Fortitude and strength

MASADA:
Masada is the site of ancient ruins of a fortress city located at the edge of the Dead Sea high atop an isolated plateau. The majority of our group bonded on the 40 minute hike that rose more than 1,000 feet on the Snake Path, while a handful of us enjoyed a ride on the cable car. Once on top, we walked through ruins and heard stories of the importance of Masada’s location throughout its long history as a stronghold, trade distribution center, and home to some of King Herod’s palaces. We all left the natural fortress via the Roman siege ramp that was constructed at the end of the final Jewish resistance against the Roman army in 73 AD. The Jewish Zealots of Masada refused to surrender to the Roman army and chose to die in freedom rather than to live as slaves to the Romans. Today Masada is the symbol of Jewish fortitude and strength.

BEDOUIN HOSPITALITY CAMP:
After a very long hike (well thousands of steps) to the top of Masada, hearing about the history of King Herod, and then traveling across the desert we arrived at Kfar Hanokdim to experience the ride of a lifetime. However, not your normal ride. Ok, what animal can drink 24 gallons of water in 10 minutes, carry as much weight as it itself weighs, has three sets of eyelashes, and can endure blistering heat? Yep, our ride… the camel.
Two by two we mounted our desert steeds and we were off for a typical caravan style ride. Alright, this was no picnic. I would have to say it was the most uncomfortable ride I’ve ever had. However, my husband, Mark, who was behind me said it was quite comfortable. I guess where you sit on a camel is important. Who would’ve known? All that being said, you could tell it was an enjoyable experience for everyone. As we unmounted are camels there were lots of laughs, giggles, and smiles. Once we finished our rides we all gathered in a typical Bedouni tent to learn about the local culture and friendly hospitality. We had a beautiful conversation about the importance of hospitality and how God works through the showing of his love in this way. We read many verses from the Bible about how God blessed Abraham and Lot and how it is a calling from God to be hospitable. It was a thought provoking lesson that I believe touched each of us.

-Debbie, OCS Mom of 3

THE DEAD SEA
It was very cool to be at the lowest place on Earth, The Dead Sea, at 1400 feet below sea level. Today the high was 68 with the water temperature @ 76 degrees that gets up to almost 100 during the summer.

Dee Dee brought spa mud to put on our faces before entering the water, or as Jade called it, our “War Paint.” So we all painted our faces and some, their bodies, before wading out into the water.

I heard someone say that there is no way I can float, and to their astonishment, as soon as they laid back, they were floating perfectly on their back. One of the kids said that was the coolest thing ever - we were floating!

-Scott, OCS Dad of 3