Nina's Notes

This is the second attempt at this today - I am still learning!!! Today has been an incredible journey as our first stop was at the Mount of Beatitudes. I expected us to be just sitting on the hillside but it was very different. The area has beautiful grounds and gardens and we met under a canopy of trees in an outdoor chapel. We gathered and read the entire Sermon on the Mount followed by communion. It was a moving experience as we worshipped together. It was easy to imagine Jesus being there speaking those words with the Sea of Galilee in the background. There is also a church on the grounds that is beautiful and I spent time there praying for my family and my church family. Next we loaded the bus and headed to Chorazin where we saw the ruins of that village. We read the scripture in Matthew 11:20-30 about this village and their rejection of Jesus while standing in the ruins of the synagogue. It was powerful! We had time to then wander through what had been the homes of that village. See some of those pictures on Facebook. The last stop of the day was the Mount of Arbel. We climbeed to the top and saw a panoramic view of the Sea of Galilee and all the villages surrounding it. The area is very hilly and rocky and the face of the mountain has several caves. Since I am a gardener I always look at the foliage in new areas I visit. Since Israel is approaching spring there are many things that are coming into bloom. The almond trees are starting to get leaves, we have seen oranges, lemons, and plenty of olive trees although they are not blooming. Also many banana trees and mango trees. You see all sorts of flowers in bloom such as bright red poppies dotting the countryside. It is a blessing to be here at this time of year when all is green and preparing to bloom rather than in the summer when it is very hot and dusty. It rains from November to March and then is dry the remainder of the year. There are many irrigation systems that help keep the flowers alive in the summer. For lunch today we went to an Iraqi Jewish restaurant. We had a pita of sorts with chicken or beef that was very tasty! We also had an adventure getting the bus turned around - although all turned out well. I feel very blessed to be here and to see such incredible sights. If I were to have to go home today, I would have many experiences to treasure. Yet, it is only day three and much more to look forward to seeing. I am so thankful for this opportunity - it is a gift that I will carry with me for the rest of my life. Peace to you all, Nina