Friday night

Greetings from Jericho and blessings,
Janice Hilkerbaumer

This is my first attempt to reflect on this trip on our blog and my contributions will probably be infrequent. Our days are so full that I don't think straight by evening. The things we are seeing, the history, the biblical connections, the cultural and political dynamics are almost overwhelming. Yesterday's visits to sights around the Sea of Galilee were especially meaningful and moving. Just being by the water that was such an important place for the livelihood of the disciples and for Jesus' ministry was very special. The archeological sight at Capernaum was another high point.

Today we visited the Mount of the Beatitudes, the amazing ruins of Beth Shean--a Roman City, and Jericho. Tomorrow we'll have time for swimming--really floating--in the Dead Sea and then we'll go to Bethlehem where we will stay for two nights.

The dialogue about the current situation between Israel and the Arab/Palestinian communities is especially poignant as fighting continues in Gaza and we observe the impact on both populations of this long standing conflict.

Blessings to all.