Our southern extension began when we left Jerusalem after the farewell dinner. A group of 26 of us headed south to the Dead Sea and checked into the Le Meridian hotel. This hotel was fabulous! It was very modern and had a wonderful relaxing atmosphere to it.

Here is a picture from my balcony.

Here is a picture of just 1 pool. I lost count at three...

My wake up call was strategically planned for sunrise and it was beautiful. Many of us chose to float in the Dead Sea for a while. The beach area was wonderful and sandy with a small build up of salt lining the shore. What character; only in the lowest spot on earth! There were fresh water showers along the shore to rinse off with and we had a great time enjoying this unique experience. Others went to the spa for some luxurious treatments. We all met up together at around noon to depart for our final stop, Eilat.

Eilat was about a 2 ½ hour drive south and we enjoyed the passing landscape leading us to the Queen of Sheba Hilton. As we arrived we noticed right away that the atmosphere was not like anything we've seen this far on our trip. Eilat is quite the happening place! Loud music pulsed from every corner. There were small outdoor shops with colorful displays lining the beach of the Red Sea. There was even a "Slingshot" (it's a round ball you sit in and get sprung into the sky and then bounce up and down and all around until you finally stop). It had a stream of brave souls waiting their turn to scream into the evening air. (I could not find anyone in our group to try this out by the way.)

The hotel was really fit for the Queen of Sheba herself. Here are some pictures!

This is one of three really neat elevators.

The lobby was very classy looking...

The southern extension is designed for rest and relaxation. Breakfast and dinner is included and you get to decide what you want to do everyday! Some people stayed at the pool or took leisurely walks each day. Others visited the underwater observatory, snorkeled, and/or took a camel or jeep trekking tour in the desert...

On my first day, 5 of us decided to rent a car and drive to Timna National Park. This is no park that I am used to. It was a park of history and amazing geography. Here is the website for you to check it out for yourself. http://timna-park.co.il/

Here are some pictures of the park. It was so remote; it was like we were somewhere far away with no signs of life nearby! It was fun to hike the hills and mountains. (Mike, Travis and Kate... you would LOVE this! I thought about you all day; I wish you were here!)

Angela and Drew loved climbing.

Bryan loved to climb too but had to lug that big camera around. He got a break later when he discovered some copper mining caves. He was all over that!

PETRA!

The next day 20 of us ventured across the border to Jordan. It was the day for the optional tour to Petra! I was so excited to be going to this historical and interesting place... Crossing the border into Jordan was a little challenging since there was an unusual large amount of people doing just as we were doing. This slowed our boarder crossing quite a bit... but it was a fun experience to see the landscape of Jordan during the 1 ½ hour drive to get to Petra. It's strange how different the landscaping changes from even just a 30 minute distance. Petra was a jaw dropping place! I have seen the pictures and read about it, but seeing it and experiencing the magnitude of the place really had all of us stunned. Here is a very small fraction of the pictures that I took... again, you simply cannot grasp the awe of this place until you turn that corner and see the Treasury for the first time peaking from the massive cracked path in the rock...

Some of us chose to take a carriage ride or horse ride down the path to the treasury...

The walk down the path was a long one, but it was so amazing time just flew by...

I anticipated the Treasury around every corner...but when I got there, I was not expecting what I saw - or how it made me feel. I was really at a loss for words.

Where in the world is Kim Suski? Can you find me in the picture? I hope this picture gives you an idea of the magnitude of this place.

Here I'm standing in a tomb across the way...looking out at the Treasury...

Kathy got a round of applause from people from all over the world when she got on this camel. It was hilarious. Everyone in the Treasury area stopped and cheered her on!

Cool amphitheatre in the distance...

Karen got a ride to the top at the end of the day. Way to go Karen!

Just the facts...

I think we all would agree that is was a long and exhausting day... but definitely worth the effort.

--

Tonight is my last night in Eilat. The southern extension has been a perfect ending to a beautiful Holy Land experience. The excitement and awe of being in Jerusalem and Tiberias... seeing all those places from the Bible... walking where Jesus walked... just amazed me. The extension to Eilat has enlightened me in a different way. I'm so glad that I came. Tomorrow will be a day to hang out by the pool before we leave for the airport. I hate to leave...

The sun has just set and the view from my balcony is of the Red Sea... boats in the harbor; their lights twinkling in the moonlight and beyond those boats is Jordan. When I walk in the morning I can see the mountains that border Egypt in the opposite direction. I have my balcony doors opened and I hear the music pulsing thru the streets along the boardwalk.

