(Day 1 - 3/5) Raleigh to Tel Aviv and (Day 2- 3/6) Emmaus to Amman

"Were not our hearts burning within us while he was talking with us on the road, 

while he was opening the scriptures to us?" Luke 24:32

Wow - we made it safely from Raleigh to TelAviv.  Mac has been great at keeping up with all of us.  I won't say that we arrived rested and raring to go, but we are thankful to be here particularly since LuAnn pointed out that we are starting this spiritual pilgrimage on Ash Wednesday - what a way to start the Lenten Journey.

Betty Ann greeted us at the airport and helped us board our bus where Hani, our guide, welcomed us home - to the land of Canaan - the Promised Land.  We had quite a treat when we were surprised by a visit to Emmaus and the Crusader Chapel.  Our Scripture reading for our first day was Luke 24:13-35 (the Road to Emmaus).  The best part was celebrating communion in a garden outside the chapel.

Afterwards we headed towards the Jordan border.  We stopped for lunch a few miles before the border and feasted on some local fare (Falafel).  It was wonderful.  Some of us were even brave enough to ride a camel.

We transferred buses at the border where it took more than an hour to cross into Jordan.  While we were there I observed a couple of men with their shoes off - praying on their mats.  I am curious about the other religions practiced here and I am very excited to see what God has in store for us.

Donna Seligson