Well, first of all let me say that today has been a much better day than the last few. Thankfully, the "stomach" issues have subsided for me. Apparently, the Egyptian doctor did know what he was doing despite my reservations. However, this "bug" seems to be making its way through our group. Please pray that everyone is back up to speed before we begin our long flight back to the states on Tuesday.
Today was a full day! And a day which I will never forget.
We began our morning visiting the Old City of Jerusalem and the Western Wall (also known as the Wailing Wall). Jews pour into this area daily a pray. It was an overwhelming experience to be able to join them in praying at the wall. This was probably one of the highlights of my journey these past few weeks. From the Western Wall we traveled down the Via Dolorosa (traditionally the path which Jesus walked as he was led to his crucifixion). This led us to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre which is one of the places some theologians believe marks the spot where Jesus was crucified. This, however, is debated by many theologians. Regardless, it was a wonderful experience.
Following a lunch at a little cafe in Old Jerusalem we journeyed to the Mount of Olives which overlooks the city of Jerusalem. It was from this mount where Jesus ascended to heaven forty days following his resurrection. As I stood overlooking the city of Jerusalem...thinking about the events which occured in this historic place...I was so thankful that in my lifetime I have had an opportunity to visit these places and be touched in a very real way by the significance it has in my own spiritual journey.
As we traveled down the Mount of Olives we made our way to the Garden of Gethsemane. Adjacent to the garden is a beautiful church, The Church of All Nations which we were able to spend time in prayer. It was truly a time of reflection as I thought about those last moments when Jesus was praying in the garden before his arrest.
As we concluded the day, we traveled back to Bethlehm where we toured the Church of the Nativity. This ancient church was constructed on the site of the Nativity (birthplace) of Jesus. The altar is constructed above the actual place which marks Jesus' birth. We were able to go down under the altar area to view the nativity. It was marked with beautiful tapestries and icons. As beautiful as these things were which adorned the nativity I had to think that Jesus' birth was a humble one....not one of elaborate decorations. I would have much rather have seen the unadorned nativity of the Christ who came to live a humble life, dwell among us and give His life as a sacrifice for humankind.
It was a full day... A day of the "Hits of Jesus' Life"...a day which I'll always carry in my heart.
As a conclusion to a wonderful day, six of us ventured out into Bethlehm tonight after dinner to a little Ice Cream/Coffee shop...just a time to chat...reflect...and share together. It doesn't get much better!
Until tomorrow...
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