There is a lot to do here! It's fun! I can't wait to meet up with everyone tomorrow for the flight home to find out what they have been up to! I know some of them went on a camel trek and then to the water observatory; the coral reef here is one of the best in the world... I enjoyed the day with peace and tranquility on a sail boat. One of the most relaxing days I have ever had. Lunch was grilled on the boat and we stopped to snorkel near the Egyptian border. I swam in the Red Sea! The water was a beautiful deep blue that I've never seen before. Pictures coming soon...

What do you get when you combine the Red Sea... a sail boat... great friends... scrumptious food...and your bathing suit? A day of relaxation that I haven't had in years! Thank you Captain Shlomo and brother for your wonderful hospitality!

Thanks to all of you who encouraged me to blog this experience. It has been great for me, one who is always on the go, to stop and reflect on each day. And, I am so blessed to get to share these days with you... I feel very strongly that you should come and experience Israel for yourself. My words cannot give you the blessings that God wants to give you during your trip. If you're feeling God's leading to visit this wonderful place, please let me know and let me help you in the process. It's really very easy. I will handle all the details for you. Call 1-800-685-3732.

Soon I'll be back in the office and begin to work on the next group who will be departing on February 18th and returning on the 25th... will you be one of them? I hope so!

Next year in Jerusalem!

Kim

P.S. Keep checking back for updates and fun information regarding the upcoming February Tour... you know, 2008 is Israel's 60th Independance Day Anniversary. A great time to visit!

Shalom from Israel to the Harvest Show! Thanks to everyone for all the prayers that has lifted our group in Israel. Some of us (26) still have 5 days left enjoying the southern extension.

Today, I'm in Eilat and I just watched the you guys on METV! It has been awesome to be able to come to my hotel room after dinner and relax with some familiar faces of the Harvest Show half way around the world. Keep up the good work that you do!

And thanks Harvest Show, for spreading the word about the blog. I'd love to hear from those who have just returned!

See you soon! God Bless you all,

Kim

Having fun eating strange and yummy food!

Today is our last day! It has been a full 8 days with drama, emotion and amazement; I'm sure the last day of touring will be no different.

Our first stop was a heartbreaking but important one. Yad Vashem, the Holocaust Museum. I've got no pictures. And not many words. My heart simply aches and the lump in my throat... well it hurts. The only thing that kept running thru my mind was, why? Why did this happen? How could this happen? Why?

During my walk through the museum I wanted to be alone. No way did I want to stop and chat and make idol conversation. It was a sacred moment for me. I entered the Children's Memorial knowing it would not be easy. That was an understatement. It's totally dark room where candles are lit to look like the stars in the sky...those candles represent the million and a half children murdered during the Holocaust. Names and ages of those children where slowly announced as we walked thru. When I exited, I walked off to the side of the group and faced outward into the neighborhoods facing the New Jerusalem. (I'm not a pretty crier) Ironically, a school was nearby and I could hear children's laughter... If one person would have approached me, I know that I would have surly broke down in uncontrollable sobbing – so I avoided eye contact with anyone at all costs. As gloom as it sounds, it was important and good to be there - everyone needs to understand what happened during the Holocaust and this museum was amazing.

But how could the world allow this to happen? Did the world go mad? I'm shocked, sad and angry...

Could it happen again? Is it happening now? You know this could've been me... or you... My mind drifts to Darfur. It IS happening again isn't it? So now my question has changed... now, what can I do for Darfur? I will have to talk to Stefan...Feed the Hungry has been there, maybe I can help.

Israel Museum and the Shrine of the Book Museum, where the Dead Sea Scrolls are kept, was our next stop after lunch. (Some of us had pizza!) It was a short stop, but just enough time to look at these priceless documents. Makes me wonder what else is out there!

No pictures were allowed inside... but here's a picture of the outside. It is supposed to to look like the top of the clay pot that the scrolls were found in. It's neat actually... when you are inside the building it appears that you are actually inside the clay pot...

Here is a model of Israel during 2nd temple times...

A picture perfect ending... the Garden Tomb at last! What a perfect way to end our time here in Israel. Each of us was able to see the tomb and enter it... seeing that it is truly empty because He has risen! We sat in eye sight of our Lords empty tomb and took communion; it was so memorable. Joanie sang so beautifully. I wish you all could have been there.

Look how happy Joannie looks as she exits the tomb! It's empty! I think her face says so much! He has risen!

Peggy and Kay, happy to be together at the Garden Tomb!

