The Farewell Tour

Difficult to believe today is the last day in the Holy Land. What a whirlwind of days. Started up early 5:45 wake up as we had a 7:30  Mass scheduled at the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, the site of the death and tomb of Jesus. As always a moving experience. The acoustics in this small chapel were amazing.

Our last day was spent visiting the sites and steps of Jesus last days. We started back up on the Mount of Olives and walked down the narrow road that Jesus took on Palm Sunday. At the bottom of the hill was the garden of Gethsemane where there are ancient olive trees, some 1500 years old. 

Into the old city of Jerusalem through the Lion's gate (there are 12 gates) and down the ViaDelarosa which follows the path of the Way of the Cross. Again, a moving experience. It wove through very narrow and crowded market streets which was much like those days. At one point I found myself packed in the middle of a mass of orthodox Polish women.... A bit scary as I lost site of the group.... After a few blocks, was able to come up for air and refound the group. Ahh... Familiar faces. The sight of the crucifixtion was quite impressive and we were able to touch the rock on which Christ died and viewed the split rock which occurred at His death. There I lit a candle for my dad who passed away 4 days to the date. What is so impressive is the many many religions that are represented throughout the crowd and sites and what a fragile peace exists.

Off to a small village outside Jerusalem called Einkarem where the Church of the Visitation is located. Here is where Mary visited Elizabeth. A very nice change after the crowded city. This is a favorite village for Jewish people to get away on the Sabbath to relax with family and friends. The celebration of the sabbath is a wonderful custom and most shops are closed, along with certain food preparation such as baking and coffee making. 

Back to the hotel after a busy day.... Packed and regathered for an early bedtime in preparation for a 2 am departure to the airport. 

Unbelievable time in the Holy Land, such a rich and complicated county. Nothing that I had expected and so full of history. I'm sure that the scriptures will now be experienced through a totally new lens. What a blessing to be able to have visited here. Peace to these peoples!

Pictures:

Garden of Gethsemane

Site of the Crucifixtion

Church of the Visitation