Israel Part 3

Here's to the final part of the Israel trip. 

Day 5

Destination #1 Mount Hermon
It takes about 2 hr bus ride from Tiberias to Mount Hermon. There wasn't supposed to be any snow on Moun Hermon in November. But due to global warming and unpredictable weather changes, we were able to see snow! We had to take a 15min open air cable car ride to go up the mountain. Thankfully, the weather wasnt that cold - probably about 2 degree celsius. God is good! 

Us in the cable car going up to Mount Hermon

Destination #2 Jordan River
After the visit to Mount Hermon, we stopped over at the famous Jordan River. The Jordan River is a 251-km long river flowing to the Dead Sea. It acts as a natural border between Jordan and Israel. The one that we went is the the face-lifted version of the river. Why is it famous? This is the river where Jesus was baptized by John the baptized. I am pretty sure that they keep it clean so people will visit here to get baptized (this is a 'wild' river, so there are fish [HUGE catfish] swimming around while getting baptized)

Here are all the different Indonesian dialects found in the the Jordan River. TOO MANY!

Destination #3 Mount Tabor
What is the significance of Mount Tabor? It is believed by many Christians that this is the site of the Transfiguration of Jesus. 

The Transfiguration [Mark 9:2-8]

2 After six days Jesus took Peter, James and John with him and led them up a high mountain, where they were all alone. There he was transfigured before them. 3 His clothes became dazzling white, whiter than anyone in the world could bleach them. 4 And there appeared before them Elijah and Moses, who were talking with Jesus.

5 Peter said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.” 6 (He did not know what to say, they were so frightened.)

7 Then a cloud appeared and covered them, and a voice came from the cloud: “This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!”

8 Suddenly, when they looked around, they no longer saw anyone with them except Jesus.

Church up in Mount Tabor

Day 6 

Destination #1 Sea of Galilee
It was our final day in the holyland. Our first stop is to take a boat ride in the Sea of Galilee. We were trying to be like the fishermen  - Peter & Andrew - back in those days [Matthew 4:18 - As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen.]. Here is also where Jesus walked on water. The Sea of Galilee is Israel's main source of water. About 20% of Israel's water comes from here. Israel is a country that hardly receives rain - thus they are always happy when there's rain. This sea serves as a reservoir for the nation. The continuous rain during day 2 & 3 had raised the level of the water by 5 cm!

the boat we took

on board the boat in the Sea of Galilee

View around the Sea of Galilee

Destination #2 Mount of Beatitudes
This is where Jesus is believed to have delivered the Sermon of the Mount - one of the most famous sermons.
5 Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, 2 and he began to teach them.

The Beatitudes

He said:

3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit,

    for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

4 Blessed are those who mourn,

    for they will be comforted.

5 Blessed are the meek,

    for they will inherit the earth.

6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,

    for they will be filled.

7 Blessed are the merciful,

    for they will be shown mercy.

8 Blessed are the pure in heart,

    for they will see God.

9 Blessed are the peacemakers,

    for they will be called children of God.

10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,

    for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

11 “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Destination #3 Capernaum 
Our final destination for the trip is Capernaum - Peter's hometown. It is also where Jesus chose to have His public ministry in the Galilee after he left Nazareth. 

ruins of the town

Once we were done with Israel, we headed back to Jordan - which is another 1.5 hours bus ride. It was also the beginning of our long journey home. Our flight back to Dubai was at 2am and we arrived at Jordan airport at 9pm. You can imagine how tired we were as we had been up since 6am. 
Amman - Dubai: 2.5 hrs flight. we basically fell asleep once we sat on our seats.
Dubai transit: 3.5 hrs. took a quick shower before boarding again.
Dubai - Jakarta: 8 hrs flight before finally arriving in Jakarta at 10pm. So we spent one entire day (plus time difference) on the plane. 

For us, that was the end of our long journey; arrived home at midnight. But to some pastors, they were still halfway from their designated places. Having to land in Jakarta at 10.30pm, some of them stayed in the airport to catch their morning flights at 8/9am. I cant imagine that. But to them, staying overnight at the airport is normal. 