Here is the Patrick family! What a great experience to be with your whole family here. What a great place to bring your kids and teenagers!

"Goodbye? No, see you later!"

I heard that a lot at the farewell dinner as many people rushed to exchange email and snail mail addresses, phone numbers and hugs. With tears in our eyes we boarded our busses. Some of us will head off to the southern region of Israel for an extension, while others will quietly gaze out their bus windows and head to the airport. This journey to the airport will be with a heavy heart. I bet Joanie will sing and there will be tears shed. Leaving Israel is not easy...a part of you feels like your leaving your home...

We started this journey together as complete strangers and 10 days later we end as close lifelong friends. That is the power of God in Israel. It was a bitter sweet farewell...but I know that I'll see many of you again in Israel soon.

Shalom my friends!

Kim

P.S. Stop back by for updates to find out what it's like on the Southern Extension - Dead Sea and Eilat... Right on the Red Sea where the waters parted for Moses!

One of the most famous and important archaeological sites in Israel is Masada so that is what me and 70 other people decided to do on our free day! We were told to pack our bathing suits and a towel for the fun stop at the Dead Sea afterward. We were going to the lowest spot on earth!

We started out from our hotel, the Regency at 2500 feet above sea level in Jerusalem and ended at 1300 feet below sea level at the Dead Sea. All in 30 minutes! The lowest spot on earth... (Hey Mr. Lelighter, I made it to the Dead Sea!)

The Ahava manufacturing plant is located on the shore of the Dead Sea and we stopped briefly to learn how the products are made from the mineral in the water. The Dead Sea is 10x saltier than the ocean and it is 33% minerals! We were able to purchase Ahava products at really low prices and everyone who likes Ahava loved that. It was a frenzy of Ahava sampling and purchasing!

Next we drove a short way to Masada where the only way to the top is either by cable car or by the "Snake Trail". The Snake Trail takes about 1 hour to climb. Its narrow trail twists and turns up the steep sides and looks very adventurous and intense. I hesitated briefly on which way to go and I thought of my family at that moment of contemplation. I knew that if they were with me, we'd end up on the trail – for the fun of it. But since it's just me on this trip and it's quite warm in the Judean Desert today; I and the other 70 people opted for the 3 minute cable car ride. (Gotta love technology!)

Once we got up there, and I wiped the nervous sweat from the face, (It's really high!) Ami our guide began to show us around. It was really interesting to learn that after the fall of Jerusalem and for 3 years, these Zealots made their last stand against the Roman Army. About 960 people lived up here. They were amazingly well prepared and seemed to have everything they needed for a long time. But the Roman army camped out all around the fortress and built a ramp that would eventually lead to the Zealot's demise. When they saw that all hope was lost, they set fire to the fortress and then committed suicide. You really should learn more about this place – I can't do it justice.

It is so cool up here! The view is amazing. Don't I look happy? I am!

Lunch was at the restaurant in Masada. Get a load of the huge smoothie they served us! Can you see it on the left? What a treat!

Next stop? Floating in the Dead Sea... have I mentioned that it's the lowest spot on earth? Yea, I think that's pretty neat.

After a quick change I was heading to the shoreline to take a dip... or "bob" I should say. This is an unsinkable body of water because of the high salt content. (Travis, you'd even be able to float in this! I wish you were here!)

First place I absolutely had to go was to the get all muddy. Yes, even adults like to play in the mud! This is special mud though, it has all those great minerals in it to help your body. It was great fun rub mud all over your body and walk around like it was normal. ? ha! I was having some fun as you can see...

I can't believe I'm posting this on the blog!!

The water was calling me... so I jumped in for some fun photo opportunities. I was careful not to get any water in my eyes since we were warned how painful it would be... Here are some of us in the water! It truly is unsinkable! No doggie-paddling necessary!

After a quick rinse off, we headed to Qumran. The site where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found. Lots of history there. Here is a picture of one of the caves that the scrolls were found in.

Here is the view from Qumran. The Mountains reflected beautifully off the Dead Sea. Ami said if you look carefully on top of one of those mountain tops you could see Mt. Moab; where Moses first saw the Promise Land... We're talking Moses here and I could see it!

Back to the hotel for a great dinner and evening where Stefan and his Feed the Hungry team shared some great testimonies on how FTH is changing the world. Visit www.fth.org to learn more about this great ministry.

Another great day has passed... I'll be asleep before my head hits the pillow.

Shalom Shalom!

Old City excitement!

