beatitudes to baptism

We've just gotten back to our hotel on the Sea of Galilee after another day packed full of sight-seeing!  This morning, we started out on the Mt. of the Beatitudes and had a group reading of Matthew 5:1-14.  After that, we headed over to Caesarea Phillipi, where Peter declared Jesus as the Christ (Mark 8:29).  Also at Caesarea Phillipi is the beginning of the Jordan River and the Gate to Hades (a.k.a. the Temple of Pan).  After this, we dropped by the location of the Road to Damascus along the Syrian border and a lot of the group enjoyed some delicious apples there (seriously delicious apples!).  We also rode by the Golan Heights and then went to Capernaum (where Peter's mother-in-law's house is located) and then ate on the Sea of Galilee, where a lot of the group enjoyed St. Peter's fish (but those who didn't like the idea of eating a fish with a head ordered chicken).


This afternoon we enjoyed a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee, saw where Jesus fed the 5,000, and most of the group was baptized in the Jordan River.  


It's been a good day and tonight we pack up from Tiberias and head to Jerusalem to stay tomorrow night.  We also have our first opportunity to shop tomorrow (in Bethlehem) so many in the group are excited about that.  Our tour guide, Mikhoul, has told us that the stores are cheaper in Jerusalem than the places we've been so far so we are trusting him!


Tonight, some of the group has gone out to walk on a boardwalk-type area in front of our hotel to get ice cream and hang out.  The weather has been great as it has not been too hot or too cold.  It's about time to head to bed around here as we get our wakeup call at 6 am tomorrow!  We're hoping to have internet connection in our next hotel but bear with us until we can know for sure :)


This morning on the Mt. of Beatitudes:

At Caesarea Phillipi: 

Capernaum:

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Lunch^^

On our boat ride this afternoon, the drivers flew an American flag for us and played the National Anthem, so naturally we had a moment to stand for our country!

The drivers were all artists so they joined in with their mandolin & violin while Pastor Don was leading us in singing some hymns (let's just say...they wanted some tips!)