What an amazing trip

Just like that, we are back in the USA. What an amazing trip, its honestly difficult to try and take it all in now that it Is over. We all shared so many amazing experiences, spiritual insights and have some life changing memories to reflect back on. In our last day in Jerusalem, we visited the Mount of Olives which gave an incredible panoramic view of the Temple Mount and the the old city of Jerusalem. We walked down the Palm Sunday road which led us down to the Garden of Gethsemane. It was here that Jesus sweat blood in the recognition of the cup of God’s wrath with which he was about to undertake for our sin. What an amazing experience to stand in this spot and reflect on this realization. We sat in a garden right next to the traditional garden site and had an amazing time of prayer and reflective quiet time, this was very impactful.

After the garden, we went up to Mt. Zion (within the city walls) to visit the upper room. Again, despite not knowing the exact location of the upper room, we saw what this room may have looked like. It was in this site that Josh taught us about the feeling of betrayal that Jesus must have felt in this space. It was also the site of the last supper. We then visited the church of the Holy Sepulcher, the traditional burial site of Jesus. The church was actually so crowded, we could barely move inside of this location. We spent a few minutes here and then maneuvered our way across the old city through some very crowded corridors full of smells and sounds that we will likely never forget. It is this culture that makes Jerusalem such a special place. We then arrived at another potential burial location just outside of the city walls, the Garden Tomb. This side was special for the fact that we took communion together. We remembered the works of Jesus together as we partook of the elements.

After the garden tomb, we then hopped back on the bus, went back to the hotel and got our luggage together before heading off to the airport. We had one final meal together in an amazing restaurant in Jerusalem that overlooked the old city as well as the Temple Mount. What a great farewell dinner we had together as we shared memories and insights that will last for a long time to come. This trip to Israel was so memorable and life changing. I don’t think any of us will encounter Gods word the same way again. I’m so thankful for all we got to experience together, as well as the relationships that have been developed over our last 2 weeks. This trip to Israel will definitely be remembered as a milestone in my spiritual journey that I will reflect back on with the fondest of memories. Thank you all again for being a part of this journey with us, God bless.