Top 5 Memories of Israel

I've just returned from an incredible trip to Israel and my heart, soul and mind are so saturated with images and memories that I just have to set it down in writing before time erodes the intensity of these emotions.  How does one even begin to summarize a trip to a land that has lived in one's imagination since birth?  My mother used to tell me stories from the Bible land even before I could talk!  Here are my top picks based on the connections that I felt while travelling through Israel.

 

SHALOM JERUSALEM!  My heart just leapt when I first set eyes on this city on the 15 March 2012 and tears started streaming down my face.  I would love to offer you a logical explanation but I can't.  All I can say is that my heart instantly recognised that Jerusalem is special and has the hand of God on it.  Set in the hauntingly beautiful Judaean mountains, it is at the epicentre of three major world religions - Judaism, Christianity and Islam.  It is tempting to delve into the history and political intrigue of this Holy City, but I shall refrain.  Instead, I will offer up the words of King David in Psalm 122:

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem:

May they prosper who love you.

Peace be within your walls,

Prosperity within your palaces.

For the sake of my brethren and companions,

I will now say "Peace be within you"

 

The second most precious memory is also the one that surprised me the most.  Praying at the Western (Wailing) Wall was something that I thought was reserved for orthodox Jews in black outfits rocking in time with their chanted prayers. Not so much for a modern sophisticated world traveller who knows better (wink!).  But as I set my right hand on the wall and started speaking aloud my prayers, a divine connection took place and I know that the prayers I spoke for my family and myself were heard that day.

This photo was taken at the Garden Tomb, where Jesus was buried.  I know, I know, you probably think this cutesy Korean-drama inspired scene is a little inappropriate but let me explain that it's not meant to be disrespectful at all. It's meant to celebrate the fact that He's ALIVE!  Believe me, the tomb is really empty.  I checked it twice.  He came, He died, and on the third day, He rose.  That's the reason for the joy and happiness that you see in this photo

Beit Shean was the site where another goal was added to my Dream List.  I have always loved the study of history and archaeology but these kinds of subjects don't pay the bills so I chose to study Law and Economics at university instead.  But it's time to turn this into more than a hobby.  I will enrol in a course on archaeology and spend time digging at an archaeological site in Israel.  It will be done.

And last but certainly not least, is Avi Cohen.  He was our guide for the entire ten days and I can't say enough good things about this man from Jerusalem.  His depth of knowledge, strength of character and love of God is so integral to who he is.  I am so glad that our paths crossed and I am eternally grateful for this new (and lifelong) friend.

Avi, if you're reading this blog, these words from Philippians 1:3 are for you: 
"I thank my God upon every remembrance of you."

Biblical sights around Jerusalem

Jerusalem - a word that stirs up a myriad number of meanings for mankind.  As a city, it's the capital of Israel.  As a destination, it is the centre of faith for thousands of pilgrims down the centuries seeking rest for their weary souls. As a religious symbol, it has been a prize long claimed and fought over by three major faiths: Judaism, Christianity and Islam.  As an ideal, Jerusalem is the promise of heaven that we all hold in our hearts.

The Garden of Gethsemane contains ancient olive trees and is situated at the bottom of the Mount of Olives and opposite the Temple Mount.  "Gethsemane" also means "olive press", an appropriate name for the place where Jesus was so hard pressed as He prayed and sweated great drops of blood.  This is also where He was betrayed and arrested. (Mark 14)

 Joanna at the Pool of Siloam (Bethesda)

 The Pool of Siloam or Bethesda (House of Mercy) was where a large number of infirmed people waited to be cured by the waters which were believed to have healing properties.  It was here that Jesus healed a paralytic of 38 years (John 5: 1-15)

 Joanna at the Dome of the Rock, Temple Mount, Jerusalem

The Temple Mount is one of the most controversial and hotly-contested sites in the world. Located in the Old City of Jerusalem, it has special significance to the Jews as it was the site of the First and Second Temples.  Many Jews also believe that the Temple Mount is the site of the third and final Temple, to be built in the time of the Messiah.  The Temple Mount also has great significance to the Muslims.  The Dome of the Rock, is believed to be the spot from which the prophet Muhammad ascended through the heavens to God accompanied by angel Gabriel.  The Temple Mount was built on Mount Moriah, where Abraham was prepared to sacrifice Isaac (Genesis 22).  It was also where Jesus was presented in the Temple by his earthly parents, Joseph and Mary and later stayed behind to debate with the teachers (Luke 2:  22-50).

