Day 06 - Galilee-Jerusalem: Beth Shean, Megiddo, Mt. Carmel, Caesarea Maritima

Shalom, Shalom!

No matter how well plans are laid out beforehand, sometimes God has different ideas. All of us got a first-hand experience of a violent wind storm on the Sea of Galilee. A normally calm and unintimidating lake was transformed into chaotic and dangerous waters. We were hit by a once in 30-year wind storm in the middle of the night last night. No one was hurt but we all got a little taste of what the disciples must have been feeling in their small boat in the middle of the lake. There have been so many times on this trip where the Bible has come alive but this experience was unique and powerful.

After a delayed start this morning, we went to the largest city in the Decapolis, Bet She’an. We were able to see the power and influence Rome had on the region as we walked the streets of the city.

From there our plans were delayed again. Just outside the city of Megiddo (the planned second stop) we ran into a traffic jam caused by a truck that lost its load. Instead of going to see the city we spent an hour stuck in traffic in Armageddon.

When traffic finally cleared, our day did as well. We climbed to the top of Mt. Carmel and were treated to a breathtaking view.   

From there we went to the port city Herod built… Caesarea Maritima. We were challenged to run the good race as we imagined the community of saints cheering us on. 

We ended the day in Jerusalem with a delicious meal and a lot of laughing. Even though not everything went as planed today, it was clear that God’s hand was on us and leading us the whole way. 

Grace and Peace