Today we began our day by entering the Dung Gate. We reached the security check point at the Western Wall and, in a few seconds we were looking at the most spectacular sight in Jerusalem! The Western Wall is the most holy place accessible to the Jewish people because of the Muslim control of the Temple Mount. The men and women pray separately at the Wall. Men on the left; woman on the right.

We all had free time to make our way to the Wall or to observe from afar. I couldn't wait to get up there and touch it! It's so much bigger in person than I thought it would be. Pictures really don't do it justice. You MUST experience it for yourself to grasp the magnitude of this place. I slowly made my way closer to the wall, holding my private prayer folded a ton of times to make it small enough to fit into a crack of the wall. (This is a famous custom believing in its priority to be answered.) As I inched forward, I discreetly watched the Jewish ladies praying. They are so intense! So passionate! I felt a little like I was intruding so I made sure not to distract them in any way. I am so impressed by their commitment and dedication to their customs and faith. At first I wondered if I would even be able to get close enough to put my special prayer in a crack at all. It was pretty crowded today as you can see from the pictures. But I had a strange peace about it and just took my time. It seemed as I inched closer, someone would leave and I would inch a bit closer yet. Soon I found myself in a really cool area of the wall on the far right side. This not only gave me a great camera angle, but gave me access to pray and leave my "folded a ton of times, special prayer" in a crack. It wasn't easy to find a spot for it... the cracks are really full. Check out the pictures!

It's pretty rare to be able to get access to the Temple Mount these days but we were really blessed today. There is only one entrance open to non-Muslims and it's only open for 1 ½ hours and not everyday. We went thru a separate security checkpoint and climbed the temporary bridge leading to the entrance of the Temple Mount.

Here is Pastor Dan on the temporary bridge getting a picture with the security guards. He offers to buy their hat. Nice try Pastor Dan!

From this bridge I had a good angle for a couple of pictures of the Western Wall. A rare opportunity I had to take! My camera just barely fit through the slats.

The Temple Mount itself is much larger than I expected. I thought it was just the area surrounding the Dome of the Rock but it's so much more. Our time was limited so we hurried and took pictures and talked about its significance.

Then, all of a sudden the guards were yelling at us that our time was up and we had to leave. We hurried and grouped together on the steps for this great bus #1 group photo.

On our way out Danny, our guide said something like, "and to your right is the Golden Gate that viewed from the Mount of Olives yesterday..." I jerked my head to the right quickly and low and behold the backside of the Eastern Gate was right there! I was on the other side of the gate that has held my fascination for so long! The lump in my throat immediately came back. Joanie and I looked at each other with our mouths gapping open and after a few brief moments to let it sink in, we both took off for the fence to get as close as we could. Apparently she feels the same way and I bet if we ask her, she had that lump too. All you could hear was the clicking of cameras and some emotional "thank you Jesus'" noises. It was fun – a highlight of my trip so far.

It might be a bit hard to tell, but in person you can make out the gate and how it's filled in... and of course looking out to the Mount of Olives from this vantage point was a thrill!

The rest of the day was spent walking in the Old City. We visited the Pools of Bethesda, walked the Via Dolorosa (Way of the Cross) and had a great falafel lunch. The market of the Old City is crazy and fun! I took a lot of pictures to share. These are pictures I took thru out the day. Enjoy!

Here's Pat reading scripture at the Pools of Bethesda.

Sharon, you are awesome - I'm blessed to have met you and your family!

Here are some paving stones on the Via Dolorosa that have dated back to the time of Jesus. Could Jesus have fallen here? Did His bare feet stuggle with the cross as it scraped along these stones?

Another station of the cross...

And another...

Here are some fun pictures of the market. It was fun to haggle for our merchandise!

I didn't buy any of these...

All in all it was a very full and fun day. We did so much more, but there is not enough time in the world to blog about everything that we did. You just need to come here and experience it for yourself. Are you ready yet? Can you feel that tug in your gut that's urging you to come and feel this Holy Land for yourself? You and I both know it's there. Don't live with regrets - listen to Him. Visit this place and experience the amazing blessings that our Lord wants to give you.

Until tomorrow...

Kim

I have noticed each day, at all the stops we visit, there are always groups from all over the world. We all share the same agenda here; to learn and experience Israel and grow our relationship with Christ. From all over the world, we are here together in Israel, right now - with one goal. We don't speak the same language and have very different lives at home... but we are all the same...inside. When our groups pass we greet each other with big smiles and nods; knowing that we are all Brother's and Sisters in Christ.

