Where to start? Taurean and I just got back from a 10 day trip to Israel with my family! We saw so many incredible places and learned so much about our saviors life. We were part of an LDS tour group and had a guide who would teach us about each place we were visiting. It was incredible to open the bible, read about ancient stories and realize that we were at those sites. We visited Bethlehem, Nazareth, the Sea of Galilee, Capernaum, Mount Tabor, Mount of Beatitudes, The Garden Tomb, Caesarea, Pools of Shilom, Masada, The Dead Sea, Haifa, The Jordan River, Hezikiah's Tunnel, and many other places. In no particular order, here are some photos from the trip.
Here is the camel that we all took turns riding.Oh, The things we'll do for memories
Here is a picture of what the streets look like inside the Jerusalem City wall. There were lots of shops and things to buy.
This was taken in Jerusalem. Not exactly the cleanest city. But what can you expect when it's 3000 years old?
This is also taken within the Old City. Jerusalem has lots of stone steps, and lots of Israeli guards walking around with their giant guns. Strangely enough their guns made me feel safe.
The wailing wall. The lower stones are original and date back to the time of the savior. This is a sacred site where Jews offer prayers to God
Oh...just your everyday riot shields. They were at the wailing wall, and have definitely been used.
The garden tomb. This is where Jesus was resurrected. The spirit was really strong here. You actually get to go inside. It looks nothing like the pictures make it look
These stone steps used to be part of Caiaphas's Palace. Jesus walked up these steps just after Judas betrayed him. This is where Peter denied Christ three times.
This is Hezikiah's Tunnel. An ancient water channel that carried water into the old city. We got to walk through the tunnel that is still filled with water. It was pitch black inside and really cool.
This is the traditional site where Jesus was born. It's an underground cave that has 3 giant church's on top of it.
This is a cave in Bethlehem that gives a good feel as to what the cave would have looked like when Mary and Joseph were there. Even though it was so hot outside, the caves were extremely cool.
Taurean on top of some Roman aqueducts built by Herod.
This is Caesarea. An extremely beautiful area near the Mediterranean Sea. Herod built Caesarea as a port and a lot of it still remains today. I can only imagine how magnificent it must have been in it's time.
Family photo at the Synagogue in Capernaum. This is the actual synagogue where Christ taught many times.
What Nazareth looks like today
I was so afraid they were going to shoot me if I asked for a photo. Turns out I'm still alive. My little sister fell in love with all the Israeli men.
Dome of the Rock. This is where the ancient temple was located during Christ's time.
BYU Jerusalem Center. You can see these arches from the entire city of Jerusalem. Can't help but think about the role it might play in the second coming. We actually got to go to sacrament meeting there. It was awesome to take the sacrament just minutes from the Garden of Gethsemane.
Me and my sisters at the Mediterranean Sea.
This is the view from the Mount of Beatitudes. Overlooking the Sea of Galilee. It was amazing how much the area looks like Utah. Coincidence?
The Jordan River. Unlike the tomb, and Golgotha, the river looks just like all the pictures that depict it. It was really pretty.
Last Saturday was the Kentucky Derby! We really enjoyed getting into the 'derby' spirit. We had a party with our friends from the ward and watched the race on TV. They had live coverage from Churchill Downs all day.