Hello from Jerusalem

Hi to all our dear friends, families, and pilgrims- this is Lois writing... Saturday night- We had a bit of trouble leaving Toronto with a severe thunderstorm ripping through the area. We were quite happy to be on the ground temporarily. Everyone seemed to enjoy getting to know one another once finally airborne! Sunday -In Rome- the airport was much smaller than we expected. Half of us had already boarded when they discovered technical difficulties and we had to disembark while the repairs were made. An hour later we were in the air. Tel Aviv- Israel greeted us with warm weather and sunshine. Reuven Solomon, our tour guide met us, and on our way to the hotel we visited Joppa, home of Simon the Tanner, and where the ship picked up Jonah. Monday- Headed up the Mediterranian coast and stopped at Caesarea, Mount Carmel, Megiddo, and the Brow of the Hill in Nazareth for overnight. We stayed at a guest house in Nazareth. One of the volunteers took us downtown on a walking tour and we bought the most delicous "canoffee" dessert. Brian treated! Yummmmm! Tuesday- Up bright and early and to the Nazareth Synagogue where we sang and had devotionals. Biking- We followed the Jesus Trail as advertised on the internet as a walking trail. We didn't know, until that morning, that we were the first people to actually bike most of it. Silvie was our guide and she was great! Her assistant, Anna, captured pictures for an advertisement phamplet. We met Silvie, our biking guide,in Cana and walked up, up, and up! Quite a climb, but a wonderful warm up! Lots of commotion getting our bikes, helmets and gear ready. The trail was very difficult and rough, mostly uphill at first, and I was wondering what we had gotten into! Most of us had to push our bikes up some of the hills- it was hard on our pride. After the first half we enjoyed a lovely bike ride- it was just what we expected. Camping- We arrived early at the campground so we helped set up tents, prepare supper, and build a bonfire pit. We felt like the Israelites in the wilderness.... every man had a job. Because it was Memorial Day the "facilities" were locked up solid! It made for an interesting night! Not to fear: lots of trees. Troy Thomas actually had the gall enough to let a two-litre bottle of water spray freely in Brian's tent after he had settled for the night. I was asleep by that time but heard of it in the morning. Apparently he thought it was one of the guy's tents! Good story Troy! Around a bonfire we shared testimonies, life's experiences, and had an awesome hymn sing. Wednesday- Independence Day: A celebration of Israel's 61st year of being a recognized state. We took the bus to the top of Mount Arbel and then the bikers started their hike down the mountainside. It was pretty steep in some places: only metal U-shaped hooks to hold on to and step on. Half way down we met some cows and a bull in a cave. {We all had on red shirts that had been given to us by the NBC Morning Show news crew. They were following us and filming us for two days.} No bull chases and we made it down the hill in record time. This time one of NBC crew hopped on a bike and accompanied us as we drove. We biked through Magdala, stopped and swam at a natural spring. While there, a Jewish family invited us to join their holiday celebrations. They shared their food and beverages with us...much appreciated! As we biked through fields, woods, and along roadside paths we had time to meditate about Jesus, his journies, miracles, and teachings. The pilgrims were deeply touched as seen in their sharings and prayers. Lunch was picnic style in a citris grove. On our bikes and on the trail again. Lots of dust as we biked and VERY hot! One final hill was the highlight of the afternoon (not!) but then a swift ride down into Taghba. (Where Jesus breaks the five loves and two fishes.) Just a few more kilometers to we visited Jesus' Synagogue in Capernaum. Overnight at Capernaum. The NBC crew left us at this point and we have been told that The Morning Show to be aired on May 11th is the time our documentary will be released to the public. You might try to catch this... Thursday- All a bit stiff and slow moving this morning as we visited the site of a 2000 year old ship. It has been restored using parafin wax and it was easy to see how Jesus would have lain in the ship's hinderpart. Down to the seaside for a cruise on the Sea of Galilee. Water was smoothe and spirits were high. Hymns, "Life Lesson" devotional, and a nice quiet time gathering our own reflections rounded out this experience. A modern day 'Peter' demonstrated how to throw a round net to catch fish. No fish caught that day. Hungry pilgrims. A visit to the Jordan River was requested by John and I and it was all that we expected and more. We waded into the waters and watched other individuals dip seven times into the muddy waters. You were to rent the white gown if you wished to do the dipping, so we didn't.Lots of pictures! We then travelled down the Jordan Valley to Jericho. Although we were not allowed into their territory, they have a nice stopping place for facilities and giftshops on the highway, so those needs got met. Some quick thinking pilgrims took advantage of a camel ride. The camel owner offered Brian 26 goats for Tracy Walker, Manitoba. He seemed very impressed with her riding! Don't worry Dennis, we knew she is worth more to you than that! We are bringing her home. Arriving in Jerusalem in early evening, while Reuvan blared "The Holy City" hymn on the bus's P.A. system, we toasted (non-alcoholic juice) to the peace and blessing of Jerusalem on top of Mount Scopus. Yes, Max, I reminded them of your experience and how you had gotten robbed and tried to scare some caution into each pilgrim. We are staying at the Olive Tree Hotel which is right next to the one we stayed in last year. Brian asked me to do this update, but am getting tired and will add more later... this is all from memory and will get my notes to add more details later. We had a safe day today... it's quite a job looking after 30+ energetic youngun's. Keeps us busy! All for now, Blessings, Lois Kember