Fabricio (Israel guide) & I tonight at supper

He did an excellent job!!

Up and Not Ready...

It's 1am here in Jerusalem. We pull out in an hour or so. It's definitely been a short night...with no sleep thus far. Hopefully, I'll get some sleep on the long bus ride back to Tel Aviv  and then and on the 9 hour flight :)

It's been an awesome time here in the Holy Land. Trip #2 for me has definitely has it's own personality to it and I think it only right! I have made new & wonderful friends, renewed past ones & deepened the ones that were here. 

I can't wait to share ALL the pictures with you. We're definitely not short on any. Just between the Texas people, I believe we've taken over 2,000....no exaggeration. Hey, can you blame us?!?! We want to take as much home with us as possible.

When I get to NYC, I'll have more time to post pix due to the 5-6 hour delay....for now...I'm gonna go catch a cat nap till leaving time. Ugh...gotta admit that this is the sad part. I am tired and ready for Texas home, family and friends......but part of me is left more. Each time the pieces left seem to increase. I miss the people in my life that make it so meaningful day to day most.....if only this land wasn't completely on the other side of the world.

Who's up for a little visit to Tiberias (Galilee) in the summer/fall????? 

;-) 

From Cindy.....aka MOM

We have not been able to get on the internet.for days.... but this evening we can get on yea!!!! so the kids r going to work on the blog ... Its just like everyone says ... there are no words to say what its like being here... the information you hear while on the tours, the sights, it is not like any trip I have ever been on... its truly a spiritual inward feeling... I cant really say its restful as far as my body is getting refreshed but my spiritual man is very refreshed and the peace that is coming for me is inward....

My husband baptised me yesterday in the Jordon River. That was such a emotional moment for me....In fact the whole rest of the day was.. But that was a good thing.
While reading Det. 12... it was like I could put all the places together and the wonders of the Bible came alive... Tonight we came into Jerusalem,Now that was a really awww moment. It was raining a light mist.but yet seems like I could hear the Gaither group singing the Song here that they sang on the Homecoming video ... Jerusalem,,, Jerusalem.....
the next 3 days will be here . 

It is cold here tonight and it is also the beginning of the Jewish Sabbath. So what that means is every thing closes at 4;00 and they have to be home by 5 ... because they honor the sabbeth at Sundown... I think I thats a great idea... 


Tomorrow they told us to really layer because its suppose to even be colder... I am really looking forward to Sunday because we go to the dead sea... Lots of fun times and lots of reflecting ... We have had a great group and have enjoyed the fellowship of others .. Im sure the kids will keep the pictures coming for everyone... they are getting ready to load up now... love everyone....

Continued..

The neat place we ate. Family style is very important in these countries. It's really cool!

1/2 our group @ Petra

NOT a bloody mary...or is it?! hehe (it's actually orange juice..honest!)

Our Hosts!

In Petra

Eating pita, meats, cheese, coffee that'll make you grow a mustache in one sip, and fresh juices. Fun stuff! Culture in action!!

Pastor & Sis. Cindy Riding Camels in Petra!

YYYEEEEHAAWWWW!!!!!

The Treasury in Petra

RD's Thoughts on NYC & Petra

So the adventure begins in New York City.  During our two-day stint in NYC, we visited the iconic Times Square at night. It was spectacular with all the lights and stores it was definitely sensory overload.  But, I thought that the sights of Times Square could not be matched.

  I woke up in the morning in Petra, looked off my hotel balcony and my breath left me.  Before me was a huge canyon with the sun light reflecting off the sandstone cliffs; it created a majestic sight.  At that moment, I knew that this trip was truly going to be life changing.

 So after breakfast we left to go see The Treasury, which is a famous sight in Jordan.  It consists of a huge facade that has been used in many movies from Indiana Jones to Transformers.  The chance to see this sight would have been awesome in itself, but to arrive at The Treasury you have to walk through a canyon whose natural beauty is only enhanced by its historical significance. 

The canyon was used as a route to help escape the heat of the desert sun. Water ducts were carved out to help channel and collect the precious rainwater and later the Romans incorporated it as part of the Roman Road.  The sheer rugged nature and beauty of this land, especially with the modern technology and comforts, has a way of causing you to forget that this is a desert and that the hardships of daily life that must have existed for the nomadic people that used these canyons and created these great works of art. 

It is amazing to see the skill and ingenuity of these people that such massive monuments were built with such precision in a medium that does not allow for mistakes.  Just the time and dedication alone needed to complete just one of the many works in this one area would almost be an undertaking of a lifetime. 

