My heart goes out in pity to anyone who never has an opportunity to see the land of Israel. Not that this land is more holy than any other or a special anointing falls on those who are here, but to look out and see where all those flannel board stories we were told as kids actually happened is an amazing opportunity. And of course there's that open door to hang out in one of Israel's best resort areas for three days and only pay somewhere around sixty or seventy dollars :)
Pictures:
Seven of us went to Eilat, four guys and three girls. Us guys slept outside and woke up to this coming over the mountains. I chose to gape in wonder rather than go back to sleep, even though it was six in the morning.
Since we were camping on a free beach, these became our showers for the trip. Not bad I'd say.
This is where we went snorkling. The mountains line the edge of the Red Sea and this coral reef runs along its edge. The snorkling was great!
We found out a little later that this is the norternmost coral reef in the world.
Benaiah, now my good friend and fellow adventurer, is a certified diver, but he's still odd. Which means he fits in great with me and Ben.
This is our group that went down to Eilat. From left to right: Emily, Kristen, Benaiah, Becky, Ben, and Ben. Emily reminds me of my sister Laura every time I look at her. So I ended up thinking about my sister a good deal on this trip.
I couldn't believe how close the mountains and the beach were to each other. It was nice. We hiked and then cooled off in the Sea.
The beginning of our hike began with a steep climb basically straight up, but after that things leveled out a bit and the view was incredible!
Ok, so it leveled out and became extremely narrow, but that was fine because the view was still incredible.
The ridges we stood on were by far the windiest places I've been in my life. Here is Ben being blown in the wind.
Then there's the other Ben, also being blown in the wind. He is one of the graduate guys here at JUC and an awesome brother. Anytime he sees me he gives me a big hug to say hello. All his words are words of encouragement and admonition; I just love being around him.
We "conqured" this mountain, which of course means I gave a hollar almost as loud as I could before they told me to stopping shouting, and took a picture from the top. Directly to the left of my head you can see the beach we slept on.
My good friend Benaiah, as always, looking like a mad man.
Our one glimpse into Egypt; though it was tempting to see if we could hike our way in through the mountains.
The Jordan flag, perhaps 500 yards away from where we slept at night. I thought of the song "On Jordan's Stormy Banks" and sung it the rest of the night. In case you've never heard it before, I'll include the lyrics below. This is one of the few songs I feel ever enraptures my soul when I sing it."On Jordan's Stormy Banks"
On Jordan’s stormy banks I stand,
And cast a wishful eye
To Canaan’s fair and happy land,
Where my possessions lie.
All o’er those wide extended plains,
Shines one eternal day;
There God the Son forever reigns,
And scatters night away.
No chilling winds nor poisonous breath
Can reach that healthful shore;
There sickness, sorrow, pain and death,
Are felt and feared no more.
When shall I reach that happy place,
And be forever blessed?
When shall I see my Father’s face,
And in His bosom rest?
On Jordan’s stormy banks I stand,
And cast a wishful eye
To Canaan’s fair and happy land,
Where my possessions lie.
All o’er those wide extended plains,
Shines one eternal day;
There God the Son forever reigns,
And scatters night away.
No chilling winds nor poisonous breath
Can reach that healthful shore;
There sickness, sorrow, pain and death,
Are felt and feared no more.
When shall I reach that happy place,
And be forever blessed?
When shall I see my Father’s face,
And in His bosom rest?
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