bethlehem on the day of the Aussie census - what are the chances

8/09/11

An incredible day with our journey taking us from the Sea of Galilee, to Mount Carmel at the Mediterranean Sea, past Emmaus, down the coast and finally into the highlight of our pilgrimage – Jerusalem.

Mount Carmel at Muhraqa was our first stop and a spectacular look out over the Jezreel valley. Elijah is commemorated here and his battle against the prophets of Baal. We took some great pictures in different directions and some of us girls did a plank on the compass on the ground.

After mass we headed to lunch – chicken schnitzel in a pita bread pocket. Refreshed we continued south to Caesarea – a Mediterranean port created by the vision of one Herod the Great. Watched a movie about its creation and history through time. Was great to see how it developed – Herod wanted to create a trading port and gain favour with the Romans, eve built a big temple there. Ceasarea was a thriving port with a hippodrome and amputheatre. Over the years it was destroyed by earth quakes, changing rule- Byzantine, Crusaders and Muslims. This really painted a picture in my minid of all these people walking and fighting over this land and walking through the ruins all th more special. Most of the original buildings were the hippodrome and amphitheatre so they were the highlights. In the hippodrome we had one of highlights of the day – piggy back race with Craig and myself verse Geoff and Adalbert. Craig and I got off to a great start but Craig ended up falling over and we stacked it! Making memories – was fantastic. We also got to sit in the amphitheatre. Back  on the bus to Jerusalem.

Arrived in the afternoon and stopped off at a museum with a scale model of the city – old and new walls. Our tour guide showed us where the temple was, the Gafa gate and the gate outside the walls where Jesus would have been crucified. It helped give us an overview of Jerusalem and some points to relate things to.

We are staying at the Notre Dame Centre in Jerusalem – literally across the road from the Old Jerusalem – the Christian quarters. Some of the more adventurous of us went into the old city and had a real sense of being transported into another world and back in time. The same cobble stoned streets Jesus and his disciples walked along and some of the actual path he took on his way to sacrificing himself for us. We walked right past the ‘via del arosa’ before someone saw the sign. I got goose bumps thinking about it and the fact that Jesus stumbled through there. A little like the rabbit warren of Venice we were getting a little lost and walked right past Golgotha too. A few tried haggling and some were more successful than others. After another smorgasboard dinner and delicious chocolate mousse dessert we were treated to a guided tour of the terrace 4 storeys above by an Irish Priest. He had some great humour and told us how the 80% of the gospel took place between the Mt Beatitudes and Magda (named after Mary Magdaline), I am so glad we spent 4 days there. Next he showed us the 4 corners of Old Jerusalem – the New Gate, a little over 100 years old, the tower near the upper room, the Muslim mosque near Golgotha and the tomb and Rockferfellared light corner. Within these 4 square kilometres and just outside at the Mount of Olives the whole passion took place. It started at the mount of Olives where Jesus travelled down and on the donkey entered the city on Palm Sunday. Then the last supper in the upper room where Jesus washed his disciples feet and initiated the eucharist, back towards the garden of Gethsemene, then Jesus getting scourged, the journey to the cross, Golgotha, the tomb and then back to the Upper Room and the ascension from the mount of olives. To see it all at once was incredible. Father reminded us that we are not here to be tourists or take photos but to encounter the living Christ, be his ambassadors, do his work, ask him to lead our lives and do exactly what he asks us to. It was a moving evening, many of us were welling up when we realised the places before us, this special time in this Holy place, how fortunate we are to stand in this place and we finished with the group singing Amazing Grace. It was a beautiful night and day. I must say of my trip these few days in Jerusalem following Jesus’ footsteps to his death and resurrection are the ones I am most looking forward too and I hope I am open to God’s presence and his message for me. Tomorrow we go to Bethlehem to celebrate his birth and tomorrow night we have a holy hour to spend in the garden of Gethsemene – I don’t want it to come and go but I also want to enjoy it to the max.

Sea Sea!

