What life was truly like

The wind whipped past our little kibbutz early this morning as we woke on the shore of the Sea of Galilee in Ein Gev. To say that we were humbled is an understatement. The wind blew most of the morning at easily 5-8mph and chilled us to the bone. 7 am on the Galilee is rough, but beautiful.

So let's go ahead and do highlights of the day again!

Galilee- When on the Galilee, do as the fisherman do! We boarded a wooden boat, and went out onto to the windy lake. We discussed what being a fisherman in the 1st Century looked like and how that context really impacts the stories of the Gospels. Ronen, our wonderful guide, helped us to paint a picture of what life was truly like for the fishermen and also the disciples. Then we danced and sang and were joyful our on our boat. God's joy is too good to not be shared with friends.

Mt. Arbel- Throughout the Gospels, the Bible says that Jesus would go up the mountains to be alone and pray (introverts can I get an Amen?!). Well, Mt. Arbel is that mountain. Jesus used to go up to the top to pray, and especially, this is where he prayed before choosing his disciples. After this hike, all I have to say is, Jesus must have been very fit, because that was not a "light hike." It was 45 minutes of grueling climbing and steep elevation gain. Thankfully, we lost no one to the mountain, though we were concerned for a bit there. Once we summited, the reason why Jesus would come up suddenly made so much sense. It was stunningly beautiful. The kind of beauty you experience maybe once or twice in your life. The Galilee sits below you as you walk through a meadow of green grass and flowers. We prayed where He prayed. How many people can say that?!

Areamos Topos- Conveniently, across the road was a hill that had a path leading to the top. We climbed to the top and found a large marble stone, and several small stones in front of it. This is where Jesus taught the Beatitudes. Wow. Again, it overlooked the Sea of Galilee and was incredibly calming. Ronen then said something that helped me put some perspective on how Jesus taught. He asked us why Jesus would lead people up mountains or to high places so often to teach? Probably for the same reason school children follow their teachers on field trips or why we follow Ronen. You want to know where they are going! I'm following this Rabbi who has been performing miracles all over the region, he's probably got something good to say on this mountain.

Capernaum- The home of Jesus. This is where Jesus lived in the time of His ministry, and where he performed so many of his miracles. It is now a protected landmark, almost like a museum, with dozens of signs and seats everywhere. It is a Holy Place, so we had to dress modestly, no shorts or tank tops. The crowning jewel of the town is the large white ruins of a synagogue, the same one Jesus taught in. Again, we walked where Jesus walked. That is humbling in every sense of the word. We spent an hour there, which is never long enough to stay in place where Jesus stayed. But my was it cool.

We ended our day with a baptism. Our wonderful friend, Shea, decided to take a step of faith, and we baptized her at sunset in the Sea of Galilee. Incredible.

Goodnight again from Israel!