Saturday, July 14, 2012
Seventh Day:Monday July 9th
My grandson, Ryan and I got on the rail system and went to the Yad Vashim (Holocust Museum). I have already been to the Holocust Museum in Washington D.C. but of course this museum in Jerusalem is VERY amazing and breaks your heart at every turn. It has many personal interviews throughout the walk. You can set down and just listen to stories and just spend hours listening to the people trying to get thorough their stores without breaking down. So many families that totally were lost and one person left alone to carry on. Of course lots of pictures were recovered well.
Sixth day..July 8th, Sunday for us
Cathi went to school with Scott so today was playing cards, bouncing balloons with the kids and in the evening we went to a Christian Church "King of King Jerusalem Church". Praise band had a bongo drum, violin, ele.guitar, two classic guitars and one of the guitar players was also playing bass drum,.... Anyway this small praise band was outstanding and they put the words up on the wall, just like CBC and Riverside. They sang one of my favorite old hymns "Leaning on the Everlasting Arms.", which was very fitting for me because my son in law, Alan had just lost his Mother the night before so the words were just what I needed to hear. When the speaker started Scott could have died, his presentation was focused on prophecy and our present world situation. The Bible passage came from Isaiah were it says over and over DO NOT go to Egypt for help. Scott has been evaluating the changing leadership in Egypt. The building where the church service was held you had to enter thorough a metal detector (just like the airport) and they up on the 4th floor in a room they have the service in is an theater so seating and stage very nice.
Fifth Day--My First Jerusalem Day Sabbath
Woke up to a Quiet street, no city noises, no traffic, everything is CLOSED .Every one that is out walking, is not talking. This of course is a very hard for me...NOOOO diet ice coffee at the Shuk today, I have made a switch from diet coke to diet ice coffee. Yesterday Cathi and I had to go to the Shuk and got there about 5pm and it had already started closing down for the Sabbath so we had to do a quick shopping spree. Shopping at the Shuk is the most amazing thing to me..Love the chatter, yelling (even thou I have no idea of what they are saying). Hard for me to see raw meat just on the street even thou its in a cold meat counter. Guess I need a clean four walls around the meat counter.Of course the fruit and vegetables are out but at least you take it home and wash it and of course peel the outside..
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Fourth Day: July 6
Scott and Emily guided me through Hezekiah's Tunnel today. Em guided and Scott was her back up.
Even though I had a fear of dark narrow spaces filled with water, my 9 year-old grand daughter insisted that I could handle this adventure with her leading the way.
So with water shoes, flash light in hand, I took my first step into cold water up to my hips and started following my grand daughters voice as I went through a tunnel no wider than my elbows stretch and the top of the tunnel no higher than 5 foot 4 witch meant that my backup guide that is 6 foot 4 had to do a lot of hunching over to get through an hour walk. It was quite amazing to learn the reason why that this tunnel had to be built and in such a hurry. Jerusalem was fixing to be attacked by the Syrian ruler and in order to survive the city Jerusalem had to get the water supply within the walls. It was amazing to see in the tunnel.
The evening the Syrian army approached the city limits, David prayed to God that the people of Jerusalem had prepared and done all they could do so now it was up to God to help them. The next morning 3,000 Syrian soldiers lay dead and history tells us that then the army retreated. To leave the tunnel Emily Jo, Scott and I were able Hezikiahs tunnel by a new discorvered tunnel up to the outside wall of the Dome of the Rock from that point Emily Jo and I had to put on our skirts to show respect before entering The Western Wall. It was a learning experience of how to enter go to the wall to say your prayers and depart the area. As an act of reverence to the former temple, you exit walking backwards instead of turning your back to the wall.
Even though I had a fear of dark narrow spaces filled with water, my 9 year-old grand daughter insisted that I could handle this adventure with her leading the way.
So with water shoes, flash light in hand, I took my first step into cold water up to my hips and started following my grand daughters voice as I went through a tunnel no wider than my elbows stretch and the top of the tunnel no higher than 5 foot 4 witch meant that my backup guide that is 6 foot 4 had to do a lot of hunching over to get through an hour walk. It was quite amazing to learn the reason why that this tunnel had to be built and in such a hurry. Jerusalem was fixing to be attacked by the Syrian ruler and in order to survive the city Jerusalem had to get the water supply within the walls. It was amazing to see in the tunnel.