7/08/11

Ship to shore

Looking at an ancient sailing vessel, sailing on the Sea of Galilee, eating fish from the sea, visiting Capernaum and swimming in the sea!

This morning we headed to the site where, in 1986, a first century fishing vessel was found, carefully excavated by hand and using Styrofoam and recreated. After viewing the boat and some souveniring shopping we headed to the pier and onto a sailing vessel. After sailing from a while and singing the Aussie anthem with the raising of our flag we celebrated a special mass and read the gospel story of Jesus and Peter walking on the water. The gospel message that spoke to me was when Peter said, “Lord save me.” Jesus immediately  reached out his hand and caught him. Jesus does this for all of us if we ask and allow him. It also reminded me of the times of doubt we have and that if we don’t doubt and trust in him we can accomplish so much for him and ‘walk on water.’ We kicked back with some local tunes that we danced around the boat to and had a dance circle – even getting the Archbishop up for a dance.  

Following our mass we had a traditional St Peter’s fish lunch. We were given the whole fish and I had to work out how to safely get all the fillet. It was tasty as was the entrée salad, bread and hummus.

Next we visited Capernaum, Jesus’ second home town and place of teaching. Again it was an octagonal church and some of the original mosaic flor has been relocated outside and replaced by a glass floor so that we can see the ruins below. Outside was the remains of a synagogue.

To finish the day we went to the sea to finally have a swim in the Sea of Galilee and in the Jordan River. I can now say I have swum across the Jordan (all 20 metres of it) and skimmed a rock all the way across the Jordan!

wedding wine and a visit to first century Nazareth

6/08/11

Wedding wine, a step back in time to the Nazareth Village, ornate and majestic churches and a mountain top – breathtaking!

This morning we headed to the site of Jesus’ first miracle- Cana. We visited a church that represents the location of the wedding and reception and we explored the old rock foundations underneath. Whilst we were exploring we nearly missed the main event – Geoff and Jenny renewed their wedding vows- was quite the celebration! Over lunch we even had speeches that were quite funny. We finally got to buy some souvenirs too – I got some sweet red wedding wine (hope I can fit it in my bag) and some other knick knacks.

 Next stop was Nazareth, we went to the church of the annunciation – build around the area that Mary was told she would have Jesus. There were some beautifully crafted images of the annunciation-gifts given from other countries. The upstairs was magnificent and we found Australia’s image and we took photos with it and the Aussie flag. In the precinct there was also St Jospeh’s church. We learned that Joseph was probably more of a mason/carpenter as opposed to a furniture carpenter. He would have worked about an hour donkey ride away in another town 'Seferus or Seephus?'

Visited the synagogue of Nazareth- perhaps the place Jesus read from the scriptures and told his audience that what he read was now being fulfilled. This angered the assembly and they tried to take him to the cliffs to throw him off for blasphemy but he apparently disappeared in the crowd.

We stepped back in time at the Nazareth Village – a recreation of first century Nazareth built on an old vineyard and terraced farming area. Here we learned that the crucifix would have been quite small, body height and the most common way of dying was suffocation. We viewed a tomb similar to the the one Jesus would have been placed in and placed 35 people in there at once just to beat the American group’s efforts. There was also a life size replica of a synagogue (meeting place) built completely using first century techniques and tools. Here they found an old wine press- perhaps used by Jesus himself to squash the grapes (but not the seeds) but as the tour guide said, just perhaps, as he doesn’t want them to build a church over it. We had a delicious lunch with flat bread, hummus, other spreads and lentil soup then spiced chicken and a particularly tasty cabbage salad.

Now it was time to ascend the narrow slopes of Mount Tabor – the site of the transfiguration of Jesus to some of his disciples. Again an impressive church with beautifully created mosaics depicting the event. We had mass outside and ABJB challenged us follow Mary’s words at Cana about her son– do whatever he tells you. After a not as precarious drive back down the mountain around the single lane hair pin turns we headed back to Ohalo on the Sea of Galilee.

