TravelStream™ news feed for member bigdriver222 on TravelPod's free travel blogs service http://www.travelpod.com/syndication/rss/bigdriver222 en-us Copyright ©2009 TravelPod.com Fri, 02 Jun 2006 10:20:55 -0400 http://www.travelpod.com http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/bigdriver222/jerusalem/1149211080/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/bigdriver222/jerusalem/1149211080/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/bigdriver222/jerusalem/1149211080/tpod.html Fri, 02 Jun 2006 10:20:55 -0400 Mike's Israel Adventure...

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Jerusalem, Palestinian Territory

Today was a free day - kind of. We had a preview of our trip to Jordan - this should be interesting. I am glad I signed up before I got here because at this point I am ready to go home. This afternoon we went to visit a Palestinian Christian organization called Sabeel. This is an organization that is dedicated to ministering the justice and peace of Christ. Being Palestinian they have a pro-Palestinian and anti-occupation stance of the region of Palestine. They are trying to minister in the midst of occupation. The Palestinian Liberation theology is very evident and they see some evangelicals hurting the peace process. We were told that our the interpretation of the scriptures can affect how we view the middle east conflict. If we see the "land" as being God's gift to just the Israelis than expelling the Palestinians is the natural result. But if the "land" is not what God cares about than the oppression that Israel dishes to the Palestinians is not justified. There are so many issues that go into the conflict. But the insight from this perspective is not something that you will get in the US. We have our final exam tomorrow. On Saturday I leave for Jordan - it should be interesting. I am ready to leave here though. I am tired. I might be out of touch for a little while - so I will catch you later - Maybe in Europe!
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/bigdriver222/jerusalem/1149055140/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/bigdriver222/jerusalem/1149055140/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/bigdriver222/jerusalem/1149055140/tpod.html Thu, 01 Jun 2006 02:17:36 -0400 Mike's Israel Adventure...

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Jerusalem, Israel

Today we spent our time looking at modern Jerusalem. It was a sobering day. Our day would involve the Garden Tomb site (one of the only Protestant Holy Sites here in Jerusalem). Then we would go to the Holocaust Remembrance Museum and finally to the Israeli Museum. Our bus came at 8:45a and we were off to the Garden Tomb. While Bob, our archeologist teacher had told us this tomb was not dated correctly to be the tomb of Jesus - the site was very nice and contemplative. For me, having a hard time getting out of my head, it was difficult to worship here knowing that our resident scholar had debunked the authenticity of the site before we arrived. While it was a nice environment and the local guide was very passionate in telling the story of the crucifixion and burial, I was still unable to escape my thought that this place was just a garden next to a parking lot (it was literally next to a bus station). I took a few pictures. Next we were across town to the Holocaust Remembrance Museum. This place was tough. Being in Israel and walking through this place surrounded by Israelis was surreal. It told the story of the Holocaust from the beginnings of anti-Semitism to the liberation and remembrance of the victims. They had a large room filled, literally, with books containing the names of those who were murdered during the Holocaust. I could not take picture inside the Museum and to be honest that was good. It was not overly graphic, however it was intense. I almost lost my composure on a few occasions but none like when I saw the shoes. There on display were shoes of the victims. Big shoes, baby shoes - as I looked at the shoes I was reminded of the number of time I have put shoes on the feet of my girls. As I left I felt the pangs of hunger and was reminded that I had skipped breakfast this morning. Along with my wish be with my family, this served as a minute illustration of what so many had gone through. Without food for weeks and surviving on whatever they could find. At the same time, many watching their family members being torn away only to know - yet hope against it - that they would never be reunited. My small hunger pangs were suddenly not so severe. Finally we were at the Israeli Museum. Here they had some of the Dead Sea scrolls on display as well as the original artifacts from many of the site we had been to. It was neat to be led through by Bob and his valuable insights. Many of us were thoroughly spent after the Holocaust Museum, but the information was interesting. We were hastened out the door as the Museum closed at 4:00p. This was our last 'official' field study on our trip. I have learned a lot - more than I wanted to in some cases - but the overall experience is amazing. I am tired and can't wait to be home I know that when I look back on this experience I will have an insight that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.P.S. Happy Birthday Mom!
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/bigdriver222/jerusalem/1148968680/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/bigdriver222/jerusalem/1148968680/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/bigdriver222/jerusalem/1148968680/tpod.html Tue, 30 May 2006 17:01:09 -0400 Mike's Israel Adventure...

