Today was the day we chose an "optional" adventure to Masada and the Dead Sea. We began the day with a stop overlooking the Judean wilderness.
Judean Wilderness
We recalled the story of the good Samaritan, which traditionally takes place on a road in the Judean wilderness. Wisam suggested that this is truly a parable, not a true story, because many things about the biblical story would not make sense in reality.
On the way to the overlook, we saw many Bedouin communities along the mountainside and when we stopped, many men approached us selling beaded necklaces, scarves and camel or donkey rides. The children with them were selling bracelets and one boy really wanted Becky's pen. (So much so we had to grab it back from him when he took it!) Another boy, the youngest, rode a donkey and was very sweet... if you gave him a piece of candy. ;-)
Masada
After the overlook, we went on to Masada National Park. After the temple in Jerusalem was destroyed by the Romans, Jews fled to the ancient fortress of Masada. When the Roman
troops finally surrounded Masada, the Jewish zealots convinced everyone inside the walls to kill their families and themselves, rather than to become slaves to the Romans.
The ruins were very interesting (and very large) which Katy found out first hand when she somehow lost the group. Luckily, she and two OTHER people lost the group together, so they just took in the sites until they finally reconnected with the rest of the red bus. :-)
Dead Sea
After lunch in Qumeran (where we spent some time a couple days ago) we headed to the Dead Sea. At the beach, we each ventured into the water -- some up to our ankles, some all the way in.
The Dead Sea is about 42 miles long and 10 miles wide. It is about 29% salt which is 9 times saltier than the ocean! This makes the water very good for your body and skin. Although the deepest part is around 1200 ft, the water is mostly shallow, an average of 300 ft deep.
Interesting tidbit: Birds never fly over the dead sea... which makes sense of course, since there are no fish!
Compared to most of our days, today was a relaxing time. We're looking forward to a slightly later start tomorrow morning before we visit Princess Basma Hospital, see a few sights, and finish in worship with everyone at the Garden Tomb. And then it's time to pack things up and head to Jordan for our extension!
Our hearts and prayers continue to be with the people of Egypt as well as the people in this area who are in the midst of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. Please remember this area and us as we are here!
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