Today we got our first taste of Jerusalem with a group photo and scenic outlook from Mt Scopus. From there we traveled just a short distance to the Mount of Olives. I love this place! The Mount of Olives is the place where numerous events of the Bible occurred. Many of the most important people of the Bible walked upon it! I bet this was one of Jesus' favorite places since Luke 21:37 says that "Each day Jesus was teaching at the temple, and each evening he went out to spend the night on the hill called the Mount of Olives." There are many references to the Mount of Olives in the Bible, check it out for yourself and see how important it is!

Here are some pictures from the view at the top.

Here is Kay, Merelyn and Karen. Merelyn came last November with us too.

The Deborah, Steven, Marla, Bill and Linda... what a great picture!

From here we walked the Palm Sunday route down to the Garden of Gethsemane. We stopped at various places along the walk. One of the stops was to view and learn about the cemetary.

Here's Daniel getting some good video.

Here is the view from Dominus Flevit.

And here is the church at Dominus Flevit.

Here is a close up of the Eastern Gate - notice that it's filled in? Thinking to prevent Christ returning through the Gate, the Muslim conquerors of Jerusalem sealed it in the 1500's. (Like that's going to stop Him!)

In the Garden of Gethsemane, Pastor Everett shared scripture as we stood amongst the olive trees that are around 1500 years old. Try to image what it must have been like for Jesus; praying in the garden that night of his arrest. Knowing what He knew was to come... It humbles me a great deal.

From here I had to leave the group and do some "official LeSEA Tour's business" – but everyone had a great lunch at a Kibbutz! It overlooked Bethlehem. Then they visited the Upper Room where Mary told me it was an unforgettable experience and that the Holy Spirit showed up and showed off!! Sharon said that the Lord worked out the visit to Caiphas' house perfectly. When they arrived they weren't sure if they would be able to visit the whole place because of the amount of people that were already there. But as soon as they walked down the steps to enter the building, people started coming out and the entire place miraculously cleared out for them. I'm so glad that God loves us and blesses us like He does. Doesn't it feel good to be loved by Him?

Kim

Another big day today. I don't know how much I can blog tonight since my eyes are crossing! I need some sleep, but I don't want to miss anything – and I don't want YOU to miss out on anything! I love to read your comments. Keep them coming! (Hi Abbi, I'm praying for you and Bella!)

Our first stop of the day was the Mount of Beatitudes. We sat down in a peaceful shady spot and Stefan read from Luke – we then had free time to roam the beautiful grounds of the church that has been built there.

Next stop, Capernaum! Scholars believe this to be the location of Jesus' "headquarters" for a time. The ruins were amazing and I really enjoyed the free time to be alone and think about what it must have been like to hang out with Jesus around a fire...or walk with him to a nearby town...

Behind me and Sasha is a picture of a church built on top (to protect it) of what is believed to be Peter's house. Yes, Peter's house! Very cool huh? There are so many details I want to share with you – but it would be so much better to hear it from a guide. So, until you get here... enjoy the pictures!

At Tabgha we learned about oil presses and visited a church commemorating the feeding of the loaves and fish miracle... Here is part of a mosaic floor.

Next, we ate a very relaxing lunch outside, overlooking the largest archeological site in Israel, Beit She'an. I could've used a nap at this point, but are you kidding? I'm in Israel! No naps for me. I can sleep when I get home. Doreen and I decided to climb to the top of the tel instead! Not many people went up there as it is quite a hike – but I kept thinking... what if there is something very cool up there and I miss it!! Doreen was up to the adventure just as I was. After all, this is the place where Saul and his son's bodies were nailed to the city walls. It commanded my attention! Here is Doreen and I standing next to a pillar that fell over in an earthquake - it was huge!

This is a picture from ground level. See that huge mountain of a "tel" in the distance. That is what we climbed.

Well, it WAS cool up there and after I caught my breath I took these pictures. Many people asked us what it was like up there – if it was worth the effort. Here's a few pictures for you to decide. I say "ABSOLUTLEY"! My legs may not say that in the morning.

Here are some views from high on the tel. Notice how little the people are?

Jerusalem. Some of us have been anxiously waiting for this day for a long time. The triumphant entry into Jerusalem. We drove for about 1 ½ hours from Beit She'an to Jerusalem. It went quick since Eli (our guide) likes to try his hand at jokes from the Bible that make us all "groan" and of course filling us in on what life is like Jerusalem. It's nice be able to ask him any questions as they pop up. The view outside our bus kept us looking from left to right and left again – feeling a bit like at a tennis match. When we reached the Dead Sea we were at the lowest spot on earth! Wow! I remember learning about the Dead Sea from Mr. Lelighters 6th grade class at Critchfield. It's one of those strange memories that stick in your mind but you wonder why. I had thought that the Dead Sea sounded so "spooky" back then and hoped that someday I would be adventurous enough to see it for myself. And here I am!!! And to think that on our free day we will be coming back to float in it after visiting Masada!

