Day 12
It’s hard to believe the time in Israel is almost over. Some in our group must leave early Sat morning, others (like Dave & Bev) late Saturday or early Sunday. Our plane leaves at 7:15AM, we must be at the airport at 4:15 & thus will leave our hotel by 3:15AM. Hmmm … whose idea was all that.

Meanwhile we had another exciting day today. It began with the “Rabbinic Tunnels”, excavations done under the temple mount. This was actually the closest we have been to the place where the Holy of Holies was likely situated, assuming it was on the peak of Mt Moriah. Then we went to Bethesda where Jesus healed the man on the Sabbath. We read John 5:1-15 while there.

We sat for awhile at the place where it’s believed Peter gave his sermon on the Day of Pentecost. We also had a half hour to be at the Western (Wailing) Wall (not just seeing it as we did the other day). We also went to Bethany to the tomb of Lazarus. Then back to Olivette to see various sights, perhaps the best being a little hike through the Kidron Valley.

We’re thankful for the time we have had here. Just seeing some places that clearly fit the Biblical account has been wonderful. Whether that particular cave in Bethany was Lazarus’ or not to me is inconsequential. We actually learned something about modern day Bethany that was of interest, on a day when according to the news there were a couple terrorists in Hebron who were killed by the Israeli’s resulting in some demonstrations. Interestingly enough, we knew nothing of all this during the day, only when we got back to the hotel and saw it all on the news.

Remember to pray for us, for strength, for prepared hearts as we move immediately from Israel to teaching in Zaporozhye. Our love to you all!