Israel 2014: God is Knitting Us Together

God is here; present with us in Israel. We have seen signs of this day after day, moment after moment.

On our third day of touring God has shown us some amazing places, opened our hearts to hear and receive amazing truths, but one of the most notable parts about the day were the long bus rides. But more on that to come.

We took off from our first hotel in Ein Gev by the Sea of Galilee and headed due west for the Mediterranean Sea. After an hour and a half of driving, we made it to Caesarea By the Sea. The elaborate and picturesque complex sat against the most beautiful backdrop of waves and sunshine.

We loaded up to head onto Mount Carmel (another 40 minute drive) and WOW, did God have an impressive view for us there and an excellent teaching to go along with it! It became a completely surreal experience as Pastor Jim spoke of what happened on Mount Carmel and in the surrounding region as we perched high above, feet dangling over jagged rocks and views that stretched miles and miles in our amazed eyes.

After prying us away we loaded the bus and took another 40-ish minute drive to Nazareth where we experienced a restored far like there may have been in Nazareth during Jesus' childhood. We also ate the most authentic and best meal of the trip thus far! Wood-fired pita, hummus, za'tar dipping sauce, and lentil soup...delicious.

With a full stomach we headed back to the bus for a 2 hour trek to our hotel on the Dead Sea. When we made it we all rushed off the bus, bolted for the bathrooms to change into our bathing suits as to enjoy and experience the wonder of what 33% salt in a body of water will do! We bobbed, froze, and laughed in the sea bringing an end to our day three tour.

So if you haven't noticed we had extensive time on the bus, but we made it count. The Lord has been using down times such as these to build our relationships, share our stories, and to provide true refreshment and renewal to our souls, both individually and collectively. We have been blessed by each other and know God has been carefully and quickly knitting us together as a group in a very unique manner. It is evidenced by the love we have as a group in a very incredible shared experience. This is precisely where God wants all of us, at this time, and that is a beautiful, affirming, and valuable thing to realize.

Thank for following along today! We love you!

Here are the pictures of day three: