Make sure to check out all the pictures and videos of our Israel trip.
We apologize that this blog posting has been posted so late. We wanted to shortly share some of the details of our fantastic trip to the Holy Land.
On July, 12th we flew into Tel Aviv, Israel and immediately drove into Jerusalem. The landscape seemed surprisingly sparse with little vegetation. We checked into the Regency hotel and being nighttime fell asleep. The next morning was a time of rest we needed to catch up with the Jet-lag of our previous days 12 hour flight which was just an awful experience all the way around. We traveled down to old Jerusalem to take a quick look around. It was neat to see the amazingly old structures still standing. Poor little Destiny with her pregnant belly kept up great with the rest of the group. I was proud of her.
The next morning we met up with our renowned tour guide Daniel Rona. He is a Jewish Mormon who makes his home both in Utah and Jerusalem. He had so much information to provide us along the way. We are going to briefly take you through each day of the trip…
-Tyler
Day 2- Old City, Holocaust Museum
We mentioned previously that the first day there was laid back to help us adjust to the time change. A few of us went out exploring….
We went to the Old City first where we ate lunch (I had a pita with Kraft singles cheese and a diet coke- altogether it cost about $15)…
The Old City is essentially where you can see the original walls of Jerusalem- they are probably more then 3,000 years old. Inside the walls life goes on similar to how it has for thousands of years- there are merchants, and churches, and homes. It was amazing to see something so ancient and to see modern life still thriving with-in it.
Later that day a few of us made our way over to Yad Vashem, a holocaust museum. The museum was very informational- but also very REAL. They had interviews form holocaust survivors playing throughout the tour, along with artifacts left behind, actual video of Hitler (Tyler pointed out that Hitler reminded him a lot of Obama). In the videos they showed you could see how Hitler was able to inspire and lead a nation blindly into committing those horrendous acts against their friends and neighbors. One saying on the wall of the museum said: “A country is not just what it does – it is also what it tolerates.” Directly behind this saying was an image of the Nazi’s saluting Hitler. We have tried to re-create it below- it was such a powerful message. It’s amazing what we tolerate even in our beautiful country today. One man alone has a conscience- but a mob knows no bounds. And I think that is clear by what happened then in the Holocaust, and what continues to happen all around the world.
By the end of the tour in the museum Tyler and I were both physically ill, I was in tears, and we were both just emotionally exhausted. We all know what happened in the Holocaust, but when you watch people tell their stories, see ACTUAL pictures of the bodies they found, and witness how one man could cause such destruction to a culture that he did not understand is just sickening. I hope we could all stand up for what is right if we were presented with a leader like Hitler. – Ok I got preachy…. Sorry….
After the museum Tyler and I and Del and Lynette (Parson) all attempted to take public transportation back to the hotel- that didn’t last. We didn’t know which direction to take the bus, and Tyler blamed giving up on me- the pregnant one. Haha- I’m glad he did. I was tired.
-Destiny
Day 3- Mt. Tabor, Jordan River/ Pastor Skip, Driving to the Sea of Galilee
Jerusalem is about 2 hours drive from the Sea of Galilee – and in between the two are some amazing landmarks….
Mt. Tabor:
Mt. Tabor is believed to be the actual Mount where Christ was transfigured. Obviously it is very hard to determine the exact places where these things took place, but Mt. Tabor did have a very reverent feeling, and just the idea that we could be in the same place that Jesus was at one time is an amazing experience. The mount had a Christian Church, and beautiful landscape, it felt like a very peaceful place.
Jordan River:
After Mt. Tabor we headed up to the Sea of Galilee- along the way we ran into the Jordan River. We stopped at a location where many Christians believe Christ was baptized. Brother Rona stated that it was probably NOT the exact place- but it was the same River. While we were there we saw a few people go down and get Baptized. In the shop on the River there are places were you can buy baptismal clothing and they also have pictures of Religious Leaders that have past through- including Pastor Skip (former surfer we are guessing). It was an interesting little place- and it was amazing to at least see the exact river we read about in the scriptures.
Driving to the Sea of Galilee:
On our way to the Sea of Galilee I had a few revelations- one was that the Sea of Galilee is not a Sea! I am sure everyone else in the world knew that except me- so that was an exciting discovery. Also- on our drive into the area it felt like we were driving to Bear Lake. The view was very similar- you’ll have to check out the pictures on that one to see what I mean. The last interesting thing was… as we drove to our hotel that was located on the beach of the Sea (Lake) of Galilee we saw a few people out on boats and jet skis on the Lake! It was so weird to see- because of course in our minds we picture an ancient holy place when we are learning about these places- you don’t normally think about how it is modernized. Apparently the Sea of Galilee is a popular recreational area- it’s so amazing to look at it and remember all the miracles Christ performed on the Sea and near the Sea. It makes the scriptures really come to life.
Once we got to the hotel- I passed out and Tyler went swimming in the Sea of Galilee- how surreal.