The Upper Room is believed to be where Jesus shared His last Passover meal and first Holy Communion with his disciples before his death (Luke 22: 7-38).  Located on Mount Zion just outside the walls of the Old City of Jerusalem, the Upper Room was rebuilt by the Crusaders.  On the floor below the Upper Room is the traditional burial place of King David, known as King David's tomb.

The Western Wall is part of the retaining wall from the time of the Second Temple and is the most sacred structure in Judaism.  Jews have been praying at the Western Wall for centuries believing it is the holiest site on earth after the Holy of the Holies.

Located outside the walls of Jerusalem, the Garden Tomb is believed to be the tomb and site of Christ's resurrection.  It was discovered by General Charles Gordon in 1884 when he identified a prominent rocky crag, which looked like a skull, as Golgotha (the place of the Skull).  In the midst of the garden lies a tomb whose interior meets all the requirements for the seating of two angels who spoke to Mary of Magdala (John 20: 10-18)

Note:  Some of the descriptions of the sites were taken from the Go Israel travel guide provided by Omega Tours and Travel

Singing for my Lord

Music and song have always played an important part in my life.  Blessed with the ability to carry a tune from a young age, I've had the privilege of singing and performing on many stages from school to sanctuary to stadium.  On this recent trip to Israel, I was blessed to sing on some of the most amazing stages ever created.  One of the simple reasons I enjoy singing is because when I use this gift, I can feel God's pleasure. 

At the Garden Tomb in Jerusalem, I sang "Come to the Table of Mercy" while Pastor Pauline served communion.  It was a very moving experience because the presence of the Lord was evident and I'm so grateful to have had that opportunity to bless others and be blessed in return.

Another special encounter took place on a boat as we sailed the Sea of Galilee.  I was invited to lead worship for our tour group and as we began to sing, there He was in our midst bringing joy and peace beyond measure.

(Photos courtesy of Joy Lim)

Friendship is like a violin...

"Friendship is like a violin.  The music may stop now and then, but the strings will last forever."

I've travelled a lot but have always avoided bus tours because it cramped my free spirit and style.  But on this trip, I learnt that a major upside of bus tours are the FRIENDS you make while journeying together.  I met some of the most amazing people on this trip who filled every day with laughter, smiles, joy, encouragement and kindness.

May God Bless You All.

 (L-R)  Li Ki, Joy, Avi, Joanna, Guy

 Avi and his bevy of beauties

(Standing L-R) Pamela, Julia, Marianne, Iris

(Seated L-R) Li Ki, Joanna, Avi, Joy

Avi Cohen is unlike any tour guide I've ever met.  No hard sell. No pretentious bubbliness. No monotonous drone of historical facts.   Everything he says and does comes across as genuine and thoughtful.  He's been taking tours for 15 years, and prior to that, he led 600 paratroopers in the defence forces.  We salute you, Avi!

Guy Bar, our funny and friendly bus driver is the spitting image of Adam Sandler.  He is an excellent driver who manouvered the bus skilfully and safely as we travelled the highways and byways of Israel.  We salute you, Guy!

 (L-R) Joanna, Pastor Pauline, Li Ki

We were very blessed to have Pastor Pauline Ching from New Creation Church lead us on this trip.  Guided by the Holy Spirit, Pastor Pauline shared many profound truths from the gospel as we toured the Bible Land.  In her gentle confident voice, many of us heard about how much God loves us and were deeply touched by His presence.

Li Ki, my faithful travel companion for many years, was another blessing on this trip.  In her steady quiet manner, she kept me on an even keel and balanced out the excesses of my personality.  And her silent laughter is a sight to behold.  Seester, you ROCK!

Joy Lim is a beautiful well-travelled young lady whom I'm happy to call a friend.  Her openness and bubbly personality took the edge of the weariness of travel.  She was also kind enough to laugh at many of my silly comments, which unfortunately encouraged me to produce even more...sigh...

Daniel Wen was our faithful bus captain who worked tirelessly throughout the tour to ensure that the group stayed together.  Believe me, it is not easy to keep Singaporean women focussed on a tour of Jerusalem sights when there are peddlers and shopkeepers calling out wares ranging from postcards to pomegranates!  His joyful and heartfelt declarations of "HALLELUJAH! PRAISE THE LORD!" are still ringing in my ears.  And indeed they should.

