The Old City of Jerusalem

Well, the pedometer logged 22,500 steps or 11 miles today.  And YES, everyone made the trek.  What a great experience on so many levels. 

First, of course, the religious and spiritual significance of the sites was tremendous.  We walked the Via Dolorosa (The Way of Tears) which was Jesus pathway to the cross.  We visited stations all along the way hearing scripture and lessons from Ken and Andy (another of our teachers).  The morning walk culminated at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre--the traditional location of the crucifixion, tomb, and resurrection of Jesus.  We saw the Upper Room and The Church of St. Peter Gallicantu (location of Jesus' imprisonment, trial, and of Peter's denial of Christ.  We sang the doxology together in the Church of St. Anne (Mary's mother).  We heard The Lord's Prayer sung in St. Peter Gallicantu.  Most certainly, this day was a mountaintop experience that we will long cherish and remember. 

Early in the morning, we also visited the Temple Mount--now the home of the El-Aqsa Mosque and the Dome of the Rock.  Non-Muslims are no longer allowed to enter these buildings, but we observed faithful Muslims as they approached their holy shrines.  We spoke of the struggles that have taken place throughout history to lay claim to the Temple Mount. 

The Old City also offers much excitement as vendors and small shops vie for tourist dollars.  I have to say that more shopping also happened today.  People from all over the world, speaking many languages, and following many different faith paths find Jerusalem to be a center for worship.  Today, it was one for us. 

Congratulations to all of our group who braved a difficult day physcially to visit all the sites and fulfill the goal of their pilgrmage.  Weather (as on all other days of our trip) was flawless.  Health was good.  Tomorrow is our last day.  We will visit the Mount of Olives and complete our visit to the holy sites of Jerusalem. Please pray for strength and for traveling blessings as we look toward home.