February 2, 2012

Our last day near the Sea of Galilee --tomorrow Jerusalem! I marvel at all we have seen and experienced and at the camaraderie being developed in our group. I'm traveling with wonderful pilgrims --people of deep faith and integrity. Today was our day to do as we chose. Some went to the city of Tiberias and 3 hardy and healthy souls biked around the entire Sea of Galilee. Others, myself included, took our tour bus to a restaurant about 2-3 km beyond Cahpernaum and had lunch at St. Peter's restaurant. I mean, really, where else would you eat in Cahpernaum?. We walked back to our hotel --somewhere in the neighborhood of 3 to 5 miles, stopping to see a Greek Orthodox Church on the way --it was small and every space was painted with stunning scenes from Biblical stories. From there we stopped again in the gates of Cahpernaum where you will see the ruins of a synagogue and a modern church built over the ruins of what is thought to be Peter's mother-in-law's home. Then on to the Primacy of Peter Church and a little further to Tabgha and then to our hotel. The sun, which has been sorely missed was out all day! None of us can believe that we have been gone a whole week. This has been an incredible journey so far. I was a reluctant traveler but I am absolutely thrilled to be here and humbled by this opportunity! Of course, keep the prayers coming because I do have to fly home!