Touchdown in Israel
After a whirlwind layover in Newark, we finally touched down in Israel, bright and early, ready to hit the road. The excitement was electric as we navigated through customs and collected our bags. Our group was a delightful mix of seasoned travelers and first-time adventurers, all buzzing with anticipation for the journey ahead.
First Stop: Caesarea by the Sea
Our adventure kicked off at Caesarea by the Sea, a city that perfectly blends history and scenic beauty. Built by Herod the Great between 22 and 10 BCE, Caesarea was a tribute to Augustus Caesar. It played a pivotal role in the spread of Christianity, with Peter baptizing Cornelius and Paul being imprisoned here.
We wandered through the grand amphitheater, once packed with 10,000 spectators cheering on gladiators and actors. The remnants of Herod’s palace offered stunning Mediterranean views that screamed luxury. Imagining chariot races in the ancient hippodrome, we marveled at the brilliance of Roman engineering while snapping a ton of photos. We may have even had our own race in the hippodrome, but the results are disputed!
Exploring Megiddo and the Valley of Armageddon
Next up was Megiddo, an ancient city with a history spanning over 7,000 years. Strategically perched at the crossroads of trade routes, Megiddo has seen countless battles and is famously known as the Valley of Armageddon, the site of the ultimate showdown between good and evil, according to Revelation 16.
We explored ancient walls, gates, and stables, and the intricate water system—a deep shaft and tunnel carved into the rock—showcased ancient ingenuity. Standing atop Megiddo, we gazed over the Jezreel Valley, feeling a mix of awe and excitement about the site's historical and prophetic significance.
Mount Precipice: Views to Remember
Our final stop for the day was Mount Precipice, just outside Nazareth. Tradition holds that an angry mob tried to throw Jesus off this cliff after one of his bold sermons. The panoramic views from the top were jaw-dropping, stretching across the Jezreel Valley, Mount Tabor, and distant Samaria hills.
The historical and biblical significance of each site left us in awe, eager for more adventures. As the sun dipped, bathing the landscape in golden hues, we soaked in the beauty, reflected on our day, and of course took some golden hour photos!
Sailing on the Sea of Galilee
The next morning, we kicked things off with a tranquil sail on the Sea of Galilee. Surrounded by lush hills and charming villages, the serene waters set the stage for a soulful morning of worship. Singing hymns and sharing reflections, we felt a deep connection to the miracles that happened here, from Jesus walking on water to calming storms. My dad gave a devotional complete with interpretive movements by Pastor Arol, and the captain of our boat busted out some early 2000s worship music sung in Hebrew. Psalms 100 comes to mind when I try to explain the music, but it's definitely a moment I won't soon forget!
(The beautiful, calm waters of the Sea of Galilee)
The Mount of Beatitudes: Serenity and Reflection
After our sail, we headed to the Mount of Beatitudes, where Jesus delivered the famous Sermon on the Mount. The beautifully landscaped gardens and serene chapel offered a peaceful atmosphere for reflection. Wandering the paths, we paused to read the Beatitudes on plaques, pondering Jesus' profound teachings amid nature’s tranquility.
Peter’s Primacy: A Touch of History
Our next stop was Peter’s Primacy on the northwestern shore of the Sea of Galilee. This site commemorates Jesus’ post-resurrection appearance to Peter and other disciples. The small church, built over the rock where Jesus is believed to have prepared breakfast for the disciples, provided a serene spot for quiet contemplation. And while it may not have technically been "allowed" I couldn't be at the Sea of Galilee without putting my feet in. Of course, Jeff joined in on the fun!
Capernaum: Stepping into History
Capernaum, the "Town of Jesus," was our next destination. This ancient fishing village was Jesus' ministry hub in Galilee and home to several disciples. Exploring the ruins, we saw the remains of a synagogue where Jesus taught and performed miracles. The nearby house of Peter, identified by early Christian pilgrims, brought the Gospel stories to life in a tangible way.
Baptisms in the Jordan River
One of the most unforgettable moments of our trip was witnessing baptisms in the Jordan River. This site, near the Sea of Galilee’s southern end, is believed to be where John the Baptist baptized Jesus. Watching our fellow travelers renew their baptismal vows in the cool, clear waters of the Jordan was incredibly moving, and the lush surroundings added to the serene and sacred atmosphere.
Discovering Magdala
Our day ended with a visit to Magdala, Mary Magdalene’s hometown. Recent excavations revealed a first-century synagogue where Jesus likely taught. The beautifully preserved mosaics and menorah-decorated altar stone provided a fascinating glimpse into Jewish religious life during Jesus' time. The Duc In Altum spiritual center, with its stunning chapel and reflection pools, offered a peaceful space for prayer and contemplation. The acoustics in the center of the chapel were awesome, singing "The Blessing" there is another favorite memory of mine (can the whole trip be a favorite memory?)
Culinary Delights and New Friendships
Along our journey, we indulged in Israel’s culinary delights, from fresh falafel and creamy hummus to savory shawarma and perfectly grilled fish. Each meal was a feast for our taste buds, and sharing these delicious dishes with our tour mates fostered new friendships and countless laughs over shared plates. Traveling with 40 people meant our time on the bus was filled with inside jokes, laughter, singing, and always checking on Phil! (Is Phil here?)
Reflections on an Incredible Day
As our time by the Sea of Galilee came to an end, we reflected on the incredible experiences and historical insights we’d gained. Each site brought biblical stories to life, deepening our understanding and appreciation of our faith. The breathtaking natural beauty, combined with the rich tapestry of history and spirituality, made this part of our journey truly unforgettable.
Stay tuned for the next installment of our travel blog, where we’ll continue exploring the Holy Land and uncover more ancient cities and sacred sites that make Israel a destination like no other.
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