Today was our day to head up to Jerusalem. Even though we were technically heading south from Galilee, the Bible always speaks of going “up” to Jerusalem. This is partly symbolic, but it is also the very real situation when you realize that Jerusalem is at a higher elevation than all the surrounding country. Before leaving Galilee I spent one final morning getting up early to pray as the sun rose over the Sea of Galilee. However, these last two days it was just pouring down rain as I got up. So, I sat on a porch and prayed under cover. I could still see the sea and the rain was very nice to listen to. Despite coming for four days in row I have to say that I never did see the sun rise over the sea. I saw some nice colors the first two days and then just rain the next two days. Still, I had some really good prayer time on those mornings. I shall miss it in Jerusalem.
We headed to Jerusalem this morning making a stop and the ruins of an old synagogue with a beautiful mosaic floor. We had lunch at a familiar restaurant in Jericho and then began our ascent. The rain continued pretty much all day and greeted us upon our arrival. I still have some unpacking to do, but I’m slowly getting settled into our new home here for the next 5 weeks. We’re right across the street from the Old City and tomorrow is a free day to go explore. I think I will go visit the Holy Sepulcher. One final bit of good news is that we now have internet in our rooms here, so I should be able to keep my blog updated each night. I will do my best. Please continue to pray for me and my fellow pilgrims as we begin the second half of our pilgrimage here in Jerusalem.