Day 7

Home Sweet Home

Upcoming trips (domestic) :
1. Toraja
2. Medan
3. Bali 

With Lots of Love, 
Claraaaa <3

Israel Part 2

Continue from our previous post...

Day 3

Destination #1 Dome of the Rock & Al Aqsa Mosque

It rained cats and dogs for Day 2 & 3. We had to wear boots, thick jackets, hats, gloves & umbrella to defend ourselves from the cold & wet weather. Even though the rain was pouring really hard, we managed to visit the places that are in the open field. Mum said that if we were to go with her regular customers, they wouldn't want to go out in the rain. However, since we were with the pastors, they would take full advantage of the time given in the holyland to visit all the places mentioned in the Bible - rain or shine. 

Al Aqsa Mosque is the 3rd holiest site for Muslim and is located in the Old City of Jerusalem. Muslims believed that their prophet Muhammad was transported from here to Heaven. Besides the Mosque, another famous spot is Dome of the Rock; it is located in the same area as the mosque. According to the Jewish, this is where they believed that Abraham prepared to sacrifice his son Issac. However, Muslims believed that the son was Ishmael and not Isaac. As I mentioned in my previous post, this whole area is built on top of the ruined Jewish' temple of God - the holiest site in Judaism. The Temple of God stood here before it was destroyed by the Romans in the 70s. 

AL AQSA MOSQUE

AL AQSA MOSQUE

US WITH OUR 'GADGETS' FOR THE COLD & RAINY WEATHER

Destination #2 Bethesda Pool

It is said that the Bethesda Pool has healing powers. Whoever first enter into the pool when the waters were stirred by the angels would be cure of his/her sickness. So here is a short excerpt from the Bible. 

A Man Healed at the Pool of Bethesda [John 5:1-8]

"5 After this there was a feast of the Jews, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. 2 Now there is in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate a pool, which is called in Hebrew, Bethesda,[a] having five porches. 3 In these lay a great multitude of sick people, blind, lame, paralyzed, waiting for the moving of the water. 4 For an angel went down at a certain time into the pool and stirred up the water; then whoever stepped in first, after the stirring of the water, was made well of whatever disease he had.[b] 5 Now a certain man was there who had an infirmity thirty-eight years. 6 When Jesus saw him lying there, and knew that he already had been in that condition a long time, He said to him, “Do you want to be made well?”

7 The sick man answered Him, “Sir, I have no man to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up; but while I am coming, another steps down before me.”

8 Jesus said to him, “Rise, take up your bed and walk.” 9 And immediately the man was made well, took up his bed, and walked."

Destination #3 Garden of Gethemane

This is an olive garden at the foot of Mount Olives in Jerusalem where it is known as the place Jesus prayed the night before His crucifixion. In Luke 22:44, "And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground."

They built a church here.

CATHOLIC CHURCH BUILT IN THE GARDEN OF GETHSEMANE

DOING THE 'PEACE' SIGN AS OLIVE TREE IS A SYMBOL OF PEACE

VIEW FROM THE  CATHOLIC CHURCH - THE WALLS SURROUNDING THE OLD JERUSALEM CITY. There are 8 gates of which you can enter the old city. Out of the 8, only the Golden Gate remained close because it is believed by the Jewish & Christians that the Messiah will come for the 2nd time through this gate. 

The most expensive Jewish Burial Site. Why? This is the cemetery that faces the Golden Gate. So they believed that they will be the first ones to be risen again when the Messiah comes for the 2nd time as He descents from Heaven down this Mount Olives to the Golden Gate. 

Jewish Cemetery with such breathtaking view of the Old Jerusalem. 

The tree that was used as the crown of thorns for Jesus' crucifixion.

Destination #4 City of David
This is said to be where King David's Palace is located at. 

King David's Family tomb

Part of the water tunnel dug underneath the City of David in Jerusalem in ancient times.

Day 4

Day 4 marked the end of our 3 nights stay in the Holy City of Jerusalem. The rain stopped and the sun finally came out! On our way to Tiberias, we made few stops for more sightseeings...

