From beginning to end...

Today is our last day and many of us talked at breakfast about how quickly the time has gone by and yet how much of Israel we have experienced. It's hard to believe that we will be saying good-bye soon. Pushing those thoughts aside the conversation hummed about today, our "free day". Most of the group chose to participate in the optional tour to Masada, the Dead Sea and Qumran; while others will explore Jerusalem on their own, lounge by the indoor pool or shop in the mall. Travis and I chose Masada and as always I was anxious to get to the top and gaze out into the amazing views of the desert and Dead Sea. I love to hear the Ooh's and Ahh's of those who have never seen this amazing place...and of course floating in the Dead Sea is an experience of laughter and fun!

Suddenly, in the middle of my morning scrambled eggs and coffee I was told that the day was in jeopardy of getting cancelled! All the rain from the last two days had caused flash flooding in the desert and resulted in many road closings. At the time we were eating breakfast, just 30 minutes before we were all to board the buses toward Masada, the roads remained closed. My heart sank. The chance that we might miss Masada really disappointed me. Masada is Israel's all time most popular tourist site and for good reason. I wanted each person who woke up this morning anticipating the cable car ride to the heights of this historical "tel" to not be disappointed. We made the decision to start toward Masada in hopes that the road would open by the time we got there. I was really holding my breath since I was told that the day before the road had been closed the entire day!

As the bus departed the hotel our guides informed the group of the potential of an itinerary change due to the flash flooding. We were all pretty quiet during the drive. I wondered what everyone was thinking about...whether they were trying to prepare themselves for possible disappointment. About 20 minutes into the drive I heard Gila's (our guide) cell phone ring and a brief conversation followed. When I heard Gila's phone snap shut I looked up to meet her gaze and she gave me a thumbs up sign! Yes! We were headed to Masada – the roads were temporarily open, she explained, and we were on our way!

My eyes were pealed for signs of the flooding, something I've never seen before. It happens, but not often. Three places during the next few miles were clearly areas where the roads were closed earlier. One lane of road, water still flowing over it...and mud clogging our path. Big trucks were still scraping the dirt from the road, clearing our path.

Here we go! Cable car ride to the top!

Well, we made it to Masada! We rode the cable car to the top...learned about the history and Oooh'd and Ahhh'd at the views! I was so happy that it all worked out. Even hours later the roads were miraculously still open when we crossed them once again. I was very thankful that our day was working out just as we had hoped it would. Next stop... Qumran!

Qumran was where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found. We ate lunch here; shopped a little, and then we watched a brief but cool video explaining the area and the caves that held the ancient documents. After exploring a bit we were off for the Dead Sea.

It didn't take long for Travis and the rest of the groups adventurous to have their bathing suits on and brave the cold waters. Travis for what ever reason has never been able to float at home in our pool so the prospect of actually floating was intriguing to him. I don't think he really believed it to be true but he could not resist experiencing the "lowest spot on earth". It took some time for Travis and the others to inch their way in to the cold salty water. Rosetta and I witnessed the laughter from the sandy shore line as one by one they relaxed and floated! Travis was hysterical. He floated! Maybe the one and only time he will float! He had so much fun playing in the Dead Sea mud and floating that I had to practically drag him out of there to get ready to head back to the hotel. It was a fun day- a memorable day, as they all are.

Tonight we celebrated our "farewell dinner" and the Crowne Plaza hotel really set up a beautiful table for us all. They served each delicious course in style and class. We enjoyed the opportunity to relax and to be served dinner.

We swapped email address and snail mail addresses, hugs and tears (Naidean) and talked about our favorite places. We also talked about returning! Many of the group has already made plans to come back. Some are planning to bring their Pastors and church. Not one of us will leave this place the same... not one. We have experienced this special place together; all of us brought here together by Gods' planning and not our own.

Saying "...see you later!"