First Field Trip

on top of the church/synagogue/mosque at Samwil! (prophet samuel's tomb)

this is modern day bethlehem in the background and the closer hill is probably where the shepards were :)

on top of the city wall near Jaffa Gate west of the city

Today we went on a fieldtrip exploring the surrounding area of Jerusalem. I am learning all kinds of really cool things and finally getting a real setting to place my scriptural knowledge. The Augusta Victoria Tower on top of mount olives is an amazing church. It is Byzantine style: decorated with elaborate, sparkling mosaics of Christ, and is made of Pink marble and Limestone. BEAUTIFUL. We got to climb to the top of the tower (a blessed 223 steps) to see the city and get a visual of the Judean wilderness/ Valley of Jordan, and the whole Jerusalem Panorama. HOLY BLEAK. I would rather die than be lost in that wilderness. Believe you me; the picture in the back of the bible does NOT do it justice.

We saw the city of Bethlehem from an overlook and I learned something super neat. It is speculated the lowly shepherds guarding the flocks by night the night of Christ’s birth where Levite shepherds tending the unblemished, first born sheep that would be used as sacrifices for the temple. They were priests; they knew the signs and knew Christ. Bethlehem is super huge by the way, and always has been large. Not the tiny village we all always picture.
Jerusalem and the surrounding area is HUGE. The neighborhoods and cities never end! They dot the landscape as far as the eye can see; and literally dot. They are all built on hill/mountain tops and most are very separate.
We also went to the prophet Samuel’s “Tomb” in Samwil, South of Gibeon and north of Jerusalem. There is a tomb marker/monument in the basement of the building built by crusaders (1100’s ish) and people go in and pray and worship. It is a half buried cylinder. Very interesting. Although I don’t agree with most of the devote people here, it is awesome to be surrounded by devote individuals! I’m used to being one of the few who live their religion. I have great respect for these people.