Destination #1 Cesaria 2000 year old theater

This is a theater built by Herod the Great - a large auditorium with no roof and semicircular rows of seats ascending from the center stage. The theater is designed so that the sound from the stage will flow to the seat. It has a natural built in sound system. So we decided to sing a couple song to prove that theory. And true enough, their voices could be heard clearly from the seats. 

Destination #2 Ancient Roman Aquaduct

A Roman Aquaduct to transport water from the sea to the city. This aquaduct is 16km long since the city was 16km away from the sea! It is crazy people would create this MANUALLY & with extreme hard work without the help of technology. I bet it took YEARS to complete this. Right now, we have been pampered by technology that this could be easily done without much human work. 

Destination #3 City of Haifa & Bahai Religion on top of Mount Carmel

After our stop in Cesaria, we made a stop in the City of Haifa that is located at the top of Mount Carmel. It is the largest city in northern Israel, and the third largest city in Israel. This city is also a pilgrimage destination to BaHai religion -The Bab's tomb. So what is Bahai religion? It is a religion that believes in one God & emphasizing the spiritual unity of all humankind. 

City of Haifa

The Bab's tomb. The gold circle tower is the temple for Bahai religion. 

Destination #4 Overlooking city of Nazareth & Valley of Ammagerdon

City of Nazareth - where Jesus' parents originated from. 

Valley of Ammargedon. According to the Bible, this is where the final battle before Christ return will occur. Revelation 16:16 "Then they gathered the kings together to the place that in Hebrews is called Armageddon". This whole idea about the world's end used to creep me out. But right now I'm just trying to enjoy my life and rest everything to God. There is no point worrying because only He knows when the time is here. 

Destination #5 City of Cana where Jesus did His first miracle

Our final destination of the day is the city where Jesus did His first public miracle - turning water into wine in a wedding feast [John 2:1-11]

The church that was built so as to remember Jesus' first miracle. Excuse the HAND.. 

Inside the church

The wine that they made and drank back in the days. It tasted really sweet, not my type of wine. 

During our stay in Israel, our everyday routine is to complete the day tour around 5pm, head back to hotel for dinner at 6.30pm and ended our day with prayers at 8.00pm. We will have to wake up the next day at 5am, 6am for morning prayers, 7am breakfast and 8am head out for tour. There are that many places to visit!! 

We were pretty much exhausted by the end of Day 4. 

- to be continued -

With Lots of Love,

Claraaaa <3

Israel Part 1

Just came back from my trip to Israel. It was a 7 days 5 nights trip with 18 pastors/missionaries from all over Indonesia.

Israel serves as a sacred place to 4 religions - Muslim, Catholic, Christians & Jewish. Since we were on a pilgrimage, bringing 18 pastors along, many of the places that we visited are associated with Jesus (where he did miracles, where he was born, etc). Because of that, these places have become churches/monasteries so to serve as a remembrance of what Jesus did. Even though the nation itself is politically unstable, many still journeyed to Israel for pilgrimages. This trip has given me more assurance that the Bible speaks the truth. What happened in Israel was written in the Bible. 

Day 1:

Jakarta - Dubai - Amman - Israel 

The journey to Israel itself was long and exhausting. We departed from Jakarta at 5.45pm and arrived in Dubai at 10pm (8.5hrs flight), transit for 8 hours before flying to Amman, Jordan for another 2.5 hour; Took one hour bus ride to Israel-Jordan border before finally arriving in the holyland. It was a total of 11hrs of flight, 8hrs of transit, 1 hr of bus ride & 1.5hr of crossing the border. 

TRANSIT IN DUBAI

BUS IN ISRAEL

Destination #1 Qumeran Caves 

Our first stop is the archaeological site in the West Bank called Qumran. This is where nearly 900 Dead Sea biblical scrolls were found in the caves between 1947-1956. In addition to that, cisterns, Jewish ritual baths & cemeteries were also found. Every book of the Bible were found written in the scrolls, except for the Book of Esther (because book does not mention anything about God). 

