Our Final Day in Israel

Today had a leisurely feel, from a late morning departure from our hotel in Eilat to the airport (where we now wait), with fun things in between. Here are some of the highlights:

First we stopped to traipse around on the shore of the Red Sea, which separates the Sinai peninsula (Egypt) from Jordan and Saudi Arabia (which we could see from the shore). Above is a pic of Sarah and Troy, with a tanker in the background.

Next we stopped briefly to look out at Michtash Rimmon, Israel's "Grand Canyon." The view was amazing, although not nearly as large as the USA's Grand Canyon.

Next we stopped at Beer Sheva, a city that dates to the most ancient of biblical sites (featured in Genesis, roamed by both Abraham and Isaac). Above is a pic of the well discovered there, which dates to the earliest of times. (People dropped rocks into it; it took, on average, about 6 seconds for things to hit the bottom!) Although it was extremely windy for our time at Beersheva, it was enjoyable to see so ancient a biblical site. Thereafter we stopped at the Valley of Elah (or Azekah), where David fought Goliath (1 Sam 17). It was fun simply to hear the story read while looking out at the valley.

Our day concluded with a dinner together at a lovely restaurant, followed by celebrating Matt Degner's birthday one day late! ...which made it a total surprise!! The birthday cake was delicious, and the entire evening was a fun conclusion to our time together. We said goodbye to our guide Elie, our bus driver Muhommad, and also to each other (anticipating when we say farewell to each other at the airport). It has been a fabulous gathering of people, and we have enjoyed our time together immensely.

The fact that I - Troy - am writing this blog also, by the way, shows the fact that we are all tired! No one volunteered to write the blog this day alone, as we wait at the airport. While we have had a great time, we are all more or less exhausted from so many experiences. We have had many "God moments," learned a great deal about new things, and are still processing all that we have taken in. ...it has been a fantastic trip.

Finally, as a PS, here is the list of "special awards" we acknowledged today, for various memories formed on the trip together. (Some are inside jokes, while others are not; read at your own risk. :o)

Holy Land Trip Awards

Compiled by Troy & Sarah

Hardiest Trooper Award (for enjoying the trip while being sick):

Runners up: Matt Degner & Dean Wieland

• First Place: Mary Ann Devig

Bathroom Award: Susan Degner
Most excited about coffee stops – Sharon Bubb & Sarah Raymond
Most determined: Don Anderson
Most worried: Ellen Anderson
Lost Souls’ Award: Van Larson
Most excited NOT to be the trip leader; and the Snack Queen Award: Susan Zelewski
The Sheepdog Award: Matt Degner
The Caboose Award (most often the last of the group):  
2^nd place: Van Larson

• ^1st place: Arlen Simon

Most Likely to be found in the Forbidden Gift Shop Award: Monica Simon
Most Infectious Laugh:
3^rd place: Sherry Burg

• 2^nd place: Sherry Burg
• 1^st place: Sherry Burg

Frozen Dairy Product Connoisseur Award: Darla Sheldon
The “I Conquered Mt. Tabor” Effort Award: Shari Brieland
Softest Spoken Award: Joyce Wicklund and Cathy Martsolf
Boy Scouts’ Award: Shawn Bubb
Most interested in drugs: Dennis Johnson
Most studious: Mae Wieland and Joyce Wicklund
Best Birthday Cake candle (or Best-timed Bathroom stop Award): Dee Larson
Flora & Fauna Award: Joan Johnson
The Wi-fi Thieves’ Award: Dean & Mary Schieve
Hikers’ Best Friend Award: Pat Devig
Best Wildlife Spotter – Claude Sheldon
The St. Francis Award (most empathy for wildlife): Cathy Martsolf
Most interested in electric poles: Jay Raymond
Best Haggler: Van Larson