DAYS 1 & 2 – MONDAY/TUESDAY, APRIL 24-25:
The day finally arrived for our Israel trip! Most in the group met at the JFK (NY) Airport from all over the country for our international direct flight to Tel Aviv. While the connection flights were tight, everyone made it! It was a 10 hour flight to the Ben Gurion Airport in Israel.
The coastline of Tel Aviv, Israel from Jaffa (Joppa)
Upon arriving, we went through the normal passport check, gathered our luggage, and walked out to the bus. We were greeted by Shlomo Ben Asher, our Israeli guide, and David, our driver. After loading the bus, we drove west to Joppa (Jaffa). It is located on the coastline of the Mediterranean Sea. We enjoyed a leisurely walk through the alley-ways. We read from Jonah 1 (Jonah who sailed from here) and Acts 9 & 10 (Peter, his healing of Dorcas and his vision). Praise God that His kingdom extends to Gentiles as well!
The alleyways of Jaffa, Israel
Driving north through the Tel Aviv traffic, we arrived at our hotel in Netanya. After checking in, we enjoyed dinner together, followed by a brief orientation meeting. Afterwards, some walked down to the beach.
It is wonderful to be here in Israel, the land of the Bible!
DAY 3 – WEDNESDAY, APRIL 26: CAESAREA, CARMEL, MEGIDDO, PRECIPICE OF NAZARETH, TIBERIAS