We're here! We're here!

Upon arrival the first words out of our tour guide's mouth were "Welcome home." And, indeed, it feels like we are.

Everything is absolutely beautiful, rolling hills and all the buildings made of stone. There is a sense of this town that it is a place where God resides, such a spiritual energy. There has been so much prayer directed here, and it holds so much history. Even though we're not really sure where exactly the historical events happened, the strong truths the monuments represent is very real.

Our first stop of the day was Church of the Redeemer, a small stone Lutheran church with people flowing over the pews. The pastor had a commanding presence from the first moment he spoke, and held my attention throughout the service. Even from accross the world, the liturgy and spiritual practices were very familiar. The service was in English, but "Jesus Remember Me" and the Lord's Prayer were sung and spoken in many different languages by the members of the congregation.

Our next stop was the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Constantine's mother, Helena, built the church to commemorate the place where evidence of the Hill of Calvary was found. And man, it was a STEEP hill, can't even imagine how much strength it took to carry a cross up it.

Once at the top there was a place to kneel beneath the altar and touch the place where Jesus's cross might have stood in the ground. Even there, at this holy place, there was quite a bit of bickering about waiting in line and taking pictures. The reminders have been everywhere today that anywhere where this many people with differing cultures and faiths come together there is sure to be several misunderstandings and disagreements, just because each group of people has a different way of doing things that they each think are correct.


From there we marched over to zion, walking through narrow cobblestone streets, filled with people and small shops. The stores were narrow and deep, with merchandise crammed into every available spot. And there was a lot of action--it was great to get a sense of the local buzz. The housing area is split up into three sections, one for each of the three groups: Christians (Arabs and Armeanians), Muslims, and Jewish people.

At the wailing wall there was an amazing sense of tradition. We watched the Jewish people wash their hands before they prayed, using the cups that were supplied in the bathrooms, by first filling the cup and then pouring it over their left hand, then their right and then washing both with soap. And such a profound silence close to the wall, and of reverence--most people didn't even turn their back to the wall as they walked away, but left walking backwards.


While listening to a beautiful call to prayer we walked to Bethesda pool and St. Anne's Church. Not only are the "upper pools" believed to be those mentioned in Kings and Isaiah, but also the site of where Jesus healed a paralytic. The ruins were absolutely breath-taking. And only a few yards away was St. Anne's Church, with such acoustics that the building itself could be considered a musical instrument.

It's been a wonderful day, and we can't wait to experience the adventures that will unfold tomorrow.