You are invited...

Please join us on Sunday, March 11 at 12 noon in Calvary's Fellowship Hall to hear more about our trip. We will serve a lunch (free will offering) with some American foods and some Middle East things to try. Hear about the trip, our reactions and maybe even a couple of our Top 10s! Spread the word...everyone is welcome to attend.

We're Back!!!!!

The travelers have now returned from the trip of a lifetime.  If you ever have the opportunity to travel to the Holy Land, do it!  It will change you in ways you cannot even begin to imagine.  We went expecting to deepen our faith, as well as our understanding of Scripture, people, places, and events, but came away with so much more.  We each will hold this time together forever in our hearts, and face the realities of our everyday lives with renewed strength and commitment.  What a way to begin the upcoming Lenten Season!

Written by Susan Degner

Final thoughts...

Now that we are at the end of our journey, we wanted to impart some important information to all of you potential travelers contemplating a trip to the Holy Land. A group of us girls (the 'Bathroom Queens' as named by Dennis) rated each bathroom on a scale ranging from A+ to F. We used the following criteria: cleanliness, odor (which believe me, is definitely NOT always a factor of cleanliness) availability of toilet paper, soap, paper towels and/or a working hand dryer. Much to our dismay, we found in Jerusalem that we had to add Western-style toilets vs. porcelain squatters to the list. I must tell you, that there are very few A+ bathrooms here.
But be not afraid. Go. Ignore your exasperated tour guide's query, "Is this really necessary right now?" and go whenever you have the chance. You never know where the next bathroom will be, and chances are, it wasn't worth waiting to see if it rated higher than the last one. On a final note, keep a few shekels in your pocket, in case you have to pay as you go ;)
By Susan Degner and Shari Brieland

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

Matt's 51st Birthday (Wed, Petra)

By Susan Degner:

How ironic that I am in charge of writing today’s blog.  Before I left for Israel, I had a conversation with Pastor Jeff about the trip.  He had been to Israel some years back, and recommended keeping a travel diary.  I just laughed and told him that that would be lower on my list of priorities than taking pictures, which I also don’t do.   Well, Matt and I are also taking pictures for Elli Pastorek to use in her confirmation class project!  Anyway, today was always destined to be special because it is Matt’s 51^st birthday!  How am I ever going to top Petra as a birthday present?

 We spent the night in Eilat on the Red Sea, and arrived at the border crossing bright and early.  We had to get exit stamps from Israel, and then walk across a true No-Man’s Land to Jordan.  There we received our entrance stamps into Jordan.  Our passports are looking pretty exotic!  We also had to go through security.  I must admit, I have never crossed a border on foot.  Matt’s “shukran”  (the Arabic word for thank you) to the guard was met with a smile and a warm welcome to Jordan.

 (Our Jordanian Guide, Mohammed)

We met our guide, Mohammed, and boarded our bus for the 2 hour ride to Petra.  As he introduced himself to us, he explained that Mohammed is a very common name in the Middle East, and if you shout “Mohammed!” in any marketplace, about a hundred heads will turn.  We drove toward the Edomite Mountains through the stark yet somehow still beautiful desert.  Jordan is about 90% desert, and is not a rich country like some of its neighbors because there is no oil or large industry.  But it is rich in history, and wherever you dig, you will uncover some treasure of times and people past.   The population is about 3% Christian and almost all of the rest of the people are Moslem.  Mohammed told us that there is a high level of religious tolerance in the country.  He also told us about the origins of Islam, and I have never heard it explained so beautifully.  The word Islam means to believe in one God. We Jews, Christians, and Moslems share much more similarities than differences it seems.  He also gave a nice summary of the history of modern Jordan.

The Edomite Mountains are where Aaron, the brother of Moses is buried.  It was his dying request to be buried on the highest mountain in Petra. Today his tomb has a mosque on it.  Mt. Nebo is also in these mountains, and is where Moses was allowed by God to see into the Promised Land.  We were told that on a clear day, you can see all the way to the Mediterranean Sea.  The valley is called the Wadi Mousa which means “Valley of Moses.”

Petra was built by a tribe of people called the Nabataeans about 2200 years ago.  It is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.   The word Petra is from the Greek, and means “rock”.   We are excited to get off of the bus, and begin our descent along the path down into the canyon.  Don and Claude opt to ride down in a horse-drawn carriage, and will meet us at the Treasury. 

The carvings in the rock are beautiful, and share characteristics with Roman, Greek, and Egyptian design and architecture.  Most are tombs, which would hold one to two bodies.  The sunlight and shadow along the canyon walls highlight the natural striating of the rock.  Some parts reminded me of the Painted Desert in Arizona.  Our guide stops us at various points along the path to point out and explain some point of interest.  I can’t hear much of it, because there is a constant barrage of sales pitches from children selling postcards and other trinkets.  They are from Bedouin families nearby, and are helping to provide support for the family.  We also have a lot of offers for camel rides and horse rides down into the canyon.  All for your dinars or American dollars, of course!

We finally get a glimpse of the crown jewel of Petra—the façade that is the most famous one in Petra—the Treasury.  And, it’s pink!  It is even more impressive in person, than any picture you have seen.  I took a great picture of Shari, who went native in her beautiful red Jordanian headdress ($18—“installed”, meaning they wrapped it around her head for her).  We spent about 10 minutes walking around and taking a closer look, then on towards lunch!

We ended up in an open area which included a theater, which was not constructed, but instead carved out of the stone.  We started out dining al fresco, but were actually chased under cover by a fast moving hail storm!   All too soon, we start making our way back up the path.   We didn’t have quite as many offers of postcards, but lots of offers for a camel or horse ride back.  Most of us walked as we have been eating pretty well on this trip, and need to work some of it off at any opportunity.  

