16 weeks

Waving Hello!/Arm and Shoulder Blade

Front View/On Back

Sticking thumb in nose/Smashed by Braxton Hicks Contraction

Day 2

Caesarea and the Site of Paul's trial in Caesarea at the Hippodrom

Example of Tomb with Stone ; the Megiddo Valley from Mt Carmel

Megiddo Valley from Megiddo ; Site of the hill in Nazareth Luke 4

Picture of Cana taken from bus and The Jesus Boat

March 27, 2008

Bible Study Theme: Go therefore and make disciples of all nations. Matt 28:18

Places Visited:
Caesarea
Mt. Carmel
Megiddo
Cana
Megiddo Valley
Nazareth

Today we started out at the ruins of Caesarea! We had a bible study at an amphitheatre overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, and found out Caesarea was a place where 200,000 people lived in its time. It was anchored by the largest sea port in the area. The very significant find was a stone engraved with Pontius Pilates’ name. There was also a second theater with a hippodrome. This was most likely the place Paul was put on trial.

Next we went to Mount Carmel; where the prophet Elijah made his stand against 450 prophets of Baal and 400 prophets Asherah. (1 Kings 18). We also had a bible study here and could see where Elijah took the prophets to be killed and where he ran off to.

After we left Mt. Carmel we headed for Megiddo and the Megiddo Valley. There was approximately 25 to 27 cities of ruins built right on top of each other overlooking the Megiddo Valley (Valley of Armageddon). From where we stood we had a 360 degree vantage point of the entire valley. No wander everyone fought over this piece of real estate. This was a truly awesome sight to be seen! We also had a bible teaching on the top of the hill, before moving to the middle of the Megiddo. In the middle of the ruins was a well dug out in the iron ages. We walked deep down into the well, through the cave and came out on the other side where the water source was located.

Leaving the Megiddo Valley we were dashed off to a hillside overlooking Nazareth. This is believed to be the spot mention in Luke 4:28-30, where Jesus was nearly thrown off the brow of the hill on which the city was built.

When we left Nazareth we did a drive-by of Cana. Cana is the location of Jesus’ first miracle, turning water into wine. We took a picture as we drove by on our way to see the Galilee Boat. This is a boat found on the shores of Galilee when the waters were receded one year. It was found to be approximately 2000 years old. You know… Jesus’ time!

Our final stop was in Tiberius. After checking into our room and eating at the Holiday Inn in Tiberius, mom and myself joined two other members of our group and walked the shore line of the Sea of Galilee and shared in some deep fellowship and prayer.

Thank you Lord for a wonderful day!

Things I learned in Israel today:

Israeli’s must serve at least 3 years in the Israeli Defense Force (Their Army)
Muslims do not serve in the Army!
Israeli’s would rather see a conservative Republican in the White House

Highland

http://www.highlandschurch.org/include/popups/ViewSermon.aspx?id=325

9 1/2 weeks

Welcome to the Baca Blog! Larry and I have been so blessed with two major events this year. He was able to travel to the Holy Land with his mom and her Calvary Church for a 2 week trip of a lifetime!! Second, the day he came home (April 7) I revealed to him that we would be expecting the most amazing blessing of all! A child! As you can see I posted a picture of the 9 1/2 week baby lying on it's back, feet on the right, head on the left (for those of you who arent used to reading these).

Day 1

March 26, 2008

Bible Study Theme: Say “Yes” to the Lord. Lord help me to say yes to your commands!

Places Visited:
Joppa
Netanya

We landed in Israel! The flight over was not so bad in comparison to our first leg, (PHX to London 10hours). This flight was 4 ½ hours and went by pretty quick. The Lord granted us sleep and rest on the way. We left London at 8:30 London time and arrived in Tel Aviv at 2:30 pm Israel time. Going through customs was easier than I thought it would be, no problems with luggage or finding our guide. Our guide’s name is Nir. He is really nice and makes lots of jokes that take a few seconds to sink in. Our bus is really nice too. We each have 2 seats to use to spread out. Mom and I have the back of the bus so we have an extra seat. There are 24 of us, 19 from Roswell, 2 from San Antonio, 2 from Nevada, and Me.

The first stop was in JOPPA, which can be found in the Old Testament in the book of Jonah. When Jonah was asked by God to go to Nineveh and deliver His message, but instead Jonah boarded a ship and tried to run away and hide from the Lord. So there are lots of thing depicting the “Big Fish” in Joppa. In the New Testament it was the home town of Peter (Acts 10:5). He had a vision from the Lord to go and eat of what was previously unclean for a Jew to eat. There was a church there in Joppa that we stopped to take pictures and have a short bible study. It over looked the Mediterranean Sea. Someone tried to charge us 1 shekel to use the toilet, at that point we didn't even have shekels. Our bus ride to our hotel was uneventful.

Our hotel is called The Seasons Hotel. It is located right on the beach of the Mediterranean Sea. We ate an array of foods (tasted one of each to say we tried it). Then we took a stroll to the beach. Mom and I had to say we were in the Mediterranean Sea! It was quite warm about 68 or so (I think), I was pleasantly surprised. Our rooms are two bedroom suites, we have an awesome view of the ocean with a balcony and window that opens. So I’ll be listening to the waves tonight as I fall asleep.

Thank you Lord for the wonderful blessing!

Things I learned in Israel today:
Gas is about $7.00 gal
The shekel is 3.5 to 1 verses our US dollar