-Destiny
Day 4 – Korazim, Legions, Old Boat
We now began some of our adventures in and around the Sea of Galilea.
Our first stop this morning was Korazim. Korazim was a thriving community with a Synagogue where Jesus taught. It was also one of three locations that Jesus cursed and was later destroyed.
We then went to the location were Christ cast out the demons that plagued Legion and put them into the swine, where the swine therefore ran off a cliff into the Sea of Galilee. Kelly, Del, and Myself (Tyler) hiked to the top of the hill where ruins of an old Church lay. Up high we could overlook the entire Sea of Galilee which was a spectacular site.
That evening we went to a Museum where they have an exhibit on a 2000 year old fishing boat that was found buried near the Sea of Gallilee and has now been carefully restored and put on display. Could this have been an actual boat that accompanied Christ on one of his sailing occurrences?
-Tyler
Day 5 – Capernaum, Sermon on the Mount, Sea of Galilee
We got up early so that we could spend plenty of time in Capernaum, where Christ spent most of his ministry. It must have been a miraculous city, now under Catholic control, a lot of time has been spent in working to “dig out” this very old city. In the center was a grand Synagogue where Christ must have surely taught on many occasions.
We then took a ride over to where the Sermon on the mount took place.
Also ran by the Catholic church, this was a very busy spot with hundreds of people everywhere. This made it difficult to feel the spirit so Daniel Rona took us out of the “compound” and to a nearby secluded area. The family then began to express their thanks for all thief blessings and this became one of the highlights of the trip.
For the evening we ate a St. Peters fish dinner, and took a relaxing boat right out into the middle of the Sea of Galilee and told stories of Christ calming the storms. This was a great way to end our visit to the Sea of Galilee as in the morning we would be heading back to Jerusalem.
-Tyler
Day 6 – Valley of Armageddon, Caserea, Jaffa Port, Tel Aviv
This would be the longest day of our trip. We had so many stops to make on our way from Galilee to Jerusalem. Our first stop was through the Valley of Armageddon, where we know that the final showdown of the earth will take place. It was such a breathtaking experience to overlook this valley and to just envision a monstrous war taking place right in front of us.
We then continued on to see some amazing ruins that where constructed by Romans during the time of Caesar and Herod. Large aqueducts carefully constructed to transfer water for hundreds of miles. Just thinking about the engineering feet was quite amazing. Nearby these aqueducts is the city of Caserea. The city Herod built in honor of Caesar. I just loved this spot. To see structures that are thousands of years old in such amazing condition. There stands a beautiful coliseum which is in such excellent condition that it is still used today for many concerts and other events.
We continued to travel south and stopped at the Jaffa Port. Here is where it is believed that Jonah was swallowed by a “large fish”
We continued on through Tel Aviv and arrived in Jerusalem shortly after and checked into the Inbal Hotel. Which had most of Obama’s security detail but Obama couldn’t stay there as Paul had already reserved the Presidential suite.
We were so tired from the full days activity that it wasn’t long until we were sleeping.
-Tyler
Day 7 – Day of Rest
This day was the Jewish and Mormon Sabbath in Israel. So it was just a day of rest for us, which was a good thing because Destiny became very ill and needed the rest.
Day 8 – Qumron, Masada, Dead Sea
Again we had another very full day of activity, but unfortunately, Destiny was feeling very sick as she was probably overdoing herself for the several days before. So Destiny states behind and rested, and I went along with the others.
We started at a very fascinating location for me as I had researched it before. We started at Qumron. This was the location in which just recently the Dead Sea Scrolls where found. They include many authentic writings including the entire book of Isaiah. The scrolls are several thousand years old and they continue to find many more all the time.
We continued, driving along the Dead Sea to a highly elevated plateau known as Masada. This area has a fascinating history. As I can’t go to much into it I will quickly summarize. On this high plateau thousands of years ago Herod constructed a grand fortress. It was a very strategic area as there was only one small winding trail that allowed you to reach the top. Well many years later the Romans abandoned the fortress and later a group of anarchists Jews moved in.
They were causing a lot of problems for the Romans so the Romans went after them. At first the Romans tried climbing the plateau bit just got massacred at the tremendous bottleneck they encountered while climbing. So they constructed scaffolding, ladders, and an enormous ramp to reach the top of Mesada. When the Jews found that death was eminent, 5 men where chosen to kill everyone in their society, afterwards one man was chosen to kill the four others, then the last killed himself. When the Romans reached the top the were amazed to find everyone slaughtered besides a woman and two children that had been hiding. We rode a tram to the top of Masada and saw the amazing structures that were constructed at such an amazing height.
After Masada we went down to the Dead Sea where we got into our swim gear and “floated” in the water. I say floated because the Dead Sea is so potent in salt and minerals that it is impossible to sink. The water actually is heavier then you are. It almost felt like swimming in jello. It was a really cool experience.