 (Matt and I in the Canyons of Petra)

We could have all used more time as there are many more paths and much more to see.  But, we will just have to make our way back to this beautiful place another time.  Isn’t that the point of a well-planned trip—to leave you wanting just a little bit more?  Oh, and Sarah is talking about putting together a German Luther trip in the summer of 2013.   Can you believe that no one even groaned at the thought of another long trek?  Where and when do I sign up?

 Written by Susan Degner

Tuesday morning

This was our free morning. We split up into several groups and had people from each group write about their experiences. First from Shari Breiland...

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It was a beautiful sunny morning in Jerusalem and our group of 6 (Matt, Cathy, Sarah, Joyce and I) set out to the Old City to do the Rampart Walk up on the city walls. It was interesting to see the local people starting their day and merchants opening up their shops as we made our way through the Old City of Jerusalem to start the Rampart Walk at the Jaffa Gate.
The view from the top of the walls was great and we got a birds-eye view of some of the sights we had visited over the past couple of days...the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Dome of the Rock on the Temple Mount, and the skull of Golgotha, to name a few.
The morning exercise felt great before we made our way to the southern tip of Israel.

_______

Next from a small group of ours that went to Bethlehem for the free morning:

Today was our free morning in Israel. We visited Bethlehem last Saturday, but were under time constraints and unable to wait for 2 hours in the Church of the Nativity to enter the grotto beneath the church. This is the traditional location where Jesus was born, and where his mother, Mary, laid him in the manger. While I understood that we didn't have the time, my heart felt heavy to have come all this way, and not to visit this Holy place. So our tour guide, Elie, arranged for a car and driver to take us to Bethlehem today. I was joined by Monica and Arlen Simon, and Dee Larson. Our driver, Mahmoud, was prompt, and we easily traveled through the check points on our way to Bethlehem. We drove through Shepherd's Fields, and were dropped off right in Manger Square in front of the church. We went inside of the church, and were told that it was closed for 1 hour. We had prearranged our pick-up time, and only had 1 hour to accomplish our mission. The guard was emphatic--closed for 1 hour. The other guard must have sensed our dismay, because he asked us if it was just the four of us. We nodded, and he motioned us to come with him. He directed us to join a tour group who must have made prior arrangements, and we made our way into the cave. "Quickly, quickly, faster!" we heard from the Tour Guide. We started to hurry along as well, and our friendly guard stopped us at the steps and said, "No. You stay." So the four of us had at least 5 minutes alone in the cave where it is believed that Our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, was born. My heart is full. I am so glad that we went, and I will never forget those moments as long as I live. (Written by Susan Degner)

(Church of the Nativity at Bethlehem)

..._________________________

Finally, from our group who went shopping!! ...from Susan Zelewski
Today a small group of us returned to the Old City in Jerusalem for shopping. It was a wonderful to get to experience the Old City early in the morning prior to the arrival of all the pilgrims and tour groups.
The narrow streets were quiet and even dark in spots. Just a few local residents were out beginning their days and many times the only places open were markets selling fresh fruits, veggies and fresh baked bread and a couple of grocery stores.
It was amazing to get to clearly see areas along the Via Dolorosa. We had only glanced the day before due to the crowds.
As the souvenir shops opened, our group of 7 found a great store run by the Barakat brothers. From silver cross necklaces to olive wood figurines, music boxes and Nativity sets. These were lots of great finds.
Good thing we had Van along to serve as master negotiator. He brokered some great deals. We each had our own shopping agendas and all completed.
The next stop was a spice shop (also run by the brothers) where we found local spices to buy. On our return to the hotel, we stopped at a local candy store and then bought rings of bread covered in sesame seeds with local spices to sprinkle on top for later in the day.

Not only did we enjoy a wonderful morning of shopping, but we were also lucky enough to experience e early morning Old Jerusalem.

...the rest of everyone simply laid low at the hotel (Pastor Troy included!!). And it was tremendously enjoyable - a worthy breather during this full trip!! It was a beautiful morning!!

Date: Monday, February 13

Author: Darla Sheldon

What a privilege to be on this trip and to be able to write this blog on my 66th birthday! Our day began with a 5:45 a.m. wake up call, another breakfast fit for a king (probably a chubby one :) ), and on the bus by 7 a.m. for a very full day. Here was our itinerary: 1) Temple Mount - considered the holiest place in the Jewish faith because it was where King Solomon and. Later Ezra and Nehemiah built the Temples. Today, however, it is the location of the Dome of the Rock mosque which is so visible in most pictures of Jerusalem. The Temple Mount is under Muslim control, but Israeli security. We all had to go through security (just like at the airports). We could not wear a visible cross, we had to wear modest clothing, we could not have food. Soldiers were visible everywhere because there had been an incident yesterday where they had to shut everything down. Today was peaceful. 2) Walked the Via Dolorosa and visited the stations of the cross leading to the crucifixion and Jesus being put in the tomb.

3) The Church of the Holy Sepulchre which contains stations #10-14, the rock of Golgotha and the tomb of Jesus. 4) The ancient Roman cardio street of shops and ancient ruins 5) Israel Museum with a fascinating 1/50th scale model of Jerusalem during the time of Jesus.

6) Garden Tomb which is a new site found more recently and run by Christians. They believed the exact place is not known, but said the place is not to be revered but what happened there is the most important -- Jesus died for our sins. 7) The bus took us to our hotel for an awesome banquet again

PLUS a special chocolate ice cream cake to share with all for my birthday! Highlight of my day: my husband buying me a beautiful olive wood nativity set for my birthday!

My thoughts for today: The unrest of all the different sectors of people here in Israel makes me appreciate our country and all it's flaws. We live in the greatest country.

Written by Darla Sheldon on her birthday!!