Upper Galilee and Sea of Galilee

Beginning the day with a view of the Sea of Galilee at sunrise is much like being on the Atlantic for sunrise - Beautiful. The mountains on the other side of Galilee were in full view, rising upward, sharply.

We started at Golan Heights, passing the tanks and bunkers the Syrian Army left from the war in 2006. The Israeli Army is all along this border actively watching. NO pictures allowed of their sensitive sights. Yes, we took pictures of the LARGE UN housing here on the border. The UN ensures that the cease fire between Syria and Israel stays active.

We visited Mt.Hermon, where we found ruins from the 1st and 2nd Century. Three engravings in the mountain side reminding us of Jesus' refusal to have three booths set up similarly in his name. This sight of the "transfiguration" is awesome and clearly, you don't have to be religious to have a religious experience.

Along the route we passed the 12th century ruins of the Crusaders. Also, the ruins of the war between Israel and Syria are everywhere. One cannot walk out here easily, because of the land mines Syria refuses to take out - this is contested land ownership.

Next to Caperneum. A small town. The name is also Nahum, coming from two Hebrew words, Kfar and Nahum. No exact translation. Wait till you see the pictures of the 1932 excavation. The temple is here where Jesus most likely preached. Only the base floor is left. What is still standing upon it is the 3rd century church built upon the ruins. Much is ruined of the church because of the Persian war in 6th century.

We visited the site of the feeding of the 5000. IT too is an amazing place. Very small area. One wonders.... is this actually the place?

Heather and Erika, how many types of fish are there in the world? Please respond here and let everyone know and after wards, I'll tell you a story about Jesus in the Gospels.

The house of Peter is at the same location. One room. People lived simply back then. Actually, the homes of current day residents are very small and simple.

The ancient ruins are incredible. Rich history. I thought 1776 homes were old. Too see 1st century homes is more incredible.

Oh, I failed to mention the Gaza Strip. Yes, the Israeli's tend to fire indiscriminately at the Palestinians. The Palestinians get used to it, after all, what other option do they have? They are walled in and kept like caged animals.

How ironic that we are visiting holy sites, find people praying, kissing statues and religious things and meanwhile, rockets and gun fire take place and no body says a word. What is wrong with this picture?

My hope is to continue to learn about the people and culture here, as well as the on going conflict that we may study together the faith which enables us to stand as Jesus once did, for what is good, and just and loving.

A treat for today is comment from two friends here:
Grace and peace to you from God our Creator and our Lord Jesus Christ!
It has been a pleasure to have your Pastor on this trip. She keeps us laughing and is always full of energy. I believe you should be very proud to have Amy as your Pastor. She has blessed my life by becoming a friend on this Holy Journey. In Christian Love, Ken and Naylo


Prayer:
Holy and living God, you who are not trapped within a building, a mountain face, or in the pages of the Bible, renew our lives and Spirits. Inspire our faith to interact with the contemporary world, making it more of heaven upon earth, while keeping us from becoming dead stones, stuck in the past. Keep us at one with brothers and sisters who are suffering and keep us mindful of the necessity of action. Be with our Palestinian brothers and sisters now. May peace, Sala'am, Shalom Come. Amen.