Thanksgiving Day in Israel

Shalom from Israel! Another full day – and we’ve figured out part of the problem with our computer – it thinks it’s Hebrew!  :0 It lets me type in English, but everything around it is in Hebrew and we can’t seem to get it to change so we can read prompts. You computer geeks out there probably know the solution….but we don’t and neither do any of those with us.

We started with MASADA – and yes, we CLIMBED every step of it and EARNED (well, o.k. – we bought it – but we earned it) the t-shirt! We shouldn’t have to ever work out again. J One of the highlights hiking up was meeting Israeli kids coming down. Many would stop us and ask us where we were from, ask to take their picture with us, chant “U.S.A.” – it was really fun. J

MASADA was followed by hiking the up to the middle falls at En Geddi (where David cut part of Saul’s robe off in a cave). It was an oasis in a dry and barren land.

We stopped at AHAVA – and yes, Becca, I bought you lots of Dead Sea lotions. J

Lunch at Qumeran and Hezi telling/showing us about the Dead Sea scrolls. Lots of caves!

We experienced a little of the Arab culture when we were in Jericho. MUCH different than areas controlled by Israelis. We saw a Zaccheus tree, shopped at a Hebron glass place, saw the possible site of the mountain Jesus was tempted on and experienced Palestinian and Israeli checkpoints.

We are now at  kibbutz Ma’aran on the south shore of the Sea of Galilee. It’s been a long but interesting day. Tomorrow is Galilee, starting early with Bet She’an.

Hope you all had a great Thanksgiving – we did!