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Jerusalem, Israel

Today was a day off so I slept in until almost 9:30a. It was much needed. Skipping breakfast I headed out to the Old City to get a few souvenirs. Most of the shops here have pretty much the same thing. But after being here for a couple of weeks I think I know what things are worth and know where to find things. I also went into West Jerusalem (new city) to go to an ATM and eat some lunch - I was sick of pitas and Shawarma - The Arabian taco (think pita with mystery meat inside). I found a pizza place - I guess I couldn't get very far from pitas. This afternoon I did some studying and then had dinner. After dinner I did laundry and went to a lecture about church planting in Israel. It was interesting. Right now as I am updating my travelblog I am sitting on a balcony overlooking the street. I can hear the sounds of the city (and smell the smells - stinky). Very close is a group of Palestinian men raucously talking and singing. If it wasn't midnight I might go join them. But it is another early day tomorrow and I better get some sleep. I leave here in one week.
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/bigdriver222/jerusalem/1148935080/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/bigdriver222/jerusalem/1148935080/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/bigdriver222/jerusalem/1148935080/tpod.html Tue, 30 May 2006 16:47:12 -0400 Mike's Israel Adventure...

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Galilee, Israel

This was a later morning as we needed to hit the bus at 8. We then had a boat ride from one side of the Sea of Galilee to the other. Amazing. To imagine Jesus walking on this water or Peter working hard all night long and catching nothing only to meet Jesus and be called to his side. To be on the same water as the disciples as they were crossing the lake when a storm came on them is surreal. The wind from the Arbel pass blows quickly onto the waters of the lake and in the winter I can imagine a wind storm rushing through this valley and onto the lake. Mark 4:37-41. We stopped midway across the lake to read this story. Once on the other side we went into a museum that had a first century boat on display - dubbed the "Jesus boat" it was similar to what the disciples would have used.Next we went into Tiberius for some walking around. Another stop at the Jordan - this time at a baptismal spot - very touristy. Finally we stopped at Bet Shean (or Scythopolis). This was a very big site with a nice bath area and well preserved heated bath room. They even had a latrine. Here we learned that there was a god of the latrine - called Caca. No joke. There was a well preserved theater and roadways. It was hot (100 degrees) yet an interesting site. Then we were off to Jerusalem. It was a long drive and we were all tired when we got back. Later that night a few of us went out for dessert and found a place with great chocolate cake - which is a rare find here. Tomorrow is our day off so I hope to do some shopping. I am tired so I am off to bed.
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/bigdriver222/jerusalem/1148847720/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/bigdriver222/jerusalem/1148847720/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/bigdriver222/jerusalem/1148847720/tpod.html Tue, 30 May 2006 16:38:02 -0400 Mike's Israel Adventure...

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Ein Gev, Israel

I woke up rested by the Sea of Galilee today. It actually got cold in my room as I slept. I had a weird dream about David Griffith being on a reality TV show. On the show he was suppose to go over to this girls house to get to know her to see if they should get married. I was his consultant on the show, there to help make the decision. Interesting dream. Sorry Wendi.Today our first stop is a bridge over the Jordan River. We hope to finish early today so we are moving quick. We are in the Golan Heights which was taken by Israel in 1967 as a buffer zone in the fight with Syria. Now the UN has forces there to help control this buffer zone. We stopped at Tel Dan in the Huleh basin and had a nice nature walk next to one of the springs that feeds the Jordan River. Dan was the northern most tribe of Israel. We moved on to Caesarea Philippi or Banias as it is now called. This is the traditional site of the transfiguration of Jesus. Here we had lunch and walked up to the cliffs which had at one time been a monument to Pan. We then drove to the northern most border of Israel, near Syria and Lebanon. From our vantage point we could look out over the UN controlled zone in Jordan and Lebanon. On our way back to Ein Gev for an early day we stopped at Qasein to view a first century type home. This was the type of home that would have been in use during Jesus' ministry. With the mud thatched roof it is similar to what the men would have dug through to get their maimed friend to Jesus in Luke 5:17-26. Finally, we made it back to Ein Gev for some more swimming in the Sea of Galilee.
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/bigdriver222/jerusalem/1148779800/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/bigdriver222/jerusalem/1148779800/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/bigdriver222/jerusalem/1148779800/tpod.html Tue, 30 May 2006 16:21:19 -0400 Mike's Israel Adventure...

