APRIL 12, 2009
If anyone had told me one year ago today that I would be where I am and do what I’ve done on Easter 2009, I would never have believed it. This has been a most blessed and wonderful day.
We (12 of us) met the taxi van at the school at 5:15 a.m.—and he drove us right to the Garden Tomb. There was already a long line, but we were admitted shortly and were able to have wonderful seats on long bench-type seats. The garden is just beautiful—flowers, trees, birds—just really idyllic. The worship team from King of Kings Church led us in praise and worship songs…I could hardly stand it! I know Guy Burnaman would have been simply transported to the heavenlies! We sang “Worthy is the Lamb”—and other wonderful songs. The Garden Tomb association is British, so all the speakers were British men. They read scripture and a man named Victor Jack gave a really wonderful sermon. Then we sang—probably about 10 songs with scripture and the sermon in between. Victor Jack reminded me so much of Ian Thomas, a British Bible teacher Joe and I loved so many years ago.
As we sang and worshiped and listened to scripture facing the empty tomb, the sun was rising over the wall—the day was just perfect. We all had on our minds the women who “got up early and went to the tomb—only to find it EMPTY!” Of course, I was weeping again—such amazing grace that I am here on this wonderful Resurrection Day—sharing it with all those people. I am very grateful for the blessings the Lord has given me.
It was over about 7:30—and we (all except Eula and Lisa) walked over to Jaffe Street and had a delicious, leisurely breakfast—sitting outside at Café Hillel—enjoying the morning and the group. My roommate Elaine stayed with Shane/Sarah Scott’s little girl so they could join us. Also with us were Wilma, Christy, Kristen, Trish, Bethany, Katie and Mary.
We left there and walked to the Old City. By the time the day was over (home about 5:00), I promise you I have walked miles and miles—that’s the part I would never have believed I would do. The Old City requires much walking! And I’ve just been able to do it…not without some slowness and a bit of whining!
Austin brought Lisa and joined us—and Katie and Austin speak really good Arabic, so they helped us do some shopping—Katie helped me get a bag that was at first 150 shekels, and she managed to get him down to 60 shekels! We stopped to eat falafel—and then we went to the Temple Mount—it is only open certain times to non-Muslims. It is a huge expanse with a stoned area—a huge mosque is there—will hold 100,000 people. There are shelves w/little spaces for the men’s shoes…we could not see in there.
Opposite the mosque are steps up to the Dome of the Rock—the large golden dome that is in every picture you see of Jerusalem. The beauty is just so difficult to describe. The tiles all around are all shades of blue/gold, etc…and it is so huge. The designs and colors are so completely beautiful.
Of course, no one could go in there either. Most of us had never been up there before, so it was quite an experience also.
When we left, Mary, Wilma and I decided to go to Mamilla Wall and got an iced coffee—walked some more…and then walked to Damascus Gate and got a taxi home. Completely physically spent!
I pray each of you has had a blessed, praise-the-Lord Easter Day! The resurrection of Jesus is the source and joy of our salvation. I rejoice in the truth of a risen Lord.
Please continue to pray for me, my family and Jerusalem School. Thanks for all the comments, emails and prayers. I look forward to sharing so many wonderful stories with each of you.
Love
Beth
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What a wonderful day! I'm so glad you have had this great experience. It will be even greater to think about these places as you teach Sunday School. It's hard to imagine that you are actually where Jesus walked and taught. Isn't it a wonderful blessing? I love your blog. Love Ya, Donna
ReplyDeleteSeeing as how you work in an Arab school you should know that the area you mention is not called the Temple Mount, it's proper name is Haram El Sharif,which means the Noble Sanctuary.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.jerusalemiloveyou.com/jerusalem%20haram.html
enjoy reading!
The Noble Sanctuary - Haram Al Sharif is where you were. Not the temple mount.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful picture Beth. Such a wonderful description, had me in tears. Love you, Bren
ReplyDeleteIsn't it wonderful that place names are insignificant but worshiping God is most significant! How marvelous to be worshiping God in HIS HOLY LAND! No matter what the current name might be.
ReplyDeleteThanks for taking us with you on this remarkable Journey to ISRAEL.
Darlene Wilkins
Hey - Ms. Darlene - place names would be significant to YOU if it were your land that people had occupied and changed the names of the cities they occupied.
ReplyDeleteSorry anonymous...I did not mean to offend anyone. My Native American Indian Ancestors had their land occupied and names of places changed also. My point was no matter where we are or what it was called, is called or will be called, we can worship the God who created, ordained, and has title to all the earth. And most especially, it would be awesome to worship where Jesus Christ, Son of the Most High God, has walked. No politics intended.
ReplyDeleteDarlene
you say - I have no idea how my blog address became available to anyone at the school, so that may be why they remain anonymous.
ReplyDeletei searched for ross byars jerusalem high school and found your blog address. it wasnt intentional, and i have enjoyed reading parts of it.