Dead Sea Frolics

Biblically known as the Sea of the Arabah (The Salt Sea), its mineral content is so high that nothing lives in it.  With a salt concentration many times higher than that of the world's oceans, the density of the water is so much higher that anyone can float in it.

We spent a whole afternoon at the Dead Sea and had so much fun!  Some of us floated gracefully in the sea with our hats while reading. Some of us flopped around less gracefully while losing our slippers to the muddy slime underfoot.  And most of us smeared ourselves with mud in vain hope that the unique concentration minerals would make us look beautiful. All I can say to that is HA! HA!

In the Wilderness

We spent a day in the wilderness experiencing the dry arid areas that cover much of Israel.  It's home to some of the most hauntingly beautiful sights of nature.

  

Ein Gedi (which means "The Spring of the Kid" is an oasis located near the Dead Sea known for its beautiful springs, caves and abundant animal life.  This was David's refuge when he fled from King Saul (1Samuel 23:29).  It was in one of the caves here that David cut off a corner of Saul's robe.  Some of the psalms are believed to have been inspired in this area.

Spotted some onyx at Ein Gedi. They were a lot smaller than I expected, but Guy our driver says that they are delicious barbecued...hmmm...

Qumran cave no.4 where 530 of the 900 Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered.  The 2000 year old scrolls were discovered here by a Bedouin shepherd chasing a stray sheep in 1947.  He took it to a leather merchant to have some shoes made but the merchant knew better and bought the scrolls off him for a song.  The merchant later sold the scrolls to experts for $60,000.  Wonder if he split the profits with the shepherd boy?  ;-)

Flowers in Springtime

I saw many wildflowers especially around the Galilee region and couldn't resist taking photos of them.  Sharing some of these natural wonders here...

 

Mustard fields around Meggido

 Some intricately patterned flowers in Nazareth that reminded me of snowflakes

 Irises in Chorazim

 

Tulips at the Garden Tomb in Jerusalem

Pink wildflowers springing out of the rock at Gideon Springs

Caesarea Philippi (Banias Springs)

Banias Springs was one of the most beautiful spots on our tour itinerary. Located to the north of the Sea of Galilee, on the south-western slope of Mount Hermon, Caesarea Philippi is the source of one of the largest springs feeding the Jordan River. 

 

Numerous temples were built here during the Hellenistic and Roman periods and this site was named Panias (Banias in Arabic) after the Greek God Pan.  Here, Jesus asked His profound question, "Who do men say that I am?" and Peter replied, "You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God". (Matthew 16: 13-20)

 

So He said, "Come."

So He said, "Come." And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus. Matthew 14:29

(Photo courtesy of Toni Talosig)

Biblical sights around Galilee

Located by the shores of the Sea of Galilee, Capernaum was the headquarters for Jesus' Galilean ministry (Matthew 4:13) after He left Nazareth.  Jesus lived here for a substantial period, healing the sick, preaching in the synagogue and performing many miracles.

 

Remains of first century synagogue where Jesus preached

 Remains of Peter's house which is right next to the synagogue, where his mother-in-law was healed by Jesus

 Joanna standing at the site of a fourth century synagogue

We took a boat ride early one morning on the Sea of Galilee, where Jesus performed so many of his miracles over nature such as the miraculous catch of fish, calming the storm and walking on water. There was much contemplation as we also entered a time of worship and teaching.

Old Testament Sights

 Joanna at Mount Carmel

Mount Carmel is where Elijah contested and defeated the 450 prophets of Baal by a mighty demonstration of the power of God, who sent down fire to consume the water-logged sacrifice of the prophet (1 Kings 18).

As a child, I thought that the best Bible story was the one where David defeated Goliath with one stone from his slingshot...so cool!  So it was thrilling to stand in the Valley of Elah (Pistachio Palestina) where the Philistines came against Israel, and the legendary battle of David against Goliath took place (1 Samuel 17).  Even more exciting was the opportunity to pick up smooth stones from the Brook of Elah, just like David did before heading out to battle with Goliath. 

 

I picked 5 stones but only 4 made it back to Singapore.  Ah well...just assume that I already used one to kill Goliath!  Haha...