Big Day in Israel

Many of us are preparing for Hurricane Florence to hit land but I did want to catch you up on what's happening with our guys in the Holy Land.  Reports from Jay are absolutely GLOWING!  He said the group immediately gelled and that the course instructors, Peter and Mike are doing a stellar job. 

After their peaceful time in the wilderness -

The group hit the ground running this morning with their first stop, MASADA - such a fascinating place.  

The siege of Masada was one of the final events in the First Jewish–Roman War, occurring from 73 to 74 CE on and around a large hilltop in current-day Israel.

Masada is a rugged natural fortress, of majestic beauty, in the Judaean Desert overlooking the Dead Sea. It is a symbol of the ancient kingdom of Israel, its violent destruction and the last stand of Jewish patriots in the face of the Roman army, in 73 A.D. It was built as a palace complex, in the classic style of the early Roman Empire, by Herod the Great, King of Judaea, (reigned 37 – 4 B.C.). The camps, fortifications and attack ramp that encircle the monument constitute the most complete Roman siege works surviving to the present day.

NEXT STOP: KUMRAN (or Qumran)

Qumran is best known as the place where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered not so long ago. Located on the northwestern shore of the Dead Sea in the Judean Desert approximately, Qumran is located between Jerusalem and the major Dead Sea beaches and attractions such as Ein Gedi and Masada. Missed by many tourists, Qumran tells an interesting historic story, and offers some amazing opportunities for adventure sports.

TO TOP THE DAY OFF:  THE DEAD SEA!

Two features of the Dead Sea are that you FLOAT - you can read a newspaper while you are floating!  And the sludge at the bottom is supposed to have properties like a beauty mask.  That's why people are covering themselves with it.  What these pictures do not show is how incredibly salty the water is and how painful it is in your eyes! Still such a fun- and stange - phenomenon.  Hoping to get some pictures of our guys.

The pilgrimage team are laying their weary heads down in Jericho tonight.  It was a big and awesome day!

Good luck to those of you in the path of Florence - which is most of you!  Be safe.