Galilee: the most beautiful, wonderful place

The view from the tiny chapel where we attended church on the Sea of Galilee :)

At the end of March, we had the chance to spend ten days in Galilee- the place where Jesus performed much of His ministry. It was so wonderful. The weather was perfect, the grass was green, it was calm and quiet. It felt like a little slice of heaven. Here are some of the highlights:

The harbor near our kibbutz

On the boat on the Sea of Galilee

The first morning, we went took a boatride across the Sea of Galilee. The Jewish sailors are used to catering to a Christian audience so they blasted Christian worship music over the loud speakers and we all danced and sang. Great times. Half way through, we stopped the boat and Dr. Huntsman gave a great devotional about Jesus calming the storm and walking on water. He encouraged us to think about the storms in our life and to realize that we can feel calm, even in times of troubled waters. My classmate, Maddie, thought of a special analogy. The day we went, the water was pretty calm but it was really foggy and hazy. We could hardly see anything. She said that's how she feels about her life right now-- she is having no major trials, but just doesn't sense much clarity regarding the future. I feel that way, too.

We then went to the Mount of Beatitudes and read the Sermon on the Mount. I loved heaing all the tour guides gather their groups together and say, "Alright, everyone, let's open up to Matthew 5."

Hiking in the Golan Heights

The Hot Springs that weren't too hot....

Outisde the Church of Nain, where Jesus healed the widow's son

Just outside of Capernaum: where Jesus called His disciples and where Peter lived

At the Jordan River, where Jesus was baptized

Hiking in Northern Israel

We could see Syria and Lebanon from here!

At Chorazin, a town that Jesus rebuked for its unbelief (Matthew 11:21)

Mediterranean Sea

Pretending to be princesses at an ancient Crusader castle called Nimrod's Fortress

Sometimes dance breaks are necessary when you're waiting to go see a documentary on  more ancient ruins

Bryson and I in the spot where Elijah challenged the false prophets of Baal (1 Kings 18)

Telling Dan at "Tel Dan"- this is an entrance to a city where Abraham went. Abraham walked through this city gate! 

Bailey and I overlooking Haifa

Ancient aqueduct  built by Caesar Augustus

At our little bungalow :) Right on the Sea of Galilee

We had such a great time in Galilee. I feel so blessed that I had the opportunity to see so many of the sites where Jesus performed special miracles. Pictures cannot do this beautiful place justice, and I hardly documented all the neat spots we visited. However, I left Galilee having a stronger testimony of the loving Master and Healer that Jesus truly is.

Holy Week in the Holy Land

Happy Easter from the Holy Land y'all:) This past week has been unforgettable! The events of Holy Week took place in this very city, 2000 years ago. I know that Jesus suffered for my sins, died on the cross, was buried in a tomb, and rose again. He is my Savior. Let me share what I did to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Day 1: Palm Sunday

Matthew 21:1-17. This was the day of Jesus's triumphal entry from Bethphage into Jerusalem. We started out by attending a mass where they blessed the palm and olive branches. Later, thousands of Christians met at the church in Bethphage and we all marched into the Old City. We waved our palms branches, sang songs about Jesus, and felt happy to be together. I was amazed at how many Christians were there. 

Day 2: On Monday, we didn't do anything too holy. We actually just went snorkeling in the Red Sea. SO FUN! :)

Day 3: On Tuesday, we went into a quiet place on the Mount of Olives and read Jesus's Olivet Discourse.

Day 4: On Wednesday, we had a field trip in the Jewish Quarter of the Old City. We saw ruins from the Temple in Jerusalem during the time of Jesus. I loved imagining Him there. Later, we stopped at the Western Wall and put a prayer in the wall. 

Jesus probably stepped on this step:)

At the Western Wall

Dancing on the rooftops in the Jewish Quarter

Day 5: Maundy Thursday
On the day when Jesus suffered for the sins in the world, I went and read the Biblical accounts of His suffering in the Garden of Gethsemane.

Day 6: Good Friday
We went to a Good Friday Catholic mass at the Notre Dame church.

Had to stop for Magnum Bars on the walk home:)

Day 7: On the Sabbath (Saturday, here), we went back to the Garden of Gethsemane for more study. If you haven't read it, read Elder Holland's talk None Were With Him. Jesus took the loneliest journey during the last week of His life. He felt it all--loneliness, betrayal, abandonment. He understands the hard times, because He's gone through them.

Day 8: Easter Sunday
On early Sunday morning, we arose at 5am and walked to the Garden Tomb for a sunrise service. We had a great time, complete with lots of hallelujahs, a fervant sermon, and some reading of the Good Word. There were Christians there from every continent. Here is a link, if you want a preview. Such a great memory. Later, we went to John the Baptist's hometown. We finished the night with an egg-bashing contest. So funny.

Church of the Visitation (when Mary learned she'd be the Mother of the Son of God)

Easter Sunday dinner with a beautiful view of the city of Jerusalem

All in all, I loved Holy Week. It was so special to celebrate in the land where it all happened. I know that Jesus died for me and rose again.