Looking forward to a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee tomorrow and a restful day.

wanted - Larry the cucumber - last seen Mt Beatitudes, Israel

5/08/11

Mt Beatitudes overlooking the Sea of Galilee, losing Larry, sob sob, Korazin, the site where Jesus fed the 5000 and the church of the Primacy of Peter.

This morning we made the journey up to Mt Beatitudes where Jesus gave his famous sermon on the mount. It would have actually been on the hill with the crowd facing downward. After a look at the church we celebrated a special mass with ABJB – Archbishop John Bathersby. He gave a stirring and hilarious sermon and his message - Jesus is love so we must be love – be loving to others and ourselves. When Deacon Matt read the gospel of the sermon on the mount I had an image flash. Transported through time I heard it like Jesus was saying it (maybe like in the Passion of the Christ or some other movie I’ve watched), Jesus was on the side of the mountain and I was actually listening to him speak the beatitudes – it was a moment to savour and memorise. After mass and some group pics we got to have another 10 minutes around the gardens which is where Larry fell from my bag. One of the boys said he saw him on the steps but didn’t realise he belonged to us. I was pretty upset and will have to try and order a new Larry – Larry Jr to match Bob Jr.

Next we headed to Korazin and the site of an early synagogue’s ruins and where we could relive the parables of the house built on rock and the persevering widow.

We had lunch by the Sea of Galilee an Israeli meal – salads first then a really tasty chicken rice mix. Then we headed to the site of the multiplication of the loaves and fish. In the story it mentions that Jesus struck a rock when performing his miracle. This rock forms part of the church and is located under the altar. After this we walked around the corner to the church of the Primacy of Peter. It was here that Jesus said to Peter, “And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.” Matthew 16:18.

Again the church was built around the rocks that this was said to take place. It was a lovely little chapel with beautifully crafted stain glass windows.  It was on the shores of the Sea of Galilee and we got to dip our feet in the waters and take some pictures of the heart shaped stones, mentioned as early as 808AD, twelve in total to depict the twelve apostles.

Back to our quality hotel Ohalo and we went to find a spot at the sea to swim. We walked and walked to no avail – small dirt and rocky tracks, perhaps walked by Jesus, the sad thing was all the rubbish along the track – some people just throw it over the edge – out of sight out of mind unfortunately. We stumbled upon a boat ramp and hire place that still had the ‘Swimming is forbidden’ signs. The locals there said it just meant there were no life guards around. We went out on the jetty and dangled our feet in the water and connected with our Queensland group. After an hour and jumping away from the spider we headed back for showers and another delightful meal – chicken, lamb and an amazing chocolate mousse and yummy ice-cream (better walk and sweat it off tomorrow)!

Farewell Larry, you have been a great buddy along the ride with me – 14 countries bout 5 000kms so that I haven’t been lonely.  I will try to order a Larry Jr as soon as possible, but at least you are at a holy place – the Mt Beatitudes!

I am a pilgirm not a tourist

Toursist go to many places, pilgrims are changed by the places they go to.

3/08/11

From -5 degrees on Tuesday to 35+ degrees Wednesday

Up early to meet my cousin and aunty Toos to take me to Schiphol. Was a sad farewell to Albert and Gerty, had a great time with them at my 5 star hotel and will miss them. Was really glad Jaqueline and Toos stayed with me until I went through the gate and waved until I could see them no more. Had watery eyes. Security was pretty tight going onto the plane and got padded down.

Was brilliant timing in Amman, Liz’s plane landed at the same rtime as mine and we found each other on the way to customs. Headed to the airport hotel – 4 star luxury and really friendly hospitality. Had a beaut buffet dinner trying all the middle eastern delights before calling it a day.

4/08/11

Let the pilgrimage begin

We got to the airport around 10am and I was hoping they hadn’t come through yet as I made welcome signs for Michael and Craig. Was like 2 minutes late!

 The bus headed to Bethany beyond the Jordan – the site of Jesus' baptism. Along the way we were instantly reminded we had been transported into another world – the architecture and the desert. The poverty was evident too with the rubbish, broken and run down housing shelters and seeing the tent cities of Bedouins. We also went past Mt Nebo, the place where Moses saw the promised land from and is buried somewhere around. It was hard trying to imagine a group of people walking in this hot land and finally reaching Mt Nebo and looking into the valley. 

