Day 16 – Saturday, March 23: Garden Tomb, Drive to Southern Border & Cross into Jordan (for most), Free Afternoon (for some)
Today was our last day together as a group. Because of Turkish Air not flying in and out of Israel the last few months, 22 of us had a long “road trip” today. It was a beautiful morning here on Shabbat morning in Jerusalem, with sunny skies and highs in the 60s (warmer down south). We read from Philippians 3 as we left the hotel at 8:45 a.m.
Garden Tomb
Your one and only visit as a full group was the Garden Tomb. This is an alternative location for the crucifixion and burial site of Jesus. We saw the rocky scarp (Golgotha) and the proposed tomb. A special time of worship and Communion followed. We worship the Person, not the place. What a great way to end our trip together!
Road Trip South / Free Time
Following our Communion Service, 22 of us said goodbye to those flying home from Tel Aviv either late tonight or early tomorrow morning. These folks enjoyed a day of leisure in the Old City. The rest of us drove four hours to the southern border in Elat. We made a few stops on the way to break up the drive (including Kibbutz Yotvata for ice cream!).
“The last full day before our flight home was today. A visit to the Garden Tomb was a special way to end the trip. We made wonderful new friendships throughout the trip. Thanks be to God for His watch-care for us throughout the trip!”
Border Crossing into Jordan
We made it to the border with Jordan. Following the Israeli exit procedures, we walked across with our luggage to the Jordanian side. Once arriving at the Jordanian side, we endured a few challenges with our luggage being checked. But God intervened in real ways. Once we all got through, Salem, our Jordanian agent, accompanied us as we drove north on the Desert Highway. We stopped about halfway for a wonderful dinner before arriving in the late evening at the Amman Airport. Following check-in, we awaited our flight(s) home.
Day 17 – Sunday, March 24: Flight Back Home (from Amman for most, from Tel Aviv for some)
