The Sebring boy's finally made it to the Old City and the Jerusalem Center. We went out onto Mt. Scopius to try our hand at slinging rocks just like David would have done to slay Goliath.
Spencer holding a branch from an olive tree. It has tiny little clusters of baby olives growing on it.
The boys try to turn the grinding stone they used anciently for crushing the olives.
Spencer is checking out an olive press.
Day two we headed south into the desert and went for a camel ride. It was 'Awesome'!
You have to lean way back when the camel stands up.
Nap time! All the camels they use are females. The males have a tendency to bite and be aggressive.
Our caravan made some cool shadows in the hot desert sand.
After the camel ride we stopped at the Dead Sea to refresh ourselves!
Day 3 we set out to visit some churches on the Mount of Olives. First we go to Dominus Flevit. This Franciscan church means, "the Lord wept". It is built in the shape of a tear drop. On the grounds of the church are burial caves from the first and second temple period. The kids are standing in front of an ancient tomb protected by a lean-to roof.
The view from this church is grand and looks over the whole valley. The first building you see is the entrance to Hezekiahs Tunnel. We don't have pictures of the tunnel walk because of the water.
Dome of the Rock
Mary Magdalene, our next stop.
Jared, Conner and Sam in front of Dominus Flevit
Next we climb the stairs to Mary Magdalene.
Next we go to the Church of All Nations. This is a Catholic church that was built around the "rock of agony" that they believe "Christ uttered his last prayer" on.
Inside the church are beautiful arches, mosaic murals and floors.
Outside in the gardens they have lizards! Also 800 year old olive trees and lovely flowers.
Off to Old City we go! Here the boys stand in an ancient niche at Jaffa Gate.
Time to refuel and get some pizza. Abby decides to wait and have a chicken Shwarma. (John has both!)
Jared and the boys pose with some Israeli soldiers.
After bellies are full we head over to the Garden Tomb.
On the door to the tomb it is written-He is Not Here For He is Risen!-Love it.
We love you Jared, Spencer, Conner and Sam! Thanks for coming to visit us.
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