Our arrival into Jerusalem was so dramatic it left me with a lump in my throat. The sun was just setting beautifully behind a cloud low in the sky which made huge rays shoot toward upward as if pointing to Heaven. Aaron our driver, turned on the "Jerusalem" song and as the music played we all sang along... we passed thru this tunnel; knowing Jerusalem was on the other side...Everyone's eyes were straining and bobbing around the person's head in front of them to get their first look at this Holy City... When we emerged from the tunnel, Eli joyfully welcomed us to Jerusalem and we all cheered and clapped. I heard someone behind me gasp and people began pointing and calling out places that they recognized. I didn't get any pictures; I just wanted to soak it in. I couldn't talk. That lump in my throat you know... and now it's back... so I'll write more tomorrow.

Shabbat Shalom my friends,

Kim

Boker Tov!

This means "Good morning!" in Hebrew. (I learned that this morning!)

This morning's sunrise was much anticipated. I couldn't get ready fast enough in fear that I might miss God's opening act of the day. It proved to be a glorious sight as expected. The clouds were out a bit, so the sunrise was a little higher on the horizon, but beautiful none the less. This is a picture from my balcony. Everyone really must do this... sipping coffee and looking out at this view.

The boat ride on the Sea of Galilee was first on our agenda today. The wooden boats we rode in were modern replicas of the "Jesus boat" that was discovered years earlier. Looking out on this untouched area of Israel, it's easy to picture Jesus on the shore calling out to the fishermen. No one attempted to walk on the water today... here are some pictures of the fun.

Once out on the water Stefan Radelich preached a few words and Drew Sumrall lead us in worship.

Me and my new friend Sharon!

The sunlight was streaming down on the water – so powerful!

Sister Terry's group was worshiping with some very energetic songs on their boat. (too much coffee this morning guys?)

Here's a picture of our three guides. They're awesome! Eli, Danny and Ami. You may even know them. They've been guiding for LeSEA tours for a long long time...

Here's a picture of Caesarea Phillipi.

Today we ate at a Kibbutz where some of us ate St. Peter's Fish. I don't eat anything that is looking back at me, so I passed and got something else. I'll share the pictures with you soon...

The baptism was the highlight of the day. About 65 people were baptized today in the Jordan River, following the footsteps of Christ. I didn't get many pictures since I was so wrapped up in the emotion of it all. Stefan and Pastor Dan thank you! The Spirit of God was all over everybody this afternoon... lives were changed...and I had an upfront seat. This is only our second full day!

I can't imagine what is yet to come...

Kim Suski

"Wow!" That's the first thing is coming to my mind right now. "Wow"

Today was so amazing! We left Tel Aviv after a breakfast buffet that had more food than I've seen all together in my whole life. I told Merelyn that this was one of those buffets that you need to spend all day at in order to have time to sample everything. You name it and it had it. Plus some other things that I don't know the name of or what they were made of...but were delicious and fun to try.

This is just a small fraction of the food!

We stopped at Caesarea and discovered the remains of the largest city in Palestine during the Roman Period. We sat in the amphitheatre, walked the hippodrome and took pictures of many large statues that have been excavated. It was beautiful to hear the waves of the Mediterranean slam against the sandy shore and imagine what life must have been like during its peak.

But it was Mt. Carmel that gave me goose bumps. Pictures just cannot do justice to the overwhelming view of the Valley of Armageddon. "I'm viewing the exact spot where the final battle will take place???" My mind wandered as we were given free time to take pictures and reflect about the battle and what it will be like...

Did you know that Megiddo dates back to 4000 b.c.? Excavations have revealed 26 layers of civilizations built upon each other through out time. This is a place that I wish could talk. What stories it would tell!

We had several other great stops today and by the time we reached our hotel in Tiberias it was dark (6pm). We all were anxious to sit down and relive the day over dinner. I don't know about anyone else, but I requested my wake up call for tomorrow to wake me up in time to watch the sun rise over the Sea of Galilee. Our hotel is located directly on the Sea of Galilee and our balcony's face the sunrise and the Sea...and I'm sure that I'll be feeling those goose bumps in a few hours again...

Shalom!

Kim Suski