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GTI Tours Family Trip
November 21-30, 2014
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Giving Thanks in Israel
Today we woke up to a picturesque view of the Dead Sea. We had a small group depart the Isrotel 3 hours early for a strenuous hike up and around Masada. When the rest of us departed the hotel the sky was cloudy but it didn't rain on our day. Once we arrived at Masada we had a choice if we wanted to get to the top of the mountain the smart way by cable car or the hard way by foot up the snake path. For those of us who chose the hard way it was a obvious challenge for some of us. I am proud to say we all make it to the top! Masada is magnificent I. It's grandeur and sad but inspiring in its story of the Zealots.
There are 3 Masada's. The Masada of King David. A place in the desert where he went to hide from Saul and his soldiers. The Masada that King Herod the Great had built as a desert oasis for security and protection. The third Masada was a location of refuge for the Jewish Zealots from the Romans after the destruction of Jerusalem and The Temple.
Standing on top of Masada gave me a sense of invincibility and maybe the Zealots felt the same way. Unfortunately for them the Romans would not be denied victory at any cost. Afterwards we all had a nice lunch in the food court at Masada.
George reminded us all that Freedom is not Free...there is a price to pay. Happy Thanksgiving to all our family and friends.
We are all on the bus journeying to the south of Israel to the city of Eilat. Tomorrow we will see what God brings as we cross the border into Jordan.
Jeff & Monica Guthrie
Masada
The summit of Masada sits 190 feet (59 m) above sea level and about 1,500 feet (470 m) above the level of the Dead Sea. The mountain itself is 1950 feet (610 m) long, 650 feet (200 m) wide, 4,250 feet (1330 m) in circumference, and encompasses 23 acres. The “Snake Path” climbs 900 feet (280 m) in elevation. From the west, the difference in height is 225 feet (70 m).
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