Good friends Brad and Andrea and Kelly and Liz Burgon arrived for a week of touring the Holy Land. So great to have them come. Jim (Mr. Tour Guide now) took them on the grand tour! It started with a fun visit with Santa (of course), David Street shops, Udi the artist, Hurva Square, Robinson’s Arch, Western Wall (not crowded), Temple Mount to open, Lions’ Gate, Arab cemetery, Eastern Gate, Via Dolorosa, Birthplace of Virgin Mary, Churches of Flagellation and Condemnation, Prison of Christ, Austrian Hospice, Damascus Gate, passion fruit slush, lunch at Al Fayed restaurant, great falafels, shawarma plate, hummus, Garden Tomb (packed!), Christian Quarter, Ethiopian Church, Coptic Church, Holy Sepulcher (packed), Shabban's store, fabric store, changed money, Jaffa Gate, YMCA, carillon, and done! That was only day 1.
While Jim was off with the Burgons, Deanne joined the students for their field trip, one she hadn't been on yet. The destination was Neot Kedumim (perfect weather, as opposed to 100 degrees on their last trip there...). This is a biblical nature preserve that allows guests to see how life might have been 3000 years ago. The guides taught about flowers and vegetation, farming, water storage, the students had to herd goats and sheep and then cook lunch over a hot campfire. They made really good pita and lentil soup! It was a lovely, pleasant day. Green grass and flowers on the hillsides!
The Burgons arrived at the Center for Day 2. First stop at Sea Level to ride the camel. Traditional baptismal site. Bet She'an never disappoints! Deanne had packed a delicious picnic lunch. Up to Galilee, enjoyed visits at Magdala and Capernaum, and Church of Multiplication of Loaves and Fishes. Drove home via east side of the lake, beautiful sunset. Schnitzel sandwich for dinner at a strip mall, and gelato (passion fruit).
Day 4. A trip to Augusta Victoria, played (and pumped) the organ, climbed the tower. Russian Ascension church was closed, too bad. Looked in at Mosque of Ascension, shopped at Mt of Olives Bazaar, looked in at Pater Noster, took in view at 7 Arches, tomb of the prophets was closed! Dominus Flevit was nice. St. Mary Magdalene was closed. Tomb of St. Mary, Garden of Gethsemane (where they were pruning the olive trees and we got some branches); played the organ at Church of the Agony. Absalom’s Pillar and Hezekiah’s tombs.
The Burgons had a few days on their own. We met up with them at Notre Dame of Jerusalem for buffet dinner on their last night here, very nice, and quiet place to visit.
Thanks to Patty and Paul Barker and Deanne for staying at the Center for the tours and other music and humanitarian obligations in the week!
The Center has been hosting three vice presidents from BYU this week. One of the couples is Steve and Bobbie Tanner Sandberg. Bobbie's father John wrote the lyrics to hymn #138 which Jim wrote the music for. They seemed to be pleased with all of the good things that happen here with the students, staff and volunteers. They should! It's a great place.
Q: How did Mary and Joseph know that Jesus was 7 lb 6 oz when he was born?
A: They had a weigh in a manger.
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