpful tool in visualizing the Biblical city and the entire group was greatly impressed.
In between our visits we are generally inundated with peddlers pushing cheap souveniers ranging from bookmarks to olive branches (try bringing plants back into the United States and see how far you get). I am pleased to announce that today I bought my first item just for me – a panoramic photograph of Jerusalem for one dollar. Yes, I know it was pricey but the vender looked as though he could use the business.
Thanks for wandering these holy places with us by reading. Peace be with you,
January 8th, 2010
I have two words for you – hummus bar. It is just that delicious and so I am thinking about adding a new food selection for Wednesday night dinners. I will ask Rodger Murchison what his opinion is when I get back. Speaking of food, several of us went out to make a falafel run but all the vendors had closed their stands, so I came back to the lobby to work on this blog. To my surprise and delight a DJ had set up a turntable and along with a partner began crooning to us some strange version of Hebrew disco. You just don’t see that every day in Augusta!
Friday morning began with a wake up call at 6, breakfast at 7 and on the bus for Cana at 8. Cana is a rather congested town dedicated in part to celebrate the first miracle of Jesus – turning water into wine at a wedding. The village of Cana is only mentioned in the Gospel of John. The problem is that scholars do not agree as to whether this is the exact location of the original Cana. The Romans destroyed the original Cana during the great Jewish revolt around 66 AD. The Cana we visted today was one of three probable locations. Nonetheless it serves as an important place to reflect on the extravagance of God through this first miracle as well as the reach of God through the healing of the royal official’s son. We toured through the Church of the Wedding commemorating this first miracle.
We boarded the bus and traveled 15 minutes to the City of Nazareth. During the time of Jesus Nazareth was nothing more than a small, isolated village with just over 400 residences. It was religiously and politically unimportant, which is striking when we consider the world-wide impact Jesus has made in the lives of billions.
Today Nazareth bears a marked contrast to its former times. Densely populated, it is shared by Muslims and Christian Arabs. Our first visit was to St. Gabriel’s Church, the traditional location of Mary’s visit by the angel Gabriel. It is an Eastern Orthodox church where there are strict traidtions regarding worship, attire, etc. When we arrived there was a group in worship therefore we were forbidden to go inside. I certainly understand. I know that I would not like to watch a tour group go through our sanctuary while in the middle of Sunday morning worship.
We made a 20 minute walk, which was in places a bit harrowing as cars zipped among us, to the Church of the Annunciation. Along the way some within our group strayed as the listened and at time patronized the many street vendors hawking their one of a kind items. We eventually made it to the church with the entire group intact. The art and modern architecture was stunning and proved to be a place of inspiration as it reflected nations from around the globe.
Following our visit to these two churches we enjoyed a lunch at the Kibbutz Mizra, the only non-kosher kibbutz in all of Israel. The only way they are allowed to raise pigs is to do so on a platform above the soil. Therefore today no swine touch the ground of Israel. I decided to pass on the bacon, however, and settled into some meatballs and potatoes followed by a well needed boost from an outstanding cup of espresso.
We spent the afternoon at Nazareth Village, an exhibit of Nazareth as it would have looked in Jesus’ day. Our folks in the group really enjoyed this part of the tour, even though at first glance many were concerned it would be a bit contrived and perhaps cheesy. Actually, it was well done and helped provide a better picture of the life and times of Jesus.
After a full day we made our way back to our hotel for our final night in Tiberias. Shabbat, the Jewish Sabbath, begins tonight at sundown, approximately 5pm. Observant Jews will not press buttons on the elevator, use their light switches or any nuumber of other “works” because to do so would break the Sabbath.
We formally ended our evening by meeting, sharing and praying together as a group. For each of us this has been an impactful time in getting too know the Holy Land and getting to know one another. Both are gifts.
Tonight we pack up and leave for our hotel in Jerusalem. On the way we will spend much of the day in Bethlehem.
Peace be with you
January 7th, 2010
This is our first “full” day in the Holy Land. We arrived close to three yesterday afternoon and after a rather uneventful walk through customs we were warmly greeted by our tour guide welcoming us to Israel. Outside of sleep depravation and travel wearies all of us are well.
We boarded a bus that took us to our hotel (which was more than a two hour winding drive) situated on the coast of the Sea of Galillee. By the time we arrived it was dark and so all we could really appreciate was the clean conditions of our room. Following a delightful meal of various salads, humus, and grilled meats, and a brief meeting (can you believe I actually have brief meetings?) we all stumbled to our rooms. While I cannot speak for the others, I slept soundly until our wake-up call at 6am. I do know that a few among our group have not quite adjusted to the travel and spent a good portion of the night watching reality TV shows in Hebrew.
