Well, I am back in good ole Amsterdam...and it is so good to be back!
My body was travel weary and rebelled by keeping me in bed on Saturday and Sunday, but I am pratically a new woman now and ready to face the world.
We had good flights back, free of delays or any major problems. We arrived about 10:30pm in Amsterdam then took a train and bus back to De Poorte where all our old pals greeted us warmly with hugs and kisses and wanted to hear anything and everything we would tell them about the trip.
The January DTS is here and they are a huge lot=over 50 of 'em. I am a bit overwhelmed by the size of their group, but the ones I have met so far seem like a lot of fun. Every room in De Poorte is filled and the place is crawling with people.
We have teachings this week during the mornings then the afternoons and evenings are free. It is designed this way so that we have plenty of time to enjoy being back and having relaxed times of fellowship.
It won't be long now until I am back in the U.S. of A. I look forward to seeing many of you and blabbing on and on about my trip, so be ready!
I will let you all know the exact date of my return when I am sure of it myself!
later gators.
Monday, March 13, 2006
Monday, March 06, 2006
Salt in the Wounds
On Sunday, the team met at 3:30am for our trek up Mt. Masada to watch the sunrise. It was quite beautiful and worth the early morning workout. Afterwards, we headed to the Dead Sea for a much anticipated "swim." It was one of the most unique experiences of my life. Due to the high salt content, swimming is practically impossible. Instead, you just float around. I have never been more bouyant in my life, and it was so funny to watch everyone practically sitting on top of the water. Those of us with any cuts were in pain and a few cut their feet on the rocks of salt formed on the bottom of the sea. I think I can say for all of us that it was all worth it for this once-in-a-lifetime swim.
Next, our tour took us to Jericho...hmm, not so impressive. We did get to see the Sycamore tree that is believed to be the one Zaccheas climbed. Other than that, the city was much like any other residential area you would imagine in this area. What made up for all the anti-climatism (is that even a word?) was the fact that we were in the West Bank! Yea, danger! Not really. We were definitely in the Palestine area though the West makes it sound as though the entire West Bank area is volatile and unsafe. I, however, just saw families and people living normal lives=smiling at us and waving. It was a nice experience and very good for me to see.
Today the team spent time reminiscing all the people, places, and things we experienced during outreach. We thanked God and sang in a lovely park area on Mt. Zion.
Tomorrow is a free day...I MAY be going to Bethlehem or Galilee if money permits me to do so.
Oh, and just to get back to you about the weather. It is quite, quite warm here and several of us are sunburned (including me). I guess we will take the burns after just being in -25 degree (that's celsius) weather only two weeks ago!
Next, our tour took us to Jericho...hmm, not so impressive. We did get to see the Sycamore tree that is believed to be the one Zaccheas climbed. Other than that, the city was much like any other residential area you would imagine in this area. What made up for all the anti-climatism (is that even a word?) was the fact that we were in the West Bank! Yea, danger! Not really. We were definitely in the Palestine area though the West makes it sound as though the entire West Bank area is volatile and unsafe. I, however, just saw families and people living normal lives=smiling at us and waving. It was a nice experience and very good for me to see.
Today the team spent time reminiscing all the people, places, and things we experienced during outreach. We thanked God and sang in a lovely park area on Mt. Zion.
Tomorrow is a free day...I MAY be going to Bethlehem or Galilee if money permits me to do so.
Oh, and just to get back to you about the weather. It is quite, quite warm here and several of us are sunburned (including me). I guess we will take the burns after just being in -25 degree (that's celsius) weather only two weeks ago!
Thursday, March 02, 2006
Disneyland!
Disneyland--that is what Charles (our DTS leader who is in Amsterdam) refers to Jerusalem as for us...and basically it is true since we are technically on debriefing now.
I must say that Jerusalem is a truly unique city and that there is nowhere else I can think of that comes close to a comparison for what I have experienced here.
We are staying at a really nice little youth hostel in the heart of the Christian quarter. The shopping streets are just outside our doors which is convenient, but can be annoying to have to walk through all the peddlars as they call out for you to enter their shop. The hostel is very much my style--old and hippyish.
I took a city tour (of the old city) this morning with the group. Our guide was a Messianic Jew, so it was quite interesting for me to hear how he explained everything we saw today. My favorite thing I have seen so far has been the Wailing Wall. It is so intense to go and watch everyone praying...it is especially surreal if you happen to be there during one of the Muslim prayer times...what a clash of sounds...what a clash of religion...what an incredibly rare experience.
I am thouroughly enjoying my time here and feel so grateful that our outreach included Israel. I would highly, HIGHLY recommend anyone to come here. You will be astonished by what all you experience...nothing compares to it...nothing can.
I will have to talk to everyone to effectively express and explain what I have seen here...hope that I will be able to talk to most of you...
Love you all!
I must say that Jerusalem is a truly unique city and that there is nowhere else I can think of that comes close to a comparison for what I have experienced here.
We are staying at a really nice little youth hostel in the heart of the Christian quarter. The shopping streets are just outside our doors which is convenient, but can be annoying to have to walk through all the peddlars as they call out for you to enter their shop. The hostel is very much my style--old and hippyish.
I took a city tour (of the old city) this morning with the group. Our guide was a Messianic Jew, so it was quite interesting for me to hear how he explained everything we saw today. My favorite thing I have seen so far has been the Wailing Wall. It is so intense to go and watch everyone praying...it is especially surreal if you happen to be there during one of the Muslim prayer times...what a clash of sounds...what a clash of religion...what an incredibly rare experience.
I am thouroughly enjoying my time here and feel so grateful that our outreach included Israel. I would highly, HIGHLY recommend anyone to come here. You will be astonished by what all you experience...nothing compares to it...nothing can.
I will have to talk to everyone to effectively express and explain what I have seen here...hope that I will be able to talk to most of you...
Love you all!
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