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Ein Gev, Israel

Early morning in Nazareth, nice breakfast and a good nights sleep. Our first stop today is the Spring of Mary. This is a natural spring located in the town of Nazareth - where the town - which would have been smaller in Jesus' day - got their water. As you can probably guess there is a church on top of it (Luke 1:26-38). From there we went to another church in Nazareth called the Church of the Annunciation. This church has been rebuilt in the 80's over the ruins of the old church. It is beautiful. They were celebrating the Eucharist inside - nice video.Next we were on to Sepphorus - which was the roman provincial capital from BC 6 to AD 30 then it moved to Tiberius on the Sea of Galilee. Here they have a mosaic dubbed the "Galilee Mona Lisa" - a beautiful and detailed mosaic. After lunch we hiked up to Arbel Cliffs with its impressive view of the Sea of Galilee and the Golan Heights. It was very windy. Our next stop is the site of the miracle of the five loaves and two fish. - There is another nice mosaic here in the floor under the alter. Next we went to Capernaum which had a house church in the late first century. Later this was covered by an octagonal Byzantine church . This city served as Jesus' home base during his years of ministry.We finally made it to our hotel on the Sea of Galilee. Here we will stay two nights. I am glad that I have my own place. However because I was feeling lonely and another room had a more than a few guys in there I invited Edmund to come to my room. We then had a chance to swim in the Sea of Galilee last night. I bet Jesus did that too! I am very sleepy and the air conditioning is working well - it should be a good night.
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/bigdriver222/jerusalem/1148702400/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/bigdriver222/jerusalem/1148702400/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/bigdriver222/jerusalem/1148702400/tpod.html Fri, 26 May 2006 16:15:17 -0400 Mike's Israel Adventure...

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Caesarea, Israel

It was an early start at 6a this morning after a late night for Jerusalem Day. We are heading toward Galilee for this three night trip. Our first stop is Aphek. This is the city where the Israelites lost the Ark to the Philistines (1 Sam 4-6). The story is that the Israelites were opposed by the Philistines and in order to win the battle they thought they would bring the Ark down from Shiloh for the battle. It was their magic bullet. They put their trust in an object to win and they lost. How many times do I try and 'use' God to try to get what I want? "Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked..." Galatians 6:7Next we are off to Caesarea (Maritima) on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea. Wow! Nice place to build a palace Harod! Bath houses, theater, hippodrome (chariot racing) and water front property - this place must have been nice. In AD 6 Caesarea became the seat of the Roman governors. It became the capital of Judea after the fall of Jerusalem in AD 70 and was taken and retaken many times over the course of the next millennium. We even visited the ancient aqueduct that brought fresh water into Caesarea. Caesarea is a beautiful place. This is by far my favorite place we have stopped. Note all the pictures. I love the Sea and this place captures that feeling for me. As I stepped into the sea I could have stayed here for the rest of the trip. Although it was a bit empty without Kristen and the girls. I saw kids playing and couples walking....sniff...sniff...I miss my bride.From here we were on to Mt. Carmel where Elijah confronted the prophets of Baal. (1 Kings 17-18). This is one of my favorite Old Testament stories. Here is a guy outnumbered and puts it all out on the line - this guy had faith. I wish I had a fraction of that kind of faith. Finally we stopped at Megiddo which is known by a more famous name - Armageddon. We didn't get to stay as the place was closing early - the Sabbath begins at sunset tonight. We are staying at St. Gabriel's Hotel on the hill overlooking Nazareth. As you probably know Nazareth is the childhood home of Jesus. The rooms are sparse - but they have the internet - go figure. I think there is a fan in my room. Well I better go to bed, another early day tomorrow.
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/bigdriver222/jerusalem/1148618580/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/bigdriver222/jerusalem/1148618580/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/bigdriver222/jerusalem/1148618580/tpod.html Thu, 25 May 2006 16:55:47 -0400 Mike's Israel Adventure...

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Jerusalem, Israel

Test Day - I slept until 9:15 - I feel like a sloth. I cleaned up and prepared for my test. Our class is being taught by an Archeologist so our tests tend to reflect that bent - rocks, cities, remains - I wish there was more connection to practical information. Test at 1p and then a lecture from 2:30 - 6:00. I did my laundry and now it is time for dinner. Tonight we have another lecture from a Jewish believer in Yeshua (Jewish Christian). I better go...We are off to Galilee tomorrow for a four day trip. I will hopefully update you when I return - unless there is internet along the way!I love the comments I get back from you guys. Keep them coming. Also, let me know if there is something I can get for you while I am here and I'll see what I can do. Also, the town of Jerusalem is filled with celebrants as today is Jerusalem Day. It celebrate the liberation of Jerusalem from the Jordanians during the 6 day war in 1967. I as write it is midnight and there is still music ringing throughout the city. Fireworks too.
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/bigdriver222/jerusalem/1148587860/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/bigdriver222/jerusalem/1148587860/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/bigdriver222/jerusalem/1148587860/tpod.html Thu, 25 May 2006 16:42:40 -0400 Mike's Israel Adventure...

