Today on bus 4 I heard a lot of Ooooh's and Ahhhhh's – we were really paying attention – of course it's easy when you have a guide like Amnon. He has a way of grabbing your attention and painting a picture. Today as I stood from the Mt. of Olives, looking out the Old City I saw it in a new way... Now, I've stood here before...this isn't my first time here –but today, I really saw the Old City in a new way. Amnon was somehow able to help me erase the modern Jerusalem and its buildings and churches from my mind...I added a valley where museum tombs now stand.... And I stood looking out from the Mt. of Olives with my minds eye holding the imagine Jesus must have had when he was standing in this spot! Another unforgettable day!

I'll have pictures for you soon!

I personally had a great start to my day – I woke up early and went for a walk along the shores of the Mediterranean. The beach was beautiful and it was a peaceful start to what turned out to be a very busy day! I could do this every day! Wow!

The breakfast was delicious – I had the chef make me a cheese and mushroom omelet. I had no idea that I would be able to special order an omelet! It was delicious. The kitchen was also offering orange juice that they squeezed for while you waited! Talk about fresh! Yum! The food here will not be a problem for sure! I sat with a few new friends out on the deck looking out into the beautiful waters of the Mediterranean

We packed up and headed to Caesarea by way of Jaffa... I love the water...to look out and try to imagine the bravery of these people who would board a boat (probably not the best made) and head out into the water...with no vision, no clue of what is out there. There is literally no land for as long as the eye can see... but yet, they (Paul and Barnabas for example) took off in a boat – with no clue where it would lead. What faith they had!

Megiddo was where my exercise began – 180 steps up and down the water cistern... but amazing and wouldn't miss it for the world!

Mt. Carmel was Pastor Malone's favorite spot. He was especially moved there. And many others... reflected on the final battle that will happen on this very spot. Wow! We are standing in an area with so much history...and so much future... I can hardly comprehend it all. It's really very cool. I have gotten goose bumps so many times today. Why aren't you here? Why isn't everyone lined up to see these amazing places? Really – what a new perspective I have on the scriptures by walking on the land where it will all has and will come to pass...

Come here and get an eye opening view of the Bible!

(stay tuned for pictures!)

The group arrived Tel Aviv today! It's almost reunion like; when I get to meet everyone face to face. We've talked on the phone with each other – but now to meet them face to face is such a joy! Big hugs and warm greetings for each other. Many people are asking where Lumi is... she's back in South Bend "holding down the fort". Thank you Lumi! Everyone says a big Shalom and toda to you!

Kathy told me this morning that this was her "yearly treat to herself". I think that is so awesome. Her annual pilgrimage. Awesome Kathy! Welcome back! Now that's a testimony about this tour and about this country. You just want to come back; and you do. Israel is one of the highest "repeated tourist locations" in the world. Did you know that something like 2.7 million people have already visited Israel this year? That's a lot of people who now know what I know... Israel is fantastic!

I'd love to show you some of my photos but once again I'm having technical problems. I'm beginning to wonder if it's "operator error". Perhaps there is a class I can take! Blogging 101. Anyway, stay tuned for the pictures! And more details...We're going to Tiberias tomorrow!

Kim