So much to see.

So much to see, so many things to learn. The first of which is typing quickly on a Hebrew keyboard that is one key to the right.

Yesterday was an incredible gift. The weather here is perfect so we can see so much. We drove to the Mount of Beatitudes, a beautiful church to commemorate a great sermon. It was Ash Wednesday so the crowds were thick. We took our time and eventually walked down the slope toward the Sea of Galilee to Tabgha. To go from this incredible teaching spot of Jesus then to sit for a moment where he had compassion on the crowds who followed him is pretty moving. Look at Matthew 14:15-21 and see where he took some fish and loaves and fed thousands.
Just down the street is the place of Peter's primacy- Feed my sheep, Tend my sheep, Feed my sheep. The place itself at Capernaum is special but there is also the Synogogue where JEsus probably preached and taught at different times. I asked for inspiration there to carry the message of Jesus to others. Just to lay my hands on the columns seemed to add something to my life.
We drove around the top end of the Sea of Galilee looking upward toward the Golan Heights and remembering that in Jesus time this land was Gentile land. It is not any wonder that Jesus framed his sermon about the Gerazine demoniac in ways they would understand. Did you ever wonder why he could place the demons in pigs when the Jewish people did not eat or touch pork? Well the Gentiles did and he sent the demons into the pigs and the pigs ran into the Sea of Galilee. They say there are still wild boar running through that land.
Driving down the shore we went along the river Jordan and found a quiet place to remember our baptism. A unique opportunity on Ash Wednesday. Yes, I did fill up a bottle to bring back with me. Let me know if you want to remember your baptism with Jordan water or have a special infant or adult to baptize the first time, I'll be happy to share.
Today was a day to travel and change locations. We are now in JErusalem, the City of David, the city of Christ's death and resurrection. On our way we stopped in Jericho and then to Bethlehem. Jericho is about 1000 ft below sea level and Jerusalem is about 3000 feet above sea level. As we road up the hill I thought about what it must have been like for Jesus to make that trip, up the hill, knowing how it would end. It is a long journey by bus, and must have been difficult at best on foot.
Bethlehem was more crowded than the last time I was there - a good thing. The hard thing is to see the 32 foot wall around this city. We went to teh church of the Nativity and even in the crowds it holds a special touch to reach in to the spot where they celebrate JEsus birth and see the manger where Mary laid the baby. The ornate nature of this Greek Orthodox, Armenian and Roman Catholic place of worship is outstanding. I cannot wait to show you the pictures. That will have to be when I return though.
We will be around Jerusalem tomorrow. I'll keep you in my prayers whereever we go as I know you will keep me in yours.

Blessings and peace.

C. Kay