Israeli Observations

Selfie!

On Monday, we rented a car(Mazda 2) I say 'we' because Sheila, our friend from Montreal took us up on our suggestion to join us while we are in Israel.  This is her first time to to visit Israel.  So we took off to
show her Meggido, and then it was on to Ceasarea.  

Ceasarea is a harbour town, created by Herod the Great, about Jesus time, who chose the site, built a harbour, palace, replete with swimming pool, and fortifications, a 4000 seat outdoor theatre, a 10,000 seat sports arena for chariot races, etc.  It eventually became a town of about 50,000 people.  It is mentioned in the Bible as the place where Peter met Cornelius, the centurion of the Italian band, according to the KJV, and also the place where Paul was imprisoned, and where he appealed for his right to be tried as a Roman citizen.  The extensive ruins give testimony to a rather sophisicated society.

Sea of Galilee

Jordan River

The next day, we drove around the sea of Galilee.  We arrived in Tiberias about 9am, and stopped for a WIFI connection and americano at MacDonald's.  From there we traveled south, admiring the sea of Galilee, its shoreline, and clear blue colours.  About 10:30, we stopped in Yardenit, the place where the Jordan river drains the Galilee and begins its journey to the Dead Sea.  The river is not deep, and there were many fish of various sizes, visible in the shallow water.  It was very picturesque.  Sheila was ready to be re-baptized, and though there were gowns to be rented or bought, she didn't feel she had appropiate clothing, so she declined.  This is not the traditional place where John the Baptist baptized Jesus, but many pilgrims use this place because of its depth, cleanliness, and accessability.  We continued our drive, stopping for shells, sights, and sites.  The sites included where the demoniac was delivered, and pigs ran into the sea, the Jordan where it runs into the Sea of Galilee, Capernaum, Magdela, and then back to have supper in Tiberias as the sun set, darkness descended, and the moon shone.  Quite an unforgetable day.

Sunset by Tiberius

It seems incredible to think that our time is Israel will be over in about three weeks!  So far it has been fabulous!  We have made many new friends.  This evening we are going to the home of a new friend who has invited us to join his family for some Arabic food.

One down side to our time here is the fact that we have missed quite a few family celebrations.  Three of our grandchildren, our daughters, (Rachel and Laura), Simon, and Margaret had birthdays.  Simon & Laura had an anniversary.  My mother turned 94.  We were able to send greetings via BBM, Skype, etc., and that was ok, but not quite the same.   These times give me fresh appreciation to those missionaries who go out at the Lord's call and miss being physically present at the time of similiar family celebrations.