Wrapping Up My Journey Through Israel
Our last day in Israel was a whirlwind of emotions, history, food, and unforgettable experiences. It was the kind of day that leaves you feeling both fulfilled and a little sad that it’s all coming to an end. But hey, if you’re going to end an epic trip, might as well do it with a bang, right?
Yad Vashem: A Heart-Wrenching Start
We kicked off the day with a visit to the Yad Vashem Holocaust History Museum. Now, I’m not going to lie—this isn’t exactly a light way to start the day. Walking into the museum, you could feel the gravity of the place. The building itself, a long, triangular prism, seemed to say, “Brace yourself, you’re about to go on a journey from darkness into light.” And that’s exactly what it was.
Each room in the museum pulled us deeper into the tragic history of the Holocaust. The stories, the photos, the artifacts—they all combined to create an experience that was as haunting as it was enlightening. But the part that really got to me was the Children’s Memorial. You walk into a dark hall where the only light comes from candles reflected infinitely by mirrors. It was like stepping into a space where time stood still, and all you could hear was the gentle voice reciting the names of the 1.5 million children who were lost. Heartbreaking doesn’t even begin to cover it.
After spending hours in the museum, we emerged back into the sunlight, feeling a mix of sorrow and determination. The message of Yad Vashem is clear: “Never forget.” And trust me, after visiting, you never will.
Time Travel in Miniature: The Ancient Jerusalem Model
Needing a bit of a palate cleanser after the emotional rollercoaster of Yad Vashem, we headed to something a bit lighter—the Model of Ancient Jerusalem at the Israel Museum. Now, this isn’t your average school project diorama. This thing is a massive, 1:50 scale replica of what Jerusalem looked like during the Second Temple period, around the time of Jesus. And let me tell you, it’s pretty impressive!
Walking around the model, it was like taking a mini time machine back to ancient times. You could see the Temple Mount, the City of David, and all the gates and walls that made up the city. Our guide pointed out all the significant spots, and it was fun to connect the dots between what we’d learned on the trip and what we were seeing in front of us. Plus, it was just cool to see how big and bustling Jerusalem was back in the day.
The Gift Shop Chronicles: A Security Guard’s Casual Day
Of course, no museum visit is complete without a stop at the gift shop. We were browsing through the usual mix of souvenirs when we noticed something that made us do a double take. There, sitting near the entrance, was a security guard who looked like he’d just graduated high school, casually texting on his phone with an automatic assault rifle resting across his lap. Yes, you read that right—an actual assault rifle! It was like something out of an action movie, but in real life. Only in Israel, right?
BBQ Bliss: Lunch at a Local Market
By this point, we were getting hungry, so we made our way to a local market for lunch. And let me tell you, this market was a foodie’s paradise. Stalls overflowing with fresh produce, spices that smelled like heaven, and pastries that looked too good to eat. But we were on a mission, and that mission was BBQ.
We found a little BBQ stand tucked away on a quiet side street, and let me just say, it was love at first bite. The meat was smoky, tender, and packed with flavor. Israel definitely knows how to cook a brisket! For dessert, we indulged in some local pastries that were sweet, flaky, and downright delicious. It was the perfect fuel for the rest of our adventure.
A Room with a View: Overlooking Modern Jerusalem
After stuffing ourselves silly at the market, we headed to a scenic lookout over Jerusalem. And wow, what a view! From up there, you could see the whole city spread out before you, with its mix of ancient and modern architecture. It was amazing to see how much the city had grown and changed, yet still looked so much like the model we’d seen earlier.
Naturally, we had to take some pictures, and Dad insisted on getting one last shot with Tom, his special buddy for the trip (He was in charge of making sure Tom stayed with the group and made it back on the bus with us at the end of each stop!). They posed with the city in the background, and it was one of those moments where you just knew this trip was going to be one for the memory books.
The Garden Tomb: A Peaceful Goodbye
Our final stop of the day was the Garden Tomb, one of the sites believed to be the location of Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection. Compared to some of the other sites we’d visited, the Garden Tomb was simple and serene—a peaceful oasis in the middle of the city.
We gathered as a group for communion, and I have to say, there was something incredibly special about sharing that moment in such a significant place. We sang a few hymns, prayed, and took some time to reflect on everything we’d experienced. Then, we got to enter the tomb itself, which was pretty surreal. Standing in that small, empty chamber, it really hit home: “He is not here; He has risen!” The vibes in that place were just incredible, and it’s definitely a must-see for any Christian visiting Israel.
Sunset on the Road: A Picture-Perfect Farewell
As the day began to wind down, we hopped back on the bus and started our journey back to Tel Aviv to catch our late-night flight. But Israel had one more surprise for us—a stunning sunset that painted the sky in shades of pink, orange, and purple. It was like the country’s way of saying, “Don’t forget me!”
We watched the sun dip below the horizon, casting a warm glow over the landscape. It was the perfect way to end our trip—a moment of quiet reflection as we said goodbye to this incredible land.
A Journey of Faith and Fun
Looking back on our time in Israel, it’s hard to believe how much we packed into just a few days. From the shores of the Sea of Galilee to the bustling streets of Jerusalem, every moment was filled with discovery, laughter, and a deep sense of connection to the history and faith that shapes our lives.
For any Jesus follower, a trip to Israel is more than just a vacation—it’s a chance to walk in the footsteps of our faith and see the places where the stories we’ve heard all our lives actually happened. It’s a journey that brings the Bible to life in a way that’s impossible to experience anywhere else.
As we boarded our flight back to the States, I couldn’t help but feel a mix of emotions. I was sad to be leaving, but also excited about everything I’d learned and experienced. And let’s be real—I was already starting to plan my next trip back. Israel has a way of getting under your skin and into your heart, and I know I’ll be back someday to explore even more of what this amazing country has to offer.
Until then, I’ll be holding on to these memories and letting them shape my faith and my journey in the days to come. Until next time!
Wrapping up my journey through Israel.
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