Field trip Monday!

Mondays are for field trips

Monday, September 10th

       Excitement filled the Oasis as we packed our lunches and ate our breakfast knowing we would soon depart on our first real field trip. We almost all made it to the buses on time, but sadly two people didn't get there before the buses drove off. Our group set off and headed just south of the Jerusalem center to Seven arches hotel overlook. This overlook provided a gorgeous panoramic view of Jerusalem different than the view from our Center. We talked about the history of the cemetery that is there and the buildings and churches we could see in the distance. 

       Our next stop took us closer to us to The Augusta Victoria Church. So far this is my favorite historic church. Filled with mural, mosaics, and rich history of Christ and his ministry. As we sat in the chapel we filled the dome with songs of praise. My favorite part of visiting these places is inviting the spirit through song. There is such power in music and singing in Old churches, like I've said before, is unlike anything else. This church happens to have one of the three biggest towers overlooking Jerusalem and the surrounding valleys. I wish we would've counted the number of steps it took to get to the top! It was worth the view though. 

       Next we headed west to another city overlook, this time from the other side of the city. I seems like the main goal of this trip was to find all the cool different overlooks of the city. From every angle we got to look back over the town and talk about the history. It was amazing. We did go to two different spots where the city was less visible. The first one was behind a Greek cathedral. We hiked up behind the cathedral through the desert. It felt like hiking through a random hill near Moab. There was even a spot where it tire marks and scrap marks indicated people tried to off road up the rocks. We felt right at home. Once we got to the top Dr. Hopkin Explained the significance of where we were. To one side of the hill was the valley where Sarah of the Old Testament died and was buried. To another side was shepherd fields overlooking the city of Bethlehem. Though the city is very modern, it is easy to imagine the shepherds abiding in the field nearby. Just as we were talking about Christ being a shepherd and how we are lead and not herded, A shepherd and his little flock of sheep passed by. One cool thing i learned about shepherds that really struck home to me is how well they know their sheep. They don't just herd them around, they get to know them, name them, and get the sheep to trust and follow. I love the song my shepherd will supply my need. I have been thinking of it often and am reminded of just how well we are taken care of if we trust Him.

     












 Our last stop was to a really interesting site called Nebi Samwil. There are so many layers to this site. One important building or village on top of another. It is said to be the tomb of Samuel. It is also one of the only places where a mosque and a synagogue are under the same roof. It looks like an old Castle sitting on the hill. My favorite part of this site was the 45 minutes they gave us to just sit and think or to explore the site. As we stood on top of this beautiful old building we had yet another amazing view. It never gets old. It took us about 20 minutes to get back to the center and just did homework most of the evening. We played a get to know you game for FHE and it was very helpful. I still don't know everyone's name and i feel bad for that, but it's only been a crazy busy week and a half. Give me another week or month....