For my spring break, I decided to go to Israel, the Holy Land. While this could be considered a dream vacation, having the opportunity to visit the place where Jesus was born, lived, was crucified, and resurrected was definitely more than a vacation. I consider it a journey. It was a journey that truly changed my life forever. Each step I took in the places I visited, I was in awe just imagining what it must have been like during Jesus' time.
It was interesting to learn that Christians are a minority there. Jews and Muslims occupy most of the country, including the village of Nazareth, where most of the streets have biblical names. As we journeyed through the different places, it also was amazing to see people from the three religions (Christians, Judaism, and Islam) following and practicing their own beliefs.
I traveled alone from Abu Dhabi, but after getting to Israel, I was in a tour group of 18 people. It was great meeting new sisters and brothers in Christ from different backgrounds and countries (Thailand, Australia, UK, and the U.S.) My group consisted of a few couples, a mother and her two daughters, two sisters, and 3 single ladies; each having their own personal reasons for wanting to visit Israel. As for me, I definitely wanted to experience the Holy Land because of my relationship with Christ. However, the experience itself was more than I expected. I really cannot explain in words. Of course, I took lots of pictures; but even pictures cannot capture everything that I experienced while being there. However, here are a few pictures to share a little of my journey through the Holy Land....in the steps of Jesus!
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| Day 1-Thursday, March 23rd, arrived in Israel |
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| One of my first pics in Israel |
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| Welcome to Summer Time in Israel! |
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| Day 2-Friday, March 24-Visits included the ruins of Caesarea (built by Herod the Great, in honor of Augustus Caesar) and Nazareth, (Jesus' childhood hometown). |
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| Amphitheatre in Caesarea |
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| Aqua ducts of Caesarea |
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| This way to Nazareth! |
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| Walking the streets of Nazareth |
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| Church of Annunciation (believed to be the site where Angel Gabriel appeared to Virgin Mary) |
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| Inside Church of Annunciation |
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| Got to see the Annunciation Day parade! |
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| Inside the St. Joseph's Church, built above the home of Joseph (father of Jesus). |
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| Day 3, Saturday, March 25th-Visits included Tiberias (on the shores of Galilee, where Jesus lived, journeyed, and preached), Capernaum (the center of His ministry), the Mt. of Beatitudes (site where Jesus preached the Sermon on the Mount), and the Jordan River (waters of Jesus' baptism). |
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| Mt. of Beatitudes |
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| Capernaum |
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| Sailing on the Sea of Galilee! |
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| Enjoyed meeting new sisters! |
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| Walked on water while sailing on the Sea of Galilee! |
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| Got baptized in the same waters of Jesus! |
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| Day 4-Sunday, March 26th-visits included the excavations of the Roman City, the city of Jericho, the Old City of Jerusalem, and the Western Wall. |
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| The excavations of the Roman City |
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| Jericho |
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| The Zion Gate entrance into the Old City of Jerusalem |
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| The Western Wall (aka the Wailing Wall)! Made my request known! |
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| Day 5-Monday, March 27th-Visits included Masada (mountain where King Herod's palace was excavated), the Dead Sea (the lowest point of the earth), and the Mt. of Olives (where Jesus wept over the city of Jerusalem. | |
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| Traveled by cable car to the Masada |
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| Cable car selfie |
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| A view of King Herod's palace |
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| At the top of Masada overlooking the Dead Sea |
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| At the Dead Sea..lowest point of the earth...natures greatest spa...free pedicure! |
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| Standing on the Mt. of Olives where Jesus stood when He wept for the city of Jerusalem |
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| On this day, I found out the meaning of my name in Hebrew is "Song of God"! | Yes, I am His...Song of God!! |
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| Day 6-Tuesday, March 28th-Visits include Israel Museum, village where Zachariah and Elizabeth lived, and Bethlehem |
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| Mary's well |
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| Inside St. John's church (believed to be the site of John's birth) |
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| Bethlehem |
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| Streets of Bethlehem |
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| Church of the Nativity |
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| Threshold into the Church of Nativity |
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| Cave inside the Church of the Nativity believed to be the site where Jesus was born. |
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| Day 7-Wednesday, March 29th-Visits include Garden of Gethsemane, the Way of the Cross (believed to be the path of Jesus' crucifixion, and the Garden Tomb (believed to be the site of Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection) |
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| Highest point of Mt. Moriah..Original floors from the first temple....possibly site of the holy of holies |
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| Garden of Gethsemane |
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| At the Garden Tomb-Believed to be crucifixion site |
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| Believed to be caves where Jesus tomb was found |
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| Site at the Way of the Cross that represents where Jesus died on the cross. |
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| Saying goodbye to Hasan (left, a Muslim) my tour driver and Shooki (center, a Jew), my tour guide. They both live in the Holy Land, are not followers of Christ, but spent the week driving me and other Christians around for a CHRISTian tour of Israel. Jesus is Lord and King of all! |
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| Day 8-Thursday, March 30th-Early morning view outside my window as I prepare to leave the Holy Land! |
In conclusion...
A few years ago, a friend and I went on vacation to Orlando, Florida and got to visit the Holy Land experience that TBN has there. While it was a great experience and we enjoyed ourselves, experiencing the real Holy Land was all that I hoped it would be and so much more. As I said at the beginning of my post, it wasn't really a vacation as much as it was a journey for me. There were many memorable moments along the way. Moments that I will always treasure!
One of my most memorable moments was being baptized in the Jordan River. From the time I planned to go to Israel, I knew I wanted to be baptized there; as many people usually do when they visit there. I thought it would be just for the symbolism of being baptized in the same waters that Jesus did. But I must admit, it was more than I imagined it would be. Prior to us reaching the site of the baptism, there were several other persons in my group that was considering being baptized also. But after reaching the site, the others backed out, so I was the only one out of 18 who did it! Upon arriving at the site for the baptism, I met the "Rabbi" who would be baptizing me. Yes, I was baptized by a Messianic-Jew, Rabbi Michael. Also, I was baptized on a Saturday in Israel (the Sabbath for Jews...which they refrain from any such activities). Praise God that Jesus is Lord of the Sabbath! (Matthew 12:8) What I thought I was doing "just for the symbolism", God used it to be glorified! My greatest desire is to bring Him glory! And although the heavens didn't open up and there was no dove that descended from the sky after I came up out of the water, it was as if I heard the Lord say to me, "My daughter, I am well pleased".... the words I hope to hear Him say on "that" day! Later that evening when I shared the news of my baptism with my sisters, I received the following response from one of them.
My confirmation! (She doesn't even know...well she will after reading this blog. Thanks sis!😉💕)
And now, I'm back in Abu Dhabi, continuing this journey! I don't know exactly where it will lead me to next, but I look forward to the great things God has in store for me!
I am His...Song of God!
Faith Walker
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