Day 6
– Temple Mount Archaeology Site
Western Wall with Dome of the Rock
We had started in the area of the Western Wall for 3 days – we thought there wouldn’t be anything else to see. But, below all the other sites, there is an archaeology site of the old temple area.
Archaeological Site
As we walked around, there was another boy doing his Bar Mitzvah there. Steven told us that Jews who aren’t Orthodox Jews can’t do theirs at the Western Wall so they get as close to it as they can. Both women and men were allowed to be together, unlike yesterday when they had to be separate to watch the Bar Mitzvahs.
Bar Mitzvah
We sat on the temple steps, talking about what it was like to plan your pilgrimage here – so many people, so big & overwhelming. These steps were interesting as well. The steps were either longer or shorter than the one before it, not even.
Ancient Temple Steps
Steven told us that Neil Armstrong had come on a tour with another tour agency and asked for clarification if these were the same temple steps Jesus walked on. When he was told they were, he was quiet for a moment and then said, “These are the most moving steps I’ve taken in my life.” Typing that here, you would almost think it would be a good joke for a tour guide, but Steven was serious and it was very moving. I actually have tear marks on my journal as I wrote about that experience.
After walking around the temple site, we left the city to an area of Jerusalem where we could see the hillsides of Bethlehem.
-Hillsides of Bethlehem
I was really hoping to see some real-life shepherds with their sheep, but we were on the hillsides in the heat of the day when they were probably hiding in the shade!
Reading Overlooking Bethlehem
We happened to sit next to a type of cave area that was/is used to keep animals in. This was probably quite similar to where Jesus was born – not an actual stable, as we imagine.
Left – animal pen; Right – shepherd area
We did talk a lot about Jesus’ birth as we sat here, obviously, but we also talked about the other times Bethlehem is mentioned in the scriptures. The first time is in Genesis with Rachel then in Ruth with Ruth and Naomi. It’s not until the third mention of it that is Christ’s birth. Interestingly enough, those are all about women.
My Daily Camp Stool & Supplies
Chris Overlooking Bethlehem
As we left the hillsides and were driving to lunch, we stopped on the side of the road to meet a friend of Steven’s who sells ‘Bethlehem Baby Blankets.’
Steven & Mohammed
Chris’s sister, Cami, had brought one back for all her siblings when she did study abroad in Jerusalem . . . it has been one of our special items as we have used it for each of the kids’ baby blessings. So, we got a couple for some people we knew who were expecting babies.
– Valley of Elah
The Valley of Elah is where the story of David and Goliath took place. Steven had us searching for the perfect stones, like David did, as we walked.
“Stone Searching”
“David’s Stones”
Chris found a great one to bring home to use for a talk or lesson some time.
– Bet Shemesh
Another Bible story brought to life was the story of Samson. It occurred here in Bet Shemesh.
– Mount of Olives
Our final stop was the Mount of Olives, where Christ will come during the Second Coming.
Mount of Olives
It was neat to be here, looking over Jerusalem, but it was quite sad how commercial it was . . . or how others were making it. We drove up and someone was charging for parking and trying to get us to buy a camel ride. Then his friends were pushing others to buy souvenirs, like books, bags, bookmarks, etc.
Camel on Mt. of Olives
Realizing this was our last night together as a group, we felt a little reluctant to go to our rooms after dinner. We hung out and talked in the lobby with Steven for a long time.
Last Night
Day 7
Emma turned 13 on our last day in Israel. We made sure to sing to her in the hotel lobby before we left!
Singing “Happy Birthday” to Emma
Final Group Shot
– Jerusalem Center
In all the tour planning, one of the things we really wanted to do was attend church at the Jerusalem Center on Saturday (their Sabbath).
Jerusalem Center Entrance
We were originally scheduled to be back in Tel Aviv the night before so we arranged to stay in a different hotel our final night so we could be there. I’m so glad we did! It was amazing to be in the Center, which sits on the Mount of Olives.
The Large Windows Behind Us are the Chapel
Just a beautiful view to look over during Sacrament meeting!
Outside View from Center
We left for the airport right after Sacrament meeting, while the others waited to leave for their flights later that night. It was such an amazing trip! I’m so glad that we were able to go and have this wonderful experience with Emma!
Leave a Comment