Our journey today started with a 2 hour bus ride to the Jordan River. Along the way, we saw agricultural fields producing a variety of crops, including oranges, avocados, tomatoes, grapes, wheat, zucchini/squash, dates, and bananas.
Our first stop was Yardenit at the Jordan River, the site where Jesus was baptized by John. At the entrance of the site, we saw ancient water pipes made of volcanic basalt stone that were part of the Barenki Aqueduct that passed by here. The aqueduct was built in the Byzantine time at the 4th century and was the water carrier from the source of Yavniel to Bet-Yerach and Tiberias.
We loaded the bus and headed out for our next location, Nazereth. Before we arrived in Nazareth we stopped by Canaan and had lunch. We enjoyed a local favorite; Shawarma and Falafel. When we arrived in Nazereth it was raining, we walked throughout the bazaar and collected a few last minute momentos. We were then able to receive a very special private tour of the caves of Nazereth. These caves were the homes of the small community where Jesus was raised. The impact of this place silenced the class. We walked into the Basilica of Annunciation, which is located near the caves. It was here that the angel Gabriel appeared before Mary, saying: "Behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shall call his name Jesus." We also received a private tour of the Museum of the Basilica. The museum contained ancient artifacts found in the caves, along with ancient stones depicting pictures of crosses and a man with a bible.
The last phase of our day was a two hour bus ride to the airport where we left behind Tel Aviv, Israel and landed in Istanbul, Turkey. It was a late evening flight and we were all ready for bed when we arrived.
- Yissel Barajas, Jeff Boldt, Mike Richardson
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