Day 11 - July 1, 2008

On this magnanimous day being the 1^st of July 20 ought 8, we began our glorious morning by going to see what has been nicked named “the Jesus Boat.” This special piece of antiquity, which was a first century fishing boat, was found in the mud on the shore of the Sea of Galilee. It went through an interesting journey making its way from the mud to the museum. The boat had to be kept wet at all time while they were digging it out or else it would have crumbled. To move it they had to completely cover the little boat with polyurethane foam. Before it would be stable enough to put in a museum for our viewing pleasure it had to be soaked in a special solution for a few years. It was a cool experience to say the least. As fun and exciting as this was, our next experience was one of the best parts of the day.

We went out onto the Sea of Galilee on this ark-ish type boat. After finding a quaint little spot out on the sea we stopped to have a little meeting where we talked about how Jesus calmed the raging sea and how Peter walked on water. We also sang some hymns, Master the Tempest is Raging was a personal favorite. Being able to talk about the miracles that Christ performed while on the Sea of Galilee while there was an amazing experience. On our way back to port we had a little dance party…well Lyndee was the star of our dance party, and it was fun!

After a short bus trip, we arrived at the Mount of Beatitudes. This is the accepted spot where Jesus gave the Sermon on the Mount. We had a study session with Matthew 5. A few testimonies were shared about the Savior. It was a really cool experience to be able to sit down and study the events of the Bible in the place that they happened.

We then went to Capernaum which is also the home of Peter and his mother-in-law. There is also a synagogue that is believed to be built on the ruins of the synagogue where Christ taught.

Eddie (our bus driver) took us to a little place for lunch in the Golan Heights area. On our way to lunch we passed through a military zone where landmines were fenced off and soldiers were participating in training exercises…they had tanks! We had the choice to have falafel, schnitzel, or Druse bread that was more or less like crepes. It was back on the bus and we were off to the next stop.

In the scriptures this area is referred to as the coast of Caesarea Philipi. The Savior taught here about his divinity and revelation shortly before His Transfiguration. It consists of the springs that feed the Sea of Galilee. We read some scriptures, viewed the ruins, took pictures, and quickly returned to the bus.

The next site was the Banias waterfall which is the biggest waterfall in all of Israel. Lots of young Israeli girls were visiting the falls so it was a bit difficult to make it to the bottom of the falls for pictures. Brother Gunnerson taught us that as we saw the falls we were looking at the rolling Jordan River. Back at the hotel we enjoyed a watermelon bust (super yummy!), swimming in the Sea of Galilee, and dinner. While swimming, a kind man tried to come to the heroic aid of our dear friend, Roena who was surprised by his arrival and attempt to save her from drowning. We ended the night by relaxing with card games and socialization. Some took the opportunity to pack as we leave in the morning for Jerusalem.