The Romans incorporation of these old routes just further emphasizes the importance of the canyons.  The Romans laid down huge limestone pavers that were typical for Roman roads, but they also built a fountain. 

looking over the top of Petra

NYC

Day 3

Day 3-

I'm writing this while we're traveling 3-4 hours toward Mt. Nebo. We all thoroughly enjoyed our time in Petra! It's a 4 mile walk from the bus stop to the end of the trail. So we definitely got our work out there & back. Petra is so breathtaking. It's not just the Treasury itself, although the hand made architecture is mind blowing, but the trail is so awesome. The rock walls engulf the trail with sandstone writings, carvings, and color splashes on the walls. 

THE PEOPLE

 Are very aggressive in their approach. They insist for you to buy and will follow you around until you give in or they get mad at you. It's a bargainers heaven. You should never take their 1st offer. Robin had to learn the hard way and was a target at the beginning, but by the end of the day she walked away and won most ever battle with them :) I loved watching mom's face seeing everything for the 1st time. Words just fall short of the glory of it all. Another thing about the natives is that they are a very…uummm I'll be nice and say flirtatious. haha No proposals of marriage this time….I avoided it as much as possible. Dad was more keen on getting the horses and camels this time. ;-P Most all are welcoming and value your business.

The camel ride was a total trot/run this time and I'm feeling the affects it today. 

THE FOOD

We're talking Daniel fast friendly food!! With the exception of a little fish, chicken and meat. They are really big on cheeses; goat, cow, and uuummm COW! We had box lunches waiting for us when we reached Amman, Jordan Monday. They had a small loaf of bread, American yellow cheese, a 1/3 of a chicken, goat cheese, Greek yogurt, cucumber (amazing), tomato, Jordan's take on an Oreo Cookie. :) I couldn't eat much of any of it because it wasn't gluten free, but what I could eat was yummy! They generally serve cheese, yogurt, breads, pita, tomatoes and cucumbers with most ever meal. It's apparently very common foods that are locally grown in abundance. You'll pass a neighborhood or a little town area and see a tomato vine growing on the light poles. 

The meals are somewhat Mediterranean in nature. Very yummy though for all of you squinting your faces at the healthiness factor. ;) 

They had a SUPER amazing bread pudding last night that everyone was going on and on about, so I gave into temptation. I only took about 2-3 bites but that was enough. Yep, you guessed it. My throat rebelled and started closing. I took my benadryl though and was completely knocked out and hour later. Fun times! 

THE HOMES

Simplistic. Nothing extravagant by any means, but in Jordan they are the 4th poorest country in the world. Water is like gold. In the Americas we give water out freely and charge for coffee and tea. Here, it's totally opposite. Cigaret companies are making large off these countries. Virtually EVERYONE smokes. It's a large part of their culture and they realize it's a bad habit. As americans chew gum or mints…they smoke. The elevators are NOT for the faint of heart or the closterfobic. lol the max is 4 people and thats face to face. 

TODAY:

I'm super excited for the rest of our group toe arrive today. Erdie & Cameron coming in sometime this evening in Tiberas. But until then, we're visiting Mt. Nebo, Jordan river (the place where Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist.) and move onto Israel. 

I'm hoping for warmer weather. Snow isn't quite what I packed for ;)- 

I'm typing this while we're traveling….which is now under the sea level. 

VIDEO:

We've been having trouble uploading the videos directly to this site so what we're going to do tonight is download them on Youtube then post a link for you guys to go check out. 

Just pulling into the Jordan river. Until tonight my time…morning yours. :) 

1st Day In Petra

Hey all!
We've already had an eventful trip! I will give more detail VERY soon. Our bus is about to pull out to go see the Treasury (Indiana Jones movie icon) so I can't leave a long message. I'll have more time after we get back.
We're working on videos...the file size is too big.
Love you guys!

New York New York!!!

New York bound

*long sigh of relief* the packing is finally over for us 3 Sheridans! I'm certain I overpacked...again. Haha on our way now to the airport. Let's pray all our bags (mine & moms) ;)- are under the 50 pound mark. :)

Disney Dreams

That moment when you're opening the present you believe to be "IT!" That thing you wished for most of all. Or it could be the moment when you're totally shocked by getting "IT" because you didn't make an ordeal of it....but somehow they just KNEW!!

Shock. Surprise! Awe. Excitement. Happy Dance. Joy. Tears. Overwhelmed. Content. Fairy Tale. Disney moment. That moment for us has almost arrived. 9 days and counting!! I'm sure if you're anything like me, you're asking yourself if you've forgotten anything on your mile-long-list. 

Today, when reflecting, my mind goes to the thoughts of being 'Home.' I love my house. Mom has made it so homey and I only HOPE to make mine 1/2 as awesome someday. But after going 2 years ago to the Holy Land, I left my heart. So today, I feel like I'm going home & this makes me happy.
"Praise be to the Lord from Zion, to him who dwells in Jerusalem. Praise the Lord."  Psalm 135:21

Less Than a Month To Go

Has it sunk in Yet!!!!