-Tyler
Day 9 – Old Jerusalem
We now begin our tour of Old Jerusalem. What an amazing city so full of history. You can just see the wear and tear on the walls after thousands and thousands years of wars and contentions. In the center of Jerusalem sits the Dome of the Rock, a sacred site to the Muslims where they believe their prophet Muhammad ascended to Heaven. This causes overwhelming contention between the Muslims and Jews. They both want and kill over that piece of property. The Jews believe they will build their temple there, and the Muslims strongly disagree.
Old Jerusalem is divided into 4 parts. The Muslim, Christian, Armenian, and Jewish quarters. We began in the Muslim corner and walked through many “aggressive” market sellers through the Muslim market. We made our way over to the Christian quarter where we walked through a large church that many Christian sects believe is the place that Christ was crucified. Of course we know this to be false by actual biblical account, but it was interesting to see none the less.
We then moved our way to the Jewish quarter where we visited the “Weeping Wall.” Here is where the Jewish faith preform rituals such as Barmitzfa and leave prayers in the wall. It is the area that Jews can legally get as close as possible to their sacred temple mount.
We later visited where they believe the actual cornerstone of the temple (where Jesus stood) fell and has now broken. And then climbed the original stairs of the temple where at one time money changers stood and others would ascend up into the temple mount.
-Tyler
Day 10 – Model City of Jerusalem
This morning we went over to an Israeli museum where they had an actual full replica of how the Old City of Jerusalem would have looked during the time of Christ. The model was of such excellent detail that I was very impressed. Make sure to check out the video and pictures to see the model.
Day 11 – Bethlehem, Orson Hyde Park, Zedekiah’s Tunnel
Early this morning we went to a high hill that look over the town of Bethlehem. Daniel then recounted the Nativity story as we looked over what must have been such a wonderful sight on the day of our Savior’s birth. Afterwards we went to Orsen Hyde Park. It is such a beautiful place where the church has dedicated a park for the former Elder of the Church Orson Hyde. Orson Hyde was sent on a mission to Europe by Joseph Smith, and made his way to Jerusalem in 1841 where he said a dedicatory prayer for the return of the Jews to Jerusalem. At the time of the prayer the Jewish population was 7,120. From 1922 to 1948 the total population of the city rose from 52,000 to 165,000 with two thirds of Jews and one-third of Arabs. The current Jewish population is 475,000. Amazing isn’t it?
As evening drew close a few of us “adventurous types” chose to explore Zedekiah’s tunnel. It is about a one mile tunnel pitch dark that is barely cut wide enough for an average sized person to fit. The tunnel was cut anciently to still allow water to flow into Jerusalem if the city became under siege. Water still flows and at times was rather deep. It was a really cool experience.
-Tyler
Day 12 – Temple Mount – Upper Room – Garden of Gethsemene
Destiny was very sick this morning and I decided to hang back with her for the morning while the rest of the group went to the temple mount. We were more concerned that Destiny have health and strength enough to make it to the scheduled Garden of Gethseme. Later we were able to meet up with the others in Old Jerusalem and we all ascended into what is believed as one of three possible locations of the upper room where Christ preformed the last supper. Afterwards we followed what would have been Christ’s path up into the Garden of Gethsemene. This was such a spiritual experience us we stood very well where our Savior atoned for every one of our sins. It felt so good and peaceful.
Day 13 – Home of Caiphas, Gogaltha, Garden Tomb
This would be a sad day as we would follow the events that Christ encountered on the day of his death. We started at the home of Caiphas, the chief priest where Christ was sent and interrogated. We then went to the Garden Tomb which also gave us access to actually see Gogaltha (Skull) and it is still visible. What is interesting is how only a few religions believe that is where Christ was crucified, but it is so evident. The garden tomb is right near by. There is compelling evidence that this is in fact the tomb of Christ because of the location and because the tomb was evidently modified for a person other then it has initially been designed. This was a great experience to have the whole family together and to sing songs of the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
So this is our trip in a nutshell. We have tried to keep it absolutely as condensed as possible as I already know that the current length is going to prevent many from reading it. But overall it was such a great wonderful trip and we are so grateful to have had the opportunity to visit the “Holy Land.”
Make sure to check out the videos and photos!
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Our little Tyce is 1! I guess that is old news since we posted our visit to Discovery Gateway a while ago. In addition to our scientific private birthday party with just Tyler, Tyce, and I we threw him a ‘small’ party with just family and a few friends. Small doesn’t really describe the turn out- because Tyler and I have at least 30 close family members each, and adding our few friends on top of that gave us a pretty big party.
)
It’s my Mom’s birthday today, and I am not in Utah to visit her grave. So I wanted to post one of her poems in her memory. I also added a follow up poem of my own. Happy Birthday Mom! I love you!
Over the weekend we went up to some friends property (Richard and Judy Bell) up in the Uintahs and had an all out paintball war. We had a ton of fun.
We went to Lake Powell last weekend and it was an absolute blast. Destiny and Tyler played a little to much the first day which left us pretty tired and exhausted the rest of the trip, but we still had plenty of fun.