The evening the Syrian army approached the city limits, David prayed to God that the people of Jerusalem had prepared and done all they could do so now it was up to God to help them. The next morning 3,000 Syrian soldiers lay dead and history tells us that then the army retreated. To leave the tunnel Emily Jo, Scott and I were able Hezikiahs tunnel by a new discorvered tunnel up to the outside wall of the Dome of the Rock from that point Emily Jo and I had to put on our skirts to show respect before entering The Western Wall. It was a learning experience of how to enter go to the wall to say your prayers and depart the area. As an act of reverence to the former temple, you exit walking backwards instead of turning your back to the wall.
Third Day: July 5
I got a chance to stay home with the kids today while Cathi went to school with Scott. Lots of fun being with grand kid and again going to the Shuk for my Diet Iced Coffee!
Second Day: July 4
We went to the Shuk today with Cathi and all the kids. Quite amazing to see all this food out in the open. You see what you want, put it in a bag, pay for it and off you go.
Ryan, 12, then took me to the Tower of David. We walked there - 30 minute walk from the apartment. This is a museum that walks you through the history of Israel. Stonework reminded me of the Alamo, especially the arches. I did not realize that the city of Jerusalem was under rule of Muslim's for over 400 years. Also, had not realized that Israel had been occupied by so many different countries. Again - reminded me of the Alamo. King David never actually lived there.
I asked Ryan to take me back to the Holy Seplecher for a second look at the tomb. I wanted to be in there again and to mentally block out all the icons, candles, etc. and truly appreciate where I was and what I was seeing.
Finished off the day with a Fourth of July celebration. Emily had worked all day on decorations and a yummy dinner.
Ryan, 12, then took me to the Tower of David. We walked there - 30 minute walk from the apartment. This is a museum that walks you through the history of Israel. Stonework reminded me of the Alamo, especially the arches. I did not realize that the city of Jerusalem was under rule of Muslim's for over 400 years. Also, had not realized that Israel had been occupied by so many different countries. Again - reminded me of the Alamo. King David never actually lived there.
First Day: July 2-3
Left San Antonio, Tx at 7:30am on July 2 and flew to New York arriving about 12:30pm. Had a 5 hour lay over plus but this was a good thing because I had to change dollars into shekels, find something to eat and find El Al airlines terminals.When I arrived at El Al counter it was completely empty and was told to come back to that area about 2 hrs before departure so I had to search in the JFK El Al area for a place to set down and charge my phone. NOTHING like the airline terminals that I have been in the past where there is ample seating and charging stations for your electronics. I was told of a secret electric plug in wall that I could use so I set on floor waiting for phone to charge.
Once that was done I went back to El Al area and it was PACKED. El Al employees trying to direct you into about 3-4 different lines for the process of just checking in. Got into wrong line twice and had my carry on luggage checked twice. Once on plane which holds 387 passengers(full) there was at least 300 young High School students going to Jerusalem for a 5-week summer program. Can you say SLUMBER PARTY?! SO can I just say that was quite an eventful flight. YES I did get some sleep and was so out of it when I did go to sleep, the lady beside me and I slept thorough the serving of breakfast. Woke up with the plane descending. For those of you reading Cathi/Scott's blog you know WHY they had to wait an hour for me to get off plane, get luggage and go thorough customs with 387 other people.
What a joy to see my family waving their arms at me...Scott/ Cathi and kids had come to Tel Aviv the day before to have some American food, movie and pool time and in order to do this they rented two compact cars to carry them, their luggage plus add me and my luggage...Seemed like a very short trip to Jerusalem, beautiful countryside and as you drive UP into Jerusalem you see this MOVIE set of stone homes/buildings. This city has reminder me of so MANY places I have been to and I will refer to that thorough my blog.
I must tell you all that in reading this, Jerusalem was never on my heart, my bucket list or dreams to visit. BUT I must say just what I have seen so far I am so glad I have had this chance to be here with my family and to go and step where my Jesus has stepped. Those of you who know me know that I love genealogy and love tracking down my fore fathers so really this is just up my alley, history every where, as Ryan says, throw a stone and you have hit history.
To find where Cathi/Scott is living is like a maze. Thank goodness they came to get me at the airport. Arrive at C/S home and my I say so Jewish looking community, or at least what I had imagine.
I am so ready to go, mid afternoon off we all go to the OLD City (wish I had thought to bring a walking perodmentor), time wise it takes about 20-30 minutes, depending if you are going up hill or downhill to the Old City...OK, FIRST Scene, who those of you who have been to Disney World(one of my favorite places to go) In Hollywood Kingdom the Lights, Motor, Action Show, where they race the cars in front of you but you are protected by seating up in the high raise seats and high wire fencing. After walking thorough the City Center (reminds me of San Fransico), very hilly and picturess business and buildings you see the wall that once surrounded Jerusalem and Jaffa Gate. Walk thru the gate (again movie set) you see the side of Tower of David with a stone street with vehilces come zoomig up the hill and speed by you so I felt like I was at Lights, Motor, Action Show at Hollywood Kingdom but instead of being in the seats protected by distance and high wires you are standing right there in the ACTION...Love that street.