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Dead Sea, Israel

A good night's sleep in Arad last night - a tub and a shower and even a TV. Although I was so mesmerized by the Israeli TV I had to turn it off to get some sleep. Up again today a 6 for breakfast and the bus. We are off to Masada the cliff fortress - used by the Jewish Zealots to fight against the Romans in AD 73. It was built as a palace fortress by King Herod in AD 37. We climb up to Masada and it was hot 99 degrees on the top. Spend a while looking at the fortress before we climbed down the other side - whoa 1300 feet straight down. There were two choices a cable car and a small path - I chose the path - it was very steep, rocky and hot. I was VERY sweaty at the bottom. I paid three dollars for a drink at the bottom - it was the best three dollars I spent all day. From there we were off to Ein Gedi for lunch by the Dead Sea. Lunch: pita and tuna - seriously. Then a dip in the Dead Sea - no need to wait 30 minutes after eating, you don't sink in this water - the salt content is 30% - a strange feeling - it is like floating with a life preserver on. The water is SALTY and my friend Donny warned me that it is not comfortable for some parts of your body (I'll leave that to your imagination). I did swim over to find some famous Dead Sea Mud (note the picture). Soft, supple skin - too bad it doesn't make you thinner. Chick's dig big guys with mud. Don't worry I told them I already had my hot babe - too bad for them. After our swim we hiked up to David's Falls which was reminiscent of some waterfalls in Jamaica. It was nice - I wish my hot babe Kristen was with me. Next we went to Qumran where it was 104 degrees. Qumran is where the Dead Sea scrolls were found. We hiked up to Cave 11 (noted Q11 in the scholarly books). It smelled like someone's bathroom - stinky. It is a one hour ride back to Jerusalem where we will stay two nights. Today was a hot and sweaty day - even the Dead Sea was warm. A few of us went out for Thai food and then back to the hotel for some wine and music on the deck. It was a fitting - and relaxing - end to another very long day.
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/bigdriver222/jerusalem/1148432400/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/bigdriver222/jerusalem/1148432400/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/bigdriver222/jerusalem/1148432400/tpod.html Thu, 25 May 2006 16:09:53 -0400 Mike's Israel Adventure...

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Arad, Israel

Up early for breakfast at 7am then on to the bus. There are a lot of people not feeling well. We are hitting it pretty hard. Many are tired. However today should be a tough day. Water is the key as we are heading into the desert region of the Negev SE of Gaza. I feel so far away from everything I know. This world is so different from mine. Beer-Sheva is NOT like Jerusalem where Judaism is more important - here people are living and surviving. Why would anyone live here? This place is remote. I feel lonely out here - maybe I am just tired. Today it is hot 90 already and it is 9am - we are driving out to the Wilderness of Zin. A hike up a canyon on the edge of the Wilderness. Hot! Water is a valuable resource here. We hiked up Avdat ruins. I met an interesting person there - I wish we could have talked more. We were climbing down the ruins when above us we heard singing and out popped a black man - screaming his song to the sky "The POWER of LOVE"- very soulfully in English with an accent. I stopped to talk to him for a little while. His name was Patachya (which he told me meant "whom God has set free"). He was from Pittsburg but had lived here for 30 years. He wanted to "get back to his roots" so he was here in the desert working by cleaning up garbage. He was happy and intense. It was hard to carry on a conversation as he would break out in song periodically. He shook my hand by grabbing my wrist tightly and saying "God go with you!" with that he was off briskly to pick up more trash and continue his song. This place is the desert. There are people out here - the Bedouins. The wandering people who are shepherds and gatherers. The have pitched camps here and there - we pass them on the road - their kids playing or out with the flocks. They have no playgrounds, chuck-e-cheese - but they play. I have too much of everything. Simple. Desert life makes one appreciate the simple things - water, shade, toilet, food. Our lunches have been primarily pita and some sort of salad to put on it - apples - carrots - humus - stuff I would not pick in the store in America but out here you eat what you get. Again I find myself stuck on myself. I was talking about simple desert life now I am complaining about eating carrots. I am a slave to my desires.Out here in the Negev desert is where Israel "wandered" after leaving Egypt (Num 20:5) and I can understand now why the Israelites complained. I complain too - even after I am provided for time and time again. "The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?" Jeremiah 17:9
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