Shabbat Shalom.
Greetings from Tiberius! I’m sitting on the balcony of my parent’s hotel room, my feet up on a chair as I listen to the faint sounds of the Sea of Galilee. It’s hard to hear over the chatter of people strolling down on the boardwalk, but this is where Jesus walked on water. It wouldn’t have been a night like tonight – there’s only a very faint breeze working hard to take the edge off the unseasonably warm evening.
It’s so dark that I can’t really see the water, but I do see the lights of settlements on the Golan Heights twinkling from across the Sea. That’s one of the sights we’ll take in tomorrow, along with a boat ride and a visit to the Mount of Beatitudes, among other things.
It’s so dark that I can’t really see the water, but I do see the lights of settlements on the Golan Heights twinkling from across the Sea. That’s one of the sights we’ll take in tomorrow, along with a boat ride and a visit to the Mount of Beatitudes, among other things.
We arrived about an hour ago after a two-hour drive from the airport after a day and half of flights. Our guide, Boaz, spoke for awhile but I think at least half of our band of 30 fell asleep at least once during the ride. Most of us met up in Frankfurt, the scene I will always remember as giving me the patting down of my life. Not to be too graphic, but let’s just say I would never have made it through security with a bra bomb thanks to the efficiency of the security staff.
A very nice spread awaited us at the hotel, even though it’s Shabbat and no cooking could be done. Most everyone inhaled some food and dragged their way back to their rooms, even though it’s only 8:30. I think the majority are in need of a good night’s sleep before we get our wake-up calls at 6:30 tomorrow morning. I’m just trying to throw together a semi-coherent post to let you know we made it alright, then I’ll be crashing myself.
One thing from the drive – we passed the town of Nain which has existed since the time that Jesus performed the miracle of raising the widow’s son. It brought tears to my eyes – there’s just something about this land where everywhere you turn, even if you’re just driving to your hotel, there’s a piece of the Biblical story laid out in front of you.
A very nice spread awaited us at the hotel, even though it’s Shabbat and no cooking could be done. Most everyone inhaled some food and dragged their way back to their rooms, even though it’s only 8:30. I think the majority are in need of a good night’s sleep before we get our wake-up calls at 6:30 tomorrow morning. I’m just trying to throw together a semi-coherent post to let you know we made it alright, then I’ll be crashing myself.
One thing from the drive – we passed the town of Nain which has existed since the time that Jesus performed the miracle of raising the widow’s son. It brought tears to my eyes – there’s just something about this land where everywhere you turn, even if you’re just driving to your hotel, there’s a piece of the Biblical story laid out in front of you.
Comments
Very cool! I can't wait to be there in May....until then, I will revel in your great experience.
Posted by: Stacy Harp | March 24, 2007 04:16 PM
Hi Jodi, glad all of you made it safe, tell everyone hello and we wish we were there. Have fun and be safe. -Fonsie
Posted by: Fonsie | March 23, 2007 10:51 PM
Hi gang, we are so sad that we are not with you. I heard a flight lift off Thursday morning about 7:25AM and wondered is it them? I had tears in my eyes, but then I began to pray for you all. I will continue each day. I know God kept us here for a reason. May you see our Jesus each day. love and hugs Elaine
Posted by: Rabbi Meade's wife | March 23, 2007 07:43 PM
Hi Jodi and family,
I am already going with you on this wonderful trip!!! I may never make it myself so with your wonderful skill for writing, I am going to have a special sense of what it looks and feels like to be there (even the security! :-) . We are doing fine... still questions to be answered before decisions are made. Love to all of you,
Posted by: Ann | March 23, 2007 07:07 PM
Sounds incredible!
Posted by: Hal | March 23, 2007 07:03 PM
Yep, me too...feeling a little jealous, espeically since I'm reading this from work and it's 6:23 pm. Well, last thing I do before heading home. Maybe someday I too will get to see what you're seeing, through my own eyes. Have a wonderful time and tell Vicki sorry I missed her before she left, but I knew she'd be busy. There will be time when she returns and then she can tell me all about her experiences. Thanks for the update. TTFN!!
Posted by: Shannon Sigglin | March 23, 2007 05:26 PM
Jodi!!!! Im so jealous you are there and I am here : ( Thankfully I have this blog to get some insight into the trip...are you gonna post any pics? Well keep me posted! Tell you parents and Vicki hi! Hope everyone is well!!!!!
Posted by: Kristin Dewey | March 23, 2007 03:15 PM