The Desert

Today, we visited the desert area around the Dead Sea.  First, a cable car ride up to the mountain fortress at Masada where 1st century Jews killed themselves rather than submit to Roman armies.  We then drove back along the shore of the Dead Sea to Qumran--the cave dwellings where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found in 1947.  After lunch--a fun stop at a beach area where some members of the group swam, floated, and mud-bathed in the salty waters of the Dead Sea.  Finally, we visited Jericho, a 10,000 year old city. We shared Bible stories related to the areas visited.  The land truly does make the stories come alive.

Tomorrow will be an emotional day as we walk the stations of the cross in Jerusalem.  Continue to pray for our safe travel and spiritual growth.  Blessings to you all from Bethlehem.