Monday, August 27, 2012

Orientation and Kiriat-jearim hike [Monday, August 27, 2012]


We made it to Israel safely yesterday with few complications! Then, we had a fun time settling into our new home!
Today the group was somewhat jetlagged but we were able to make it through the day! We started out at the Moshav with a yummy breakfast and then headed off to orientation. We learned about what to and what not to do. We also learned some of what life will be like here! We were then able to tour the campus and see where everything is!
After lunch, we had our first Land and the Bible class! Once that was done, we headed on a hike to Kiriat-jearim and Abu Ghosh! It was so fun, but tiring because I am out of shape. First we hiked along the Kiriat-jearim Ridge Route and headed up a hill toward a Catholic Church. We stood on a hill outside the church and looked out at the landscape while learning some that had happened in Kiriat-jearim, like that the Ark of the Covenant resided there for a period of time. We also looked at an olive tree! Then, we went inside the church and sang “It is Well” together and heard a beautiful solo by Abraham, who sang “Rock of Ages”.
After this, we went to a spring in Abu Ghosh and Bill explained that this spring is the reason that there are people in that valley since, of course, water is needed in a place where people live. Some of us bent down and drank some of the water! It was nice and cool! We then went to a market in Abu Ghosh and ate yummy grapes and warm pita bread!
After that, we headed to another Catholic church that was established during the time of the Crusaders(1099-1299 A.D.). So the church was built at some point within that range. The grounds had beautiful flowers and palm trees! We went inside and sang “How Great Thou Art”! I love that we just sing songs everywhere! It is the best! To God be the glory!
After that we went down some steps inside the church and there was another spring. Once we came out, we were able to take many pictures and just enjoy being in Israel with each other! A bus came and picked us up from the church and took us back to the Moshav where we ate dinner. After dinner, we played volleyball for about 2 hours! It was so much fun even though I am so bad at it! Such a good workout! By that time, it was time to come back to the room and prepare for our all-day Jerusalem walk tomorrow! So excited!
-Susan

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