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