Inkling

Israel: Day 4
We saw a shower of rain outside the window of our dining hall this morning.  It's badly needed for the region.  However, by the time we got to the bus the skies cleared and we were on our way south to the Dead Sea with many stops along the way.

Our first stop was at the Crusader Fort Belvoir.  Belvoir means "good view", and we were not disappointed. The view over the Jordan Valley was breathtaking.  The ruins of this incredible structure revealed a seemingly impenetrable fortress complete with a moat and a double walled interior.  We couldn't imagine any enemy with a chance of being able to storm such ramparts.

From Belvoir we proceeded down the Jordan Valley to the ancient city of Jericho.  We toured the excavation sight of the Canaanite city that Joshua and the Israelites conquered as they entered the Promised Land.  Remnants of the crumbled walls made the Biblical story come alive.  We also recalled how Jesus broke down the walls surrounding a man named Zacchaeus and reclaimed him as a son of Abraham.

Just a few mile east is the site of Jesus' baptism in the Jordan River.  We listened to one of our own share a devotional reading there and then we reaffirmed our baptism by reciting together the Apostles' Creed and wading in the waters of the Jordan.  An unforgettable moment.

Then it was off to lunch and some shopping for Dead Sea products.

Andre, our guide, took us on a most informative tour of Qumran - the site of the Dead Sea Scrolls discovery.  Over 900 scrolls were found here in 1947.  They date back to the time of Jesus and confirm the accuracy of many of our Old Testament texts. 

Then we drove further south to our hotel along the shores of the Dead Sea.  Most quickly checked into their rooms and made their way to swim, er float, in the buoyant salty waters.  Others enjoyed the pool and spa.  We gathered for a delicious dinner in the dining hall and celebrated with thanksgiving and laughter what a great trip we've enjoyed so far.

Tomorrow we are on our way to Masada, En Gedi, Bethlehem and Jerusalem!!!

Shalom.