Israel Blog - Part 2

Tuesday 12th May   We are in the warmth of Galilee along with a million Italian young people who are here to see the Pope in Nazareth on Thursday. Fortunately we will be in Nazareth tomorrow but wherever we have been today: Capernaum, sailing on Galilee in the very early morning, Peter's House, Tabgha, the Mount of Beatitudes and eating Peter's fish, the young folk are there with their drums and guitars. Praise God for his goodness though, our services seem to generate their own peace and quiet and at every place we have read the Gospel, prayed and sung our own hymns and psalms. It has been magic. Sunday in Jerusalem included the Holy Sepulchre. Some went very early in the morning to avoid the crowds, this was a special experience. In the morning we did short services at all the Stations of the Cross. We visited Jericho and prayed at the tree where Zacheus was called. Next we were down by the River Jordan renewing our Baptism vows and being sprinkled with the rather muddy water. I am bringing some home in a bottle in the hope that Matthew and Sarah would like it for Jonah's baptism in June. I put one foot in the water and came away very muddy, very muddy. This has been different from last time, special in a different way. We keep meeting other Anglicans, today a party from Newcastle under the Leadership of Bishop Martin and his wife. Lovely to see good friends from far away. Of course I thought of Dan as I paddled in Lake Galilee at the very spot where he was baptised last year. I hope all is well at home and someone is watering my seeds. Bless you all. I had better escape from the managers office in time for supper. Hopefully tomorrow which is our last day I will find an easier way of being in touch!!   Lots of love Trish xx