We arrived at the site and it was so special to walk on sacred ground. We went down to the river and blessed ourselves with the water from the font. We had a special mass there, had goosebumps as the Gospel reading was about Jesus’ baptism and to picture it happening were we sat – incredible.

We then had some happy snaps before walking through some of the ancient churches built here over 1500 years ago. The steps to one church were still evident and our mad tour guide Emad told us that Jesus probably walked down those steps into the flowing river almost 2000 years ago. We had to pinch ourselves to remind ourselves that we were in the special place and to remember it.

Next we headed to the border check points – Jordanian was pretty straight forward, they didn’t check all our bags but we are now at the Israeli one and have been for over 2 hours. I was selected for a security check, bag check and pad down – yikes!

Goodbye Nederlands and my home away from home

1/08/11

Another fabulous day combining three countries, a Belgium Church and beautiful stations of the cross garden, exploring an old castle with a hidden room and amazing sand sculptures. Then a delicious dinner and a visit to my Aunty Grada’s place somewhere in Roemond.

Within a hour and a half of Horst we were at the ‘3 land point’ a unique place to be able to be in 3 different countries at once, certainly tops being in three different ‘states’ at once! Got some typical snaps of being in 2 countries and then I had to stretch out to do the three.

Then we actually headed into Belgium – country number 11, to visit a little church and garden at Moresnet. It was surprisingly beautiful. The gardens beside the church had been transformed into an amzing stations of the cross with grotto type caves for each station and a carved inmage. Part of the roofing at been removed to allow natural light to flow in. The most magnificent was station 12 – the crucifixion which is actually an altar and outdoor mass area- beautiful!

Back into Holland and Hoenenbrook Castle. Was a fun to go through, hang in the dungeon, climbthe narrow staircases and finally find the hidden room . A priest hid from the French in the room and was never found. They tried to count the inside and outside windows and found one short so they then tried to put candles in each window to find the missing one. The priest was alerted to the fact and placed a candle in his window and was never found!

At the castle they have a some incredibly sand sculptures – all the more special to me as I had just visited so many of them – the Sacred Family Church from Barcelona – Gaudi would have been proud, the Coliseum, the Peiter statue of Mary and Jesus and the hand of God painted by Michelangelo.

Jaqueline cooked us a great dinner and then we went to attempt to visit Aunty Grada, once we worked out where she lived! Was glad we eventually found it – her smile absolutely makes my day!

2/08/11

Last day in the Netherlands – make it count. Albert and I traded the finally sunny weather for -5 degree temperatures at Snow World and my first attempt at  skiing – hope I survive.

Had a great private lesson and learnt how to put on the ski, walk side ways up the slope, lean legs and knees forward, hands on hips and back straight. Got to touch my toes, stretch up and touch my heels on the downhill and make the snow plugh triangle to go down slowly. Was able to master the turn on the practice run but when we went on the ultra long run I had a little bit of trouble finishing the turn and stack! Only had two but they were pretty major and my goodness it is hard to get back up! Two hours of playing in the cold and we headed back to Horst and grabbed some lunch – a really nice Caesar salad that actually had more meat than salad!

Albert then took me to a holiday complex. It can house over 3000 visitors at once in cottage/bungalows and has so many things to do: video games arcade, pool tables, tennis court, beach volley ball, restaurants, shops, bowling alley, beach (with sand), canoeing, aqua bikes, put put, mid ropes adventure course and more!

Finished off the evening with dinner at Block 10 with a chicken summer salad and a visit to my Rolls Royce Driver – Leo and his family for a get together and catch up.

Can’t believe my Holland stay is over- it was fantastic, with many precious memories of quality time with family and now I’m ready to join my friends on a pilgrimage through Jesus’ neighbourhood, spend some time with the big guy, have the Gospel come alive, be refreshed in my faith and hopefully be comforted with God’s voice and more of his plan for me.