Old Testament Beginnings!

Today was our first full day in the land of Israel. We began with a delicious breakfast in the hotel where many enjoyed some different options like herring, gnocchi, olives and cheesecake in addition to some staples of cheese, scrambled eggs and cereal. Coffee was the most sought after item on the menu with everyone feeling a bit overwhelmed from the long travel.

FINALLY UNITED - the California and Michigan groups are together at last and we are getting along splendidly. It has been a pleasure for me (Eric) to get to know many of these wonderful people.

Today was a journal through some Old Testament favorites. We went to Gezer where we saw the Aijalon Valley and talked through Joshua 10 and the incredible story where God made the sun stand still so that Israel could defeat their enemies. The interesting bit we learned was that this allowed the Israelites to fight with the sun at their back and the enemies would have the sun in their eyes.

Then we made our way to Beth Shemesh which is a place that you might not have really heard about but from there you can see from left to right - Timnah, Sorek Valley, Zorah, Eshtaol and Keriat Jearim. Zorah and Eshtaol was the place where Samson was born. TImnah is Delilah's home. The valley lies between them both. Everyone could picture where this famous story took place and won't ever read it with the same eyes.

After that we drove down to Azekah - another place you've never heard of but it sits above a valley called Elah where a boy named David fought a giant called Goliath and became a young man. We headed down to the actually brook where David found his five smooth stones.

Finally, after lunch we visited Beth Guvrin and the Bell Caves of Maresha for some amazing history and archaeology. Check the pictures to have your mind blown. The caves had some great acoustics for a little singing.

Tonight we sleep by the Dead Sea!