We have been coming to Israel for thirty one years and there were always some places and things we wanted to do but never have had time. In the midst of serving God every day in the Garden, He has graciously allowed us time to
1. Walk the Walls of Jerusalem,
2. Visit areas of the city we never had time to, and
3. Do things at a leisurely pace.
This past week we have been able to spend two
hours on a double decker bus driving around the city of Jerusalem. This was a lot of fun as we were able to fix in our minds where things are in relationship to where we are. We were able to spend a long time at the Israel Museum where the Shrine of the Book is.
hours on a double decker bus driving around the city of Jerusalem. This was a lot of fun as we were able to fix in our minds where things are in relationship to where we are. We were able to spend a long time at the Israel Museum where the Shrine of the Book is. 
The Scroll of Isaiah that was discovered in the caves of Qumran is housed here.
The Model of Jerusalem has been moved from the Holy Land Hotel to the Museum. It is displayed in a much better setting and we spent a lot 
of time just slowly walking around it. There is a great viewing platform that puts you above the model where you can get a really good perspective of how the city of Jerusalem looked in the time of the Second Temple.
of time just slowly walking around it. There is a great viewing platform that puts you above the model where you can get a really good perspective of how the city of Jerusalem looked in the time of the Second Temple.The other thing that I (Al) have always wanted to do was to go inside of David's Citadel and we never had time to do so. We have been inside twice!
Once for a Sight and Sound show of the history of Jerusalem and again today just for a visit. We spent a couple of hours at the Citadel. I loved it! The view of the Old City are fantastic!
Adding to all of that, we have dearly enjoyed our leisurely walks through the old city. We had lunch today at our favorite Falafel Cafe and joined the Sunday mobs in the narrow old city streets.
This week we plan to visit Bethlehem on our day off and Ein Gedi with our friends next Sunday. We will walk to the falls and visit the caves where David hid from Saul in Ein Gedi.
We are excited that we will be heading home in a few days (December 16th), looking forward to seeing the kids in Tampa, going on to Houston for Christmas with our family there, and spending time afterwards with our church family at our home church. Those two weeks will go by all too fast as we return to Jerusalem January 1st for three months.
We are so incredibly thankful that God has chosen to use us here at this time to share His love with countless individuals in the Garden Tomb.
... and, as usual, we end our day in the Garden!
1 comment:
The Pandis family is currently reading an Advent book for the children, Jotham's Journey. A Story of a disobedient boy and his journey weeks prior to the Messiah birth. The places he visits are the same as your blog photos. My boys are intrigued by both. Esp. Qumran scrolls. How exciting to be living amoungst all that history!
More exciting is the fact that my Mom will visit Israel while you are still at the garden tomb in the Spring! More details to follow.
We miss you in Tampa! PS I am saving your spot in the office. You have a special travel consult when you are here! TTFN Duellyn
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