From that site you simply turn to your left and start walking thorough a time machine with a stone walk way with merchants on both sides of you ready to sell you anything of your hearts desire... At the end of the walk way again go left you arrive at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre which is in the Christain Quarter of the Old City and is an ancient church and just breath taking, its size, height of the ceiling, columns. This was built about 300 years after Jesus would have died by Contstanine (Roman Empire) wife. She had the idea of going to the tomb that they believed Jesus was buried in and had it removed from the mountain site and placed in the church.
I was NOT prepared for the tomb. You enter first into a smaller outer room, about size of a small guest bathroom and then you have to duck to enter the tomb/cave and ALL I saw was ALL these menorahs on the wall behind the slab and lanterns hanging from the ceilings....YOU only get to stay a Few minutes(maybe 3) because of course there is a line of people waiting.. I don't know about you but I NEVER thought about all the (decorations), but of course it has developed into a memorial shrine today do and they have placed those things there over the years.
After this we all walked back home (mainly up hill), had dinner and off to bed I went...Great first day, Travel half way around the world, saw my family and got to see the first sights of Jerusalem.
Once that was done I went back to El Al area and it was PACKED. El Al employees trying to direct you into about 3-4 different lines for the process of just checking in. Got into wrong line twice and had my carry on luggage checked twice. Once on plane which holds 387 passengers(full) there was at least 300 young High School students going to Jerusalem for a 5-week summer program. Can you say SLUMBER PARTY?! SO can I just say that was quite an eventful flight. YES I did get some sleep and was so out of it when I did go to sleep, the lady beside me and I slept thorough the serving of breakfast. Woke up with the plane descending. For those of you reading Cathi/Scott's blog you know WHY they had to wait an hour for me to get off plane, get luggage and go thorough customs with 387 other people.
What a joy to see my family waving their arms at me...Scott/ Cathi and kids had come to Tel Aviv the day before to have some American food, movie and pool time and in order to do this they rented two compact cars to carry them, their luggage plus add me and my luggage...Seemed like a very short trip to Jerusalem, beautiful countryside and as you drive UP into Jerusalem you see this MOVIE set of stone homes/buildings. This city has reminder me of so MANY places I have been to and I will refer to that thorough my blog.I must tell you all that in reading this, Jerusalem was never on my heart, my bucket list or dreams to visit. BUT I must say just what I have seen so far I am so glad I have had this chance to be here with my family and to go and step where my Jesus has stepped. Those of you who know me know that I love genealogy and love tracking down my fore fathers so really this is just up my alley, history every where, as Ryan says, throw a stone and you have hit history.
To find where Cathi/Scott is living is like a maze. Thank goodness they came to get me at the airport. Arrive at C/S home and my I say so Jewish looking community, or at least what I had imagine.
I am so ready to go, mid afternoon off we all go to the OLD City (wish I had thought to bring a walking perodmentor), time wise it takes about 20-30 minutes, depending if you are going up hill or downhill to the Old City...OK, FIRST Scene, who those of you who have been to Disney World(one of my favorite places to go) In Hollywood Kingdom the Lights, Motor, Action Show, where they race the cars in front of you but you are protected by seating up in the high raise seats and high wire fencing. After walking thorough the City Center (reminds me of San Fransico), very hilly and picturess business and buildings you see the wall that once surrounded Jerusalem and Jaffa Gate. Walk thru the gate (again movie set) you see the side of Tower of David with a stone street with vehilces come zoomig up the hill and speed by you so I felt like I was at Lights, Motor, Action Show at Hollywood Kingdom but instead of being in the seats protected by distance and high wires you are standing right there in the ACTION...Love that street.
From that site you simply turn to your left and start walking thorough a time machine with a stone walk way with merchants on both sides of you ready to sell you anything of your hearts desire... At the end of the walk way again go left you arrive at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre which is in the Christain Quarter of the Old City and is an ancient church and just breath taking, its size, height of the ceiling, columns. This was built about 300 years after Jesus would have died by Contstanine (Roman Empire) wife. She had the idea of going to the tomb that they believed Jesus was buried in and had it removed from the mountain site and placed in the church.
After this we all walked back home (mainly up hill), had dinner and off to bed I went...Great first day, Travel half way around the world, saw my family and got to see the first sights of Jerusalem.
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