On a fun side note, this was the first restaurant we saw at the oasis in Chicago after we left the airport. Needless to say, the girls were ready for different food, but we couldn't believe that we could get shawarma and falafel here!
Monday, June 22, 2015
We have returned!
We have returned! After over 24 hours of travel, we have made it back. The girls are happy to be back, but also very tired. We can't wait to share our story! Please sit down with us and hear about everything we have done and learned. We asked TONS of questions, so feel free to do the same.
Sunday, June 21, 2015
Final day in Israel
Today was a sad day since it is our last time in Israel, however it also was an extremely moving day as many of the team felt God's presence.
We began our morning by waking up in Rimonim Hotel in Nazareth where we had a yummy breakfast to fuel us for the day ahead of us. After that, we went to the Sea of Galilee where we were able to ride a boat across the sea. For many members of the team, the presence of God was strong as we looked out into the sea in which God once walked on along with calming the storm and calling out His disciples. His power was evident and the boat was filled with music as the team sang their praises that brought some of us to tears. The boat took us to the other side of the sea which was Capernium which is where God spent a great deal of His life growing up.
Capernium was beautiful and many of us marveled as we stood on land and looked out onto the Sea of Galilee. We began our walk through Capernium to look at the Holy Sites making our first stop at the remains of the tabernacle in which Jesus once talked in. We also were able to see the remains of a home in which they believe Peter once lived.
After carpanium we preceded to the Mount of Beatitudes. Sara shared so wonderfully on the way in the bus with the microphone which she accidentally turned off in the beginning of her speech. We arrived at the gates to enter and the man told us we only had 10 minutes to go in and out because it was their lunch time. It was beautiful but it was one of the fastest sight seeing adventures we have had. He must have been real hungry because he would not leave us alone.
After the Mount of Beatitudes we went to Cana and saw the sight where Jesus was said to have performed his first miracle. The first miracle he performed was turning water into wine. In the church that was built over the sight they have preserved stone pots that they stored wine in. We don't know whether these pots are replicas or the pots that Jesus himself used.
After Cana, we went back to Nazareth. We visited Mary's Well first which was right down the road from our hotel. Some believe this is where an angel came and told Mary the good news of Jesus Christ. Then we visited the Church of Enunciation where it is believed by some to be the place where the angel told Mary about her immaculate conception. The church is the biggest Chrisitan church in Israel. It was so powerful looking at all the murals and ruins in the church from that time. Along the walls were pictures of what the countries of that time believed to be what Mary and baby Jesus looked like. Afterwards we had a moving discussion in the courtyard of the church. The team agreed that this was the perfect way to end this amazing, life-altering trip!
From Cassaundra, Naarah, Savannah, and Sierra
Friday, June 19, 2015
Family Farm
Hey everyone! GCVB traveled to a friend's farm today. It is an educational and environmental farm. It's mission is to build bridges between people and bring people closer to nature. Here, different cultures come together to develop understanding and respect for each other and the land. We were all put to work in different areas to help in any way possible in preparation for the summer camps. The work included weeding, tilling, and cleaning.
We were fed au naturale and it was delicious (according to Annie). Most of the food if not all of it was picked and prepared on the land. After the meal, the team was taken on a tour of the area. We saw the areas where groups meet, which included natural caves where the landowner's family grew up. Since the camp has to be self-sustained, changes were made to the area which included compost toilets which would feed the crops, a cistern, solar panels, a generator, et cetera. The owners were extremely welcoming and accommodating. Their mission inspired the team. Tonight, we said our goodbyes to the Palestinian team and finished packing our bags to leave for Tel Aviv in the morning. See y'all in a few days!
Love, Annie and Taylor
Thursday, June 18, 2015
Jericho and the Dead Sea
Today we traveled to the oldest city in the world, Jericho. Along the way we stopped and got to ride a camel; it was fun! Once we arrived to the city we walked around the ruins of Jericho dating back to biblical times. From our location, we could see the Mount of Temptation where Satan tempted Jesus in the desert. After shopping and getting some lunch we headed to the Dead Sea for some swimming (which really turned out to be floating) and good old mud baths. It felt as though you were sitting on an inner tube, but when you look down, no inner tube! Several hours later we headed back for dinner at a sandwich and ice cream shop. Now it's time for bed, good night.
Wednesday, June 17, 2015
Final Day of Camp
Today we worked with a high school age team on some volleyball skills. This was our first day working with them. They did a nice job of learning quickly. We enjoyed meeting them and teaching them some volleyball skills. They seemed to connect well with us even though we were only with them on one day. After that we went back and worked with the little girls that we had helped on other days. They were so excited to see us when we got there! It was awesome! We played a few games with them and then took pictures and said goodbye. We went and ate falafel and got to go shopping!!!! We got lots of cool stuff. We can't wait to show it to you all!
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