Holy Land Tour Post 3

Saturday, June 11, 2011

Today we entered Jersusalem, not as Jesus did so many years ago, but in an air-conditioned bus. We entered the Old City by the Jaffa Gate, while Jesus entered through the East Gate. Rather than being greeted by shouts of Hosanna! and palm branches, we went through several check points, including one where an armed soldier walked through the bus.

We spent time at a place that may be the Garden of Gethsemane. This may not be the exact location, but is very similar to what the Gethsemane would have been like. It was a very peaceful garden with many very old gnarly olive trees. Near the Garden was the Church of Gethsemane, designed to capture the feeling of that night. It was a beautiful church The ceiling was dark with muted stars, representing the night sky,

We also visited Bethany where Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead. We walked/climbed into a tomb that may be the actual tomb or a similar one. Although Bethany is only about 2 miles from the Old City, we had to drive quite a distance to get there, as not all roads are accessible to us.

Many years before the time of Jesus, this is also the area where Abraham was willing to sacrifice his son Isaac on Mt. Moriah.

I feel so blessed to be in the land that Jesus walked and to be a part of this tour group as we explored the Holy Lands together. It has been a fantastic experience.

Barb Dahlby, '69