Informative, Refreshing, Beautiful!

Our first day was very full, entertaining, educational and inspiring! We began the day with an excellent breakfast at Neve Llann. We began the day at a very nearby Israeli garden where we learned about the importance of grapes, olives, figs, dates, wheat and barley. Olives were so very important to the economy – it was used for many things including fuel. In ancient times Israeli olive oil was exported all over the ancient world.

Next stop was at Bet Shemesh – learned what an important location it was geographically – and the importance of Sampson. Compromise was the key word of that lesson and how Sampson continually compromised his relationship with the Lord. Most of the group went down into an ancient cistern, to show how water was essential to survival.

Next stop coincided with a lovely rain as Pastor Doug gave us a lesson about David and Goliath. Not only was it a lesson, but we were actually standing at the location where David slew Goliath! That was very cool! We could see the hills on both sides and the valley in between where the “battle’ took place.

Third stop of the day was picnic lunch at Bet Guvrin. After lunch, we went down into an underground columbarium (pigeon house) which gave us an indication as to the size of the city. This is also the place where Herod came from. This was a very thriving community. We went into a second underground city. A few of these underground cities have been excavated in recent years. Many olive presses were underground as well.

Last stop of the day was the Bell Caves. Very interesting in that these caves were created as a result of quarrying limestone. What remains today are very beautiful bell shaped caves with wonderful acoustics. The group sang an acapella version of “I Love You Lord” Beautiful!

The weather was absolutely perfect – cool with light rain. Stay tuned to follow more of our amazing adventure!

Nancy