Day 9 City of David and Riding Camels!

Day 9 City of David and Riding Camels!

Hezekiah's Tunnel

Today we went to Hezekiah’s Tunnel.  This was a tunnel to divert water for the Jewish community without leaving the city walls of David.  The tunnel diverts water from Gihon Spring to the Pool of Siloam.  Flashlights in hand, we actually walked the 583 yards of tunnel in knee deep water from start to finish.  The tunnel was just a little narrower than Marty’s shoulders.  We visited the Mount of Olives and looked across at the City walls and Temple Mount.  This is where Jesus stood and wept.  Jesus ascended to Heaven here and will this will also be the place for his return.  We took our group picture here which will be something we will cherish for years.  We have made some lifelong friends on this trip.  We then went on the Genesis Experience.  We got to meet “Abraham’ and have lunch with him in his tent.  The area was where Abraham came and settled with his nephew Lot and we learned many things about his travels and challenges.  We finished with a camel ride through the area. We then went to the South Gate of the Temple Mount.  This is where the Church started and Peter witnessed to all at the gate.  3000 people were baptized after Peter spoke to them and joined the Disciples as the beginning Church.   Over 50 baptismal lay at the foot of the steps to the entrance of the Southern gate.  The steps Tammy is standing on lead to the gate.  The steps are of different sizes to make a person concentrate and slow down as they climbed the stairs and approach the gate.  We looked at the stones that had fell from the Western Wall during the destruction.  The area where Marty is standing is the ground bed where Jesus walked.  What an experience.  We prayed at the Wailing Wall.  The men on the left side and the women to the right.  Due to the time of the day, it was pretty hot outside so the crowds were really down.  We entered the cities corridor and traced the steps of the Via Dolorosa.  This is the path and Stations of the Cross believed by Catholics that Jesus walked on his way to his crucifixion.  We ended the day at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.         

At the Mount of Olives

Lunch with Abraham!

Camel Rides!

On the steps leading to the Temple gates.

Southern Gates where Peter witnessed.

Walking where Christ walked.. Outside the     Western Wall

Church of the Holy Sepulchre