Our second full day in Israel began with a beautiful sunrise over the Sea of Galilee and a glorious surprise as we boarded the bus for Chorazim and Capernaum: Rhonda found three cans of Dr Pepper at the convenience store across the street from our hotel! Needless to say, she purchased all three and begged the clerk to describe in detail exactly when he expected the next shipment.

We are having a ball here with our celebrity guide, Anton Farah, pausing for handshakes, hugs, and selfies with admirers at every stop. We have surveyed the remains of Megiddo and marveled at the theater in Caesarea; we have seen the ceremonial washing jars at the church in Cana and walked the uneven steps at the synagogue in Chorazim; we have walked the streets of Capernaum and sailed the waters of the Sea of Galilee. We have contemplated the makeup of Jesus’ manger–wood or stone? We have pondered the age of the apostles, wondered about the presence of bacon and sausage at the heavenly feast , and heard a wild Ethiopian legend about Solomon and the Queen of Sheba. And we know more now about barley, wheat, and grapes then we could have ever dreamed.

Oh, and, “Skirt Alert!” Jason had to wear a Franciscan-issued “skirt” to cover up his legs at Capernaum. The Skirt of Shame.

The boat ride that ended our day was spectacular. We put out a couple of miles, right into the middle of the Sea of Galilee, worshiped our God together in song and Word, and reminded each other how our Lord Jesus showed us so much of God’s love and patience and grace on and around those waters. It was a little weird in that the wind was blowing in some dark clouds as we climbed into the boat, and we could hear thunder rumbling in the distance. It was stirring our biblical memory in an uneasy way. But the weather cooperated, we were the only ones in our boat, and we all received some needed reminders and some welcome encouragement and assurance from the trip.

 

 

 

 

 

This is by far the smallest group I’ve ever taken to Israel. And we are having a blast. We have the massive tour bus to ourselves, the weather is ideal, and everyone is really bonding well together over these experiences. We’re opening up about our own faith in the Lord and growing together as brothers and sisters in him.

I’m not fully adjusted to the eight-hour time difference yet–not fully. Maybe by this time tomorrow.

Shalom!
Allan