The Caves where the scrolls were found. A total of about 11 caves

View from Qumeran overlooking the Dead Sea 

Qumeran Caves

Destination #2 Dead Sea

Our second stop is to swim at the Dead Sea. The reason why they called the Dead Sea is because no living things live here due to the high salt content (about 33%). If you were to taste the water, it doesnt taste salty but bitter instead. This is also the Earth's lowest elevation on land. The seawater has extremely high density that makes swimming impossible -> you float. In addition to that, the dead sea has many mineral content that is good for the skin. Thus, there are many beauty products that is from the dead sea! Definitely worth the buy if you are interested. 

Destination #3 Mount of Temptation in Jericho

The final stop is Mount of Temptation at Jericho (Palestinian territory). It is said that this is the Mountain where Jesus was tempted by the devil. [Matthew 4:8 Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor.] The top of the mountain has become a Greek Orthodox Monastery of the Temptation. 

After a long day of travel & sightseeing, we ended the night in Jerusalem. This city is a holy land to Judaism, Christianity & Islam. Also, both Israelis & Palestinians claim that Jerusalem is their capital. Thus, this city has a potential to be the center of heated conflict for the nation. 

Day 2: Bethlehem & Jerusalem
Destination #1 Bethlehem, where Jesus was born - Church of Nativity
Here is where they believe that Jesus was born. According to the Bible, Jesus was born in the town of Bethlehem but we're not sure of the exact location. This location was said to be the birth of Jesus due to word of mouth. 3 different churches are built in this area. During Christmas Day, there will be a live broadcast worldwide from one of these churches to celebrate Jesus' birthday. 

Destination #2 Bethlehem, Shepherds' field

This is where the angels appeared to the shepherds telling them the good news that the son of God was born. [Luke 2:8-20]. Again, this place has become a church. 

Destination #3 Jerusalem, the upper room for the last supper & Pentecost

Once we're done with the city of Bethlehem, we proceeded back to Jerusalem to the location of the upper room for the last supper & Pentecost. The Last Supper Room is a second-story room in Jerusalem that commemorates the "last supper" Jesus had with his disciples. [Mark 14:12-15]. This is also where the disciples received the Holy Spirit on Pentecost [Acts 1:13,2:1].

Destination #4 Where Jesus was prisoned before crucifixion 

Here is where they believed that Jesus was kept the night before he was crucified. Unlike the present time prison, this place was literally prison made out of stone. There wasnt any door or stairs for prisoners to go to their cells. Instead, prisoners will be thrown into a hole about 2 meters deep and there is not way they can escape. 

Destination #5 Garden of Tomb

There are 2 versions to where Jesus was buried - Catholic & Christian beliefs. The Garden of Tomb is a rock-out tomb that Christians believed to be the site of the burial and resurrection of Jesus. This garden has been maintained as a place of Christian worship. 

The Tomb where Jesus was buried and resurrected after 3 days

Destination #6 Wailing Wall & Western Tunnel 

Our final destination for the day is visiting the Wailing Wall & Western Tunnel. This wall was remains of the Temple of God (where the Ark of Convenant was kept). The Temple of God is the holiest site in Judaism and is the place to which Jews turn during prayer. Unfortunately, the place was destroyed and replaced by Al Aqsa Mosque on top of it. This has been the conflict between Jewish and Muslim.  Jewish want their Temple of God built at the exact location it was destroyed - that would mean having the mosque (3rd sacred place for Muslim) destroyed. 

Many Muslim countries said that Israel dug a tunnel underneath the Mosque so as to weaken its foundation to destroy the Mosque. I went inside the tunnel and it was definitely NOT underneath Al Aqsa. The Tunnel was directly under the wall. I guess they dug the tunnel to see if there are any remains of the Temple of God. True enough, they did found the original ritual bath before Priest enter into the Temple. 

The Wailing Wall 

The Foundation of the Wailing Wall (Original version from 2000 years), NOT UNDERNEATH ALAQSA MOSQUE

Can't really see this but it is the Original Ritual Bath Dating 2000 years

Even though it was my 2nd time visiting these places, I never fail to feel amazed by all the histories and archaeological remains found in Israel. 

- to be continued - 

With Lots of Love, 
Claraaaa <3