Baptism and Buoyancy

Another great trip this weekend! This time we were able to see some historic and Biblical sites. First we went to Mt. Nebo, the location where Moses overlooked the Promised Land. I was expecting a massive trek up some cliff faces, but instead found an easy stroll up a slight incline. It was amazing to stand on the edge and look out over the River Jordan, Palestine, and Israel.

Next, we travelled down into the valley to the Baptismal site of Christ. It was blazing hot! To be honest, it wasn’t much of a spiritual experience, which was a little disappointing. It was pretty impressive to be there where Jesus supposedly walked, but I felt fairly rushed and so hot that I couldn’t quietly ponder the situation. Luckily, I have had a few opportunities this last month to reflect on the amazing history that has taken place in this region.

Finally, we went out to the Dead Sea. This was so great! We swam out in the water that is so salty you float like a cork. It was a struggle to keep your legs down. It was such a bizarre experience! The water was like a strange combination of salt and baby oil. It also made you painfully aware of any little cut and scrape you had on your body. After that we were jumped into a pool up above the beach. We all jumped in and just about drowned….we had become accustomed to the buoyancy of the sea and felt so weighed down by regular water! We struggled to swim to shallow area without dying. We got to play around on such a hot day and lay out in the sun. What a great experience! It is such an amazing luxury to wear a swim suit or shorts when we are so used to wearing long sleeves and pants every day in this blazing heat.

River Jordan. Lookin from Jordan
over to Israel.

This really is a beautiful and amazing country. It is amazing to think that so much amazing history has taken place here and this region is considered the cradle of civilization. How lucky am I that I get to live and work here?

"Now when all the people were baptized, it came to pass that Jesus also being baptized, and praying, the heaven was opened, And the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon him, and a voice came from heaven, which said, Thou are my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased."

Luke 3:21-22