Hi Folks:

We didn’t have to get up TOO early to walk the Stations of the Cross. Wake-call was at 6:00, though some of the folks didn’t get up at the door-knock. At 6:30, we knocked on the door again for a 6:45 departure, and re-wakened three folks.

It was interesting actually to see the places along the Stations of the Cross. It’s not at all like hearing the Scripture readings back home, because you’re actually at the place where the events of Jesus’ suffering and death took place. The Scriptures say that Jesus was outside the city walls at the time of his crucifixion. Today, the city walls are in a different location, so the location of the crucifixion, burial, and resurrection is now inside the walls.

The Church of the Holy Sepulchre has the feel of a tourist destination, rather than a holy and spiritual site. In some ways, it was like waiting in line at Disney World. The Church still had all the “stuff” in it – the places for events and so on. And people were very reverent. But it was distracting having all the crowds around. Fortunately, we walked the Stations of the Cross early, while the Church was rather empty.

Breakfast and lunch were both at the same place. Breakfast was like what we’ve had the last few days. Lunch was excellent. It was a mix of eastern Mediterranean salads and pita with French fries and American-style meat. Everyone enjoyed it.

We went to the Dome of the Rock – for Muslims, the third most holy site in the world. It was interesting that the Muslims seem to treat the huge courtyard area around the Dome of the Rock as a park than Christians treated the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. The Dome of the Rock itself is a great place – very ornate and artistic.

Today was the birthday of George Said – our guide. We made arrangements with the restaurant to have a birthday cake for him at lunch today. George is a funny guy with a funny laugh. He seems to know everyone in the world, a man with great connections. But he gets mad when we don’t pay attention. We’re glad to have him as our guide.

Tomorrow we check out of Jerusalem, go to the Dead Sea area, and then on to Nazareth for three nights.

Peace.

The Guys – Christian, Jake, Matt, Chris, and Ian (and the rest of the pilgrims)