Israel Day 3
Caesaria and the Sea of Galilee
We went over to the Jerusalem Center for breakfast and got to see Penny and Joe for the first time. They had arrived the night before, and Aaron and Gary had gone to pick them up, but it was late, so the kids and I had gone to bed. It was so great to see them, and so fun to be with them in Israel. We have met them in so many countries all over the world... one of these days we will have to do a count!
After a great breakfast (of too much Nutella and pita bread for Ryan), we stuffed ourselves in our rental car (seats 7... we were 8). Poor Katie, Ashley and Ryan squeezed in the already tight 2 passenger 3rd row. It was tight, but they did great all day. Especially considering we did a lot of driving that day.
Our first stop was Caesaria. This old port city on the west coast of Israel was amazing! It was settled by the Romans and the kids had a great time running around the chariot race track and sitting in the "bleachers". They collected shells from the shore, which we brought home with us. Sophie wound up with her pockets FULL of rocks, which we didn't bring home. It is mostly all in ruins now, but so fascinating to imagine it in its prime. The coastline is so beautiful, and I am sure it was bustling and exciting. I like to think of the people that must have come there to sail off to adventures in various parts of the world. And also the people that came and anxiously awaited the return of a loved one. We know from the New Testament that Paul sailed from Caesaria as he left on journeys to preach the gospel. The kids enjoyed running around in the open space and the warm, sunny day. We has some delicious pizza right before we hopped back in the car for another 2 hour drive to the Sea of Galilee.
Uncle Gary knew the branch president of the branch in Galilee, President Fox. Gary called him and told him that we would be there that afternoon, so President Fox and his wife offered to take us around for a while. It was wonderful to have their help and their knowledge. It was such an incredible afternoon.
The view from the balcony at the meetinghouse.
Me and Sophie on the balcony overlooking the Sea of Galilee.
The view from inside where they hold sacrament meeting.
Ashley, Katie and Ryan.
We drove up the northern side of the Sea of Galilee where the Mount of Beatitudes is. This is the place where Christ taught his disciples the Beatitudes and expanded on the long-standing Law of Moses. There is a church built here now, with each of the Beatitudes inscribed in various places inside and outside on the very well taken care of gardens.
Also up on the north shore is the town of Capernaum. This is where Jesus lived for a long time and where soooo many of his miracles were performed. The raising of Jarius's daughter, the loaves and fishes, when Jesus walked on the water... and many more. The remains of the temple are here, and right next to the temple (where we knew Jesus spent a lot of time), was Peter's house. This was one of my favorite experiences of the whole trip. We knew we were actually right where Christ lived and served and performed miracles. Where he dwelt with his Apostles and taught so much of the gospel that we still have today. It is a gorgeous area overlooking the sea and there is such a beautiful and peaceful feeling there. We absolutely loved the chance we had to be there.
This is what is believed to be the remains of Peter's house.
This is the church that was built over Peter's house. It has a glass bottom in the middle of the floor of the church so you can peer down into it.
About 30 years ago there was a bit of a drought and the waters of the Sea of Galilee had receded significantly. A couple of people walking by the shoreline noticed something in the mud. It turned out to be the remains of an old fishing boat. After a very careful and scientific excavation, they were able to move the fishing boat in tact, and now it is kept in a museum right along the shore of the Sea. It has been dated to be around 2000 years old. It is amazing to imagine that this boat could have been on the Sea of Galilee at the same time Christ was there. Maybe it was the boat of one of his Apostles? Maybe Jesus was on the boat himself? Who knows, but it is fun to speculate.
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