What a view – my room overlooks the Sea, which is surrounded by gently rolling hills. The Sea itself is dotted by fisherman plying their trade according to 21st century methods! Speaking of the Sea of Galilee, it is not really a sea at all, but a large fresh water lake about 750 feet below sea level. The weather here is absolutely outstanding – temperatures in the 70s and bright sunshine.
Breakfast included a variety of yogurts, cheeses, eggs, breads and fish. Since most places are kosher, the dietary restrictions prevent serving dairy products with meat. Fish is the exception (which I still do not understand after all these years). There were plenty of fresh fruits, olives and dates as well as coffee and juices. We will not starve on this tour.
Today we visited sites all around Galilee, also know as Lake Tiberias. In Hebrew it is called Kinnert because it is shaped like a kinnor or harp. Our first stop was at the modern church commemorating the Beatitudes. While not a “historic” location, it is provides a striking perspective of how it may have looked when Jesus uttered words of peace, mercy and comfort to the crowds. Next we visited Kibbutz Ginosar and saw a resortred first century “Jesus boat” which was discovered in 1986. We then made our way to Capernaum, the hometown of Jesus’ ministry and works.
Just before lunch we took a private boat ride across the Sea of Galilee and stopped mid-point to reflect, sing and pray. Rev. Darwin Caldwell, Carla Burrow’s father, read to us from Mark chapter one, and Keith Burrow led us in singing. It was a welcome pause in our busy morning.
We dined along the Sea on St. Peter’s fish (it looked like bream to me) and were treated to Turkish coffee afterwards. We filled the afternoon with a visit to Tabgha, the location of the multiplication of fishes and loaves and a visit to the Jordan River.
While at the River Jordan Bok Bemis came prepared to be bapized but I did not prepare to do the baptizing! Not to worry, because I learned you can rent a robe. Wayne Koon also thought this a good idea so we entered the chilly waters of the Jordan and held a baptism service. I hope to be able to post some pictures tomorrow.
Soon we will have our dinner and a bit of quiet time for the evening. Several of us plan to walk along the town center of Tiberias and see the sites. It has been a full and good day.
Peace be with you.
January 4th, 2010
Having finished packing my luggage only hours before departure, one of my last things to do is to sit down and write this article. From January 5th to January 14th I will be touring the “Holy Land” along with 41 others members and friends of First Baptist Church of Augusta. This will be my second tour of Israel but for most in our group it will be their first. For all of us it will be an opportunity to experience the land where the Bible comes alive as we tour such notable places as Bethlehem, Nazareth, Capernaum, the Sea of Galilee and of course Jerusalem. Sacred places.
One does not need to travel to the other side of the world, however, to experience sacred places. While it is quite moving to visit the places where Jesus walked and taught and served, places made sacred are not exclusively reserved for the footsteps of Jesus. For Henry David Thoreau, it was a small cabin on the edge of Walden. For the relatively small number of Creek Indians it was a rock formation in the shape of an eagle in middle Georgia. For the new parents it is the sterile enclosure of a delivery room where they saw their newborn for the first time. Sacred space. We do not always name our memorable points as sacred, but that is what they are – sacred, holy. It may be your grandmother’s kitchen thick with the smell of biscuits out of the oven and coffee whisping in the air. It may be a favorite oak tree from the family home place where you once watched the passing of the afternoon sun of summer. Sacred. Holy. Places that are alive to us still and we now know that surely God was present, even if such a presence was simply as a quiet observer, like a mother periodically glancing out the kitchen window to make sure the kids are okay.
The geography of the Bible is scattered with sacred spaces and holy terrain. There was a burning bush and a bare foot Moses. Another time God sanctified Mt. Horeb with a silent whisper and a hushed Elijah. There is an empty tomb somewhere in Jerusalem and a road to Emmaus is a holy reminder that God was there.
While I am walking over the ground of Jerusalem and reflect on the footsteps of Jesus I will also be thinking of the sacred steps Christ has walked with me throughout my life. I will also be thinking of you dear church, where Christ continues to walk with us reclaiming the mundane and redeeming the profane and creating sacred spaces for all.
In the end, we are all wandering through the Holy Land.
Peace, shalom,