Day 7

Day 7: Jan 17, Bethany - Masada - Dead Sea
Theme: Early Years in Jerusalem & the Wilderness
This morning drive down the Jordan Valley to Qumran where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found. Take the cable car to the top of Masada to learn about the heroic last stand of the Zealots. Afterwards there may be time for a dip in the Dead Sea for those who want to. Drive through the Judean Wilderness where Jesus spent 40 days fasting, and it is in this area that John the Baptist lived and baptized Christ. Then to Bethany where He raised Lazarus from the dead. Celebrate Mass here before returning to the hotel. Dinner and overnight.

Bus ride to Masada.  On the way we saw the Dead Sea, which we visited later.  Masada is another area that exists thanks to Herod the Great (aka 'Bob the Builder' according to our guide).  It was a fortress that Herod built as a potential refuge, although there isn't any proof that he stayed there. Quite a feat of engineering, especially since Herod liked his comforts.  There were enough supplies to last 2years. After Herod died, it was abandoned until zealots went there to avoid the Romans (much more history to it, of course).  Roman soldiers surrounded the fortress and were finally able to breach it.  All inside were dead, except two women and some children who were hidden in a cistern, because the zealots chose death over slavery.  There is a movie about this which was recommended by our guide.  And we had to ride a cable car to get to the fortress.  There was an extensive path up the mountain, which people could hike up.  Very extensive palace and fortress.   Believe the area is a national park.

Next we drove to Qumran, where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found.  Watched a short film about the history of the area and then toured the ruins.  We could even see the cave (from a distance) where the scrolls were found by a shepherd boy.  He was tending sheep, and a sheep went into a cave.  He threw a rock into the cave to scare the sheep out, and it broke something inside the cave.  He went and found a jar with the scrolls, which were on animal skin.  He took the animal skin to a shoemaker in Behtlehem and asked for a new pair of sandals.  The shoemaker saw the writing and realized it had value.  And the rest, as they say, is history.  We also had the chance to buy some of the famous Dead Sea products, which are fabulously luxurious.  

Lunch was on the edge of the Dead Sea, and then we had the chance to 'float' in the water.  No swimming allowed, as you can't put your face in the water - too much salt, minerals, etc.  This was an adventure and a half!!!  As some of the group who didn't get in the water commented, "You looked like drunks trying to help another drunk walk."  The ground was uneven, with mud and sand, and you couldn't tell where you might step next.  At times, it was shallow and very, very slick, but then other places you stepped down and sunk up to your knee!  Floating was very easy, and we all made sure to take advantage of the mud as we gave ourselves skin treatments.  Our guide told us, before we went in, that 10 minutes in the water would take 10 years off our age :-)  If the members of my group are to be believed, I'm back in college, so I guess it worked!  

Bethany - We arrived and celebrated Mass - wow.  We were in the church of Lazarus.  It was a beautiful little church, and the mosaics were lovely.  Because of our location, our Mass was a commemoration of the Resurrection of Lazarus.  As we began the Mass, Fr. Paul announced that we would remember, in a special way, all of our beloved dead.  It was beautiful to lift up our friends and family.  I kept thinking of Tasha, and felt such a peace during the Mass.  God's love was very tangible and I felt wrapped up in God's arms.  We sang Amazing Grace and On Eagles Wings - icing on the cake.  

Back to the hotel to clean up from our excursions and dinner.  Tonight was much quieter, as last night was extremely busy in the restaurant.  I'm assuming that there were more people at the hotel specifically for the Sabbath.  Because one is not permited to work on the Sabbath, one of the elevators is set to open on every floor during the Sabbath, so riders do not have to push a button (aka work).  After sundown tonight, it went back to regular operation.  

Our group is really great, and we have bonded during this amazing experience.  It is beautiful to share faith with each other in such a place as this.  Can't believe it's ONLY and ALREADY been one week since we began our pilgrimage.  It will be over too soon, I'm afraid.  Thank you, thank you for your prayers and support on this journey.  I continue to lift friends and family in prayer, and especially pray for the intentions I was given.  God knows the story of our hearts; your prayer is being heard.

Love & Blessings from Jerusalem :-)