It always seems impossible until it’s done.
-Nelson Mandela
Wednesday – April 22

Our last day as a group. We had to get all our luggage together – quite a pile!
We hopped on our bus and headed up to the Sea of Galilee! It was a little over 2 hours so we drove through the Judaean Wilderness, on the Jericho Road. The landscape here is starkly beautiful – tans and greens. Stone outcroppings and walls everywhere. Because of all the hills there are stunning vistas at every turn. We passed some Bedouin encampments – just tin shacks and dirt.
Our friend, who travelled with us, told us that Jericho is the oldest town in the world. He also shared some of his personal story. He was born here but lived and studied in Italy, at the Vatican, for many years. He is an articulate brilliant man who could live and work anywhere. But he chooses to stay because he feels called to witness and called to announce. An amazing man
Our first stop was the Jordan River – very lovely and serene, despite the tourist stuff. The river is not very wide at all. It seems like it should be larger for all that happened here. A number of people were being baptized. It was a privilege to witness. We went down by the water and our friend read about Jesus’ baptism and then he blessed each of us with a little water from the Jordan – a holy moment.
Being out in this area I felt much closer to the stories and parables than in most of the other holy sites. Here, the lake looks pretty much like it did in Christ’s time. With the addition of campers on the shore and boats out on the water. Also there are now the large crowds. After lunch we gathered at a place by the sea. We walked down to the shore and some do us went wading. Yes, I did! There were also some ruins reputed to be Peter’s home. Then we walked a little further, to a very small covered amphitheater right by the water. Our three women leaders led us in some scripture and communion. It was deeply moving and quite perfect. Then we drive a short distance, to another place on the sea and took a short boat ride.
Rather reluctantly we boarded the bus to head back. We swung by the Tel Aviv airport to drop off four of our number. Then the rest of us headed back to Jerusalem and were dropped off at the St George Guest House. Seven of us, the six women from Charlotte and me, got a taxi van and attempted to drive to our new hotel. However, we bumped into traffic for the two holidays. Today was Soldier Memorial Day and the flags were at half staff. We were told that nearly every Israeli knows a soldier who has died. So today is somber and sad. Then, at nightfall, the celebration for Independence Day begins. Streets are blocked and the place is packed with people blowing horns, waving flags, just enjoying themselves, very loudly! Because we couldn’t get to our hotel by car, we hopped out and schlepped our bags quite a few blocks, through the crowds, trying to stay together. It seemed like it took a while but it really wasn’t too long until we happily spotted our hotel!
After checking in, we got a recommendation for dinner and found it fairly easily. We were all hungry for non Middle Eastern food so this fit the bill. It was pretty late when we finally got to bed. Another great day. And I am rather exhausted!
Tomorrow – our guide and Jerusalem sites we haven’t seen.