2-1-2012 It's Dark Outside

Patti at Tel Aviv Airport

Rainy Day in Bethlehem

Wednesday morning (very early). It's dark outside but the light is shining brightly inside.  We arrived safely after first being told that we would miss our connection in Philadelphia due to our flight's delay in Nashville - God had much bigger plans..

On our approach over the Mediterranean Sea and into Israel, I was captured by how many kinds of terrain I saw just in a short 15 minute fly over. Barren desert canyons to fertile green fields and everything in between. I was reminded Texas, Tennessee, California and South Dakota all at the same time! Amazing.

Mike at Mt. of Precipice

By the time we arrived in Tel Aviv, got on our bus and made the trek to Bethlehem, the sun was down, but oh view lit by the city lights, the land demands to be seen (and should be). We traveled into Southern Jerusalem and I had no idea how hilly the entire region (not just the inner city, but for miles! It is more beautiful than I even expected.\

The people are incredible too, although we've not had too much opportunity to meet the locals - our pilgrimage group is as diverse and interesting as the land. And I learned some new things already from our guide, Mike, who is Palestinian...

... In Hebrew, the preferred greeting is "Shaloam" or "Mah Shalomkah" (loose translation - how is your peace?) and the reply would be "tadah" (loose translation - peace to you and welcome).  In Arabic, the preferred greeting is "Salaam" - same meaning. But to get more personal, greet your close friends in the following manner:

"Marhaba (Hi) abbibi (dear one)."

So... Marhaba abbibis, we wish you could be here with us.

Mark and Patti, sunrise over Bethlehem

Mark and Patti C.