Day 9

So...an eventful day! We started by exploring the City of David excavations...

And, after checking the current level...

Two intrepid explorers joined Steve in Hezekiahs tunnel, while the rest journeyed overland through the city

We then had a float in the Dead Sea

And a trip on the cable car up to Masada

The journey back was a bit unexpected...after noticing a beautiful rainbow over the Dead Sea, we hadn't thought that it would result in a torrential deluge washing down the valley and flooding the only road back!

Thankfully, we were only stuck for an hour...sometimes this can go on for 10!  So we got back to the hotel in time for dinner and a meeting with Rev Hosam Naoum, the Dean of Jerusalem.

It was fascinating and challenging to hear from Rev Hosam some of the struggles faced by him and his congregation as Palestinian Christians in Jerusalem and throughout the land.  It was a real privilege to spend this time with him, and increase our understanding of what we can do to stand in solidarity with our brothers and sisters in this troubled, holy, land. Rev Hosam left us with 4 P's: Pray - it is never in vain Peace - and work towards a true peace based on justice for all Pilgrimage - encourage others to "come and see" Pennies - support financially those organisations who work for reconciliation and harmony (whether Jewish or Palestinian based) Home tomorrow...getting back at some horrendous time, so no more blogs...hope you've enjoyed following us, thank you for your prayers.  Please continue to join us in praying for peace for Jerusalem and the land of the Holy One.