We made our way below sea level to the Jordan valley, and, after stopping for dates, (twice! Gamal, our bus driver, insisted on the Jordanian variety!), we arrived at the Cherith Ravine, where Elijah was fed by the ravens. It was easy to imagine Elijah in this arid spot, some small palms, and rush leaves near the stream. Less than 20 years ago some early Christian churches were uncovered at this site dating from 3rd century, with mosaic floors, walls and wells still in evidence.
Not far from this site we arrived at the River Jordan, (Bethany beyond the Jordan in the Bible), where John the Baptist lived and carried out his ministry. It was wonderful to have Phil read us short texts from the Bible that were relevant to each site. We walked to the site believed to be where John baptized Jesus. It was quite breathtaking to think that this is where John saw Jesus and said: "Behold the Lamb of God." There was only a little rain water in this branch of the river and the remains of a very early Christian church from the 3rd century!
A short, very hot walk from there brought us to the Jordan River and Israel, so close that we were almost there! There were people being immersed and baptized on the Israeli side as some of us sang "Guide Me Oh Thou Great Jehovah". Most of us dangled our feet in and one, (yes it was Jim!), couldn't resist going right under the water and swimming.
We continued our journey along the beautiful shore of the Dead Sea and up a spine tingling road, (some gradients were 1 in 15!), with views that were just AMAZING. We passed a Bedouin camp (there have been many with their camel hair tents and animals) and they very kindly let us come and see their tent and meet their family. Their donkey had a one day old foal! We gave them our dates and a tin of yummy sesame pistachio biscuits that we had dipped into to say thank you.
We finally arrived at Machaerus, the hilltop fortress of Herod the Great, (1st century BC). This is where Salome danced and John the Baptist was beheaded. The climb was quite something in the heat but so well worth it! More amazing views from the top.
We were treated to some sensational panoramic views by our driver and, after a long desert trek south from Moab to Edom, we arrived in Petra at sunset. We stopped to see the spring and place that Moses is purported to have struck the rock. The water is sweet and clear to this day.
We watched the sun setting behind the Petra mountains, a golden orb, and felt very blessed.
Photos - John and Jenny Neil near the Cherith Ravine, the site of Jesus baptism by John the Baptist; some of our group with feet in the Jordan river; Jim emerging with a Hallelujah from the Jordan river; the amazing road; Rev Phil Mercer at the Bedouin camp; the walk to Herod's fortress at the top of the hill at Machaerus; victory - we reached the top!; Our guide Maha collecting water from Moses Spring; sunset at Petra.
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