May 3. As Ann, Katy, and Pastor Beth offset jetlag from their big day of travel, the other five of us (Betsy, Emily, Jenna, Bethany, and Matt) have already adjusted to the time change after arriving in Amman, Jordan two days ago.
First, we traveled to Mt. Nebo and visited the site where Moses saw the Promised Land but couldn’t enter. Then we journeyed down to Petra and walked the Siq and beyond, in awe of the ancient ruins that were carved into the stone. We even climbed up 800 steps to the Monastery near the peak of one hill (and weren’t so excited to climb back down!).
After crossing the border into Israel last night, we fell asleep listening to the waves of the Red Sea and got to swim in its waters this morning before catching a bus to Jerusalem to meet up with the rest of the group (Ann, Katy, and Pastor Beth).
And now all eight of us have arrived safely in Jerusalem and are staying in a hotel that looks out over the Old City walls. We had a wonderful dinner together this evening at Jerusalem Hotel and are excited to begin our journey in the Negev (desert) tomorrow.