Israel trip day 5
3/7 Wednesday
Written by James so a little grace may be needed.
Today started early we rushed to get ready so we could go out to our balcony and watch the sun come up over the sea of Galilee. As the sky started to light up the old fishing boats that were moored became more visible.

-SEE PICTURE-

With a few more last minute additions, including our swimsuits to our packs we were on our way to breakfast. This was no ordinary day. Later this day we were to be baptized in the Sea of Galilee. The water from the Jordon river. - more about that later. After breakfast we boarded our bus for a short drive to the city of Magdala. You know this town by the name Magdalene. And yes you guessed it Mary Magdalene came from this place. The guide pointed out where Jesus may have walked. Down a valley between 2 mountains and into the town. They are in the process of uncovering a synagogue that Jesús more than likely taught in.
From there we went to Caesarea Phillipi where Herod the Great’s grandson Agrippa the second built a city dedicated to pagan worship. It was in this area Jesús asked his disciples who people thought He was, then more pointed, who do you say that I am? It is also where the spring Banias - one of the 3 springs that form the Jordon river began. The water was very clear.
From there we took a short, but very steep walk to a little town called Laisch later called Dan- This town was pivotal in chapters 17-18 of Judges. (Read it - can’t type that much) and later it was established (wrongfully so) as a place of worship when Israel split after Solomon’s death and Jeroboam became king of the 10 tribes of Israel that split off. (1st Kings 12-16)
From there we had lunch at a Jewish Kibbutz. (Chicken potatoes and salad)
After lunch we drove up to the Golan Heights region. There were times the Syrian border was less than 30 yards from the road. We stopped by 3 war memorials and heard festinating stories from our guide about the wars that had been fought there. We observed a great military presence in those areas.
We ended up back at the main hotel around 4:30 pm, changed into our bathing suits and were baptized.

The night ended with a great supper and a small concert from David Phelps. I am tired and am going to bed. Love you all. Shalom!!