In the Garden

It was a cold, windy and sometimes rainy day in Jerusalem today. We began our day early in order to get to the Temple Mount and to see the Dome of the Rock, a holy Muslim site. From there we went to the Mount of Olives and the Augusta Victoria Hospital. We were greeted there by the Rev. Mark Brown, who explained the work of the hospital and the Lutheran World Federation in this place. We also viewed the site of the future housing project. Two of our travelers from Prince of Peace in Freeport presented a letter to Pastor Brown which represented the gift of the congregation to the ministry of the hospital.

We made many stops today but the highlight for me came after we walked the Palm Sunday road. In the Garden of Gethsemane we viewed 2,000 year old olive trees and we prayed in the Church of All Nations. I was overwhelmed knowing that we were so close to the spot that Jesus prayed so fervently, "Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me; yet not my will but yours be done." I have always been haunted by what follows in Luke: His sweat became like great drops of blood falling down on the ground. It was a holy moment to be in this place.

Today is election day in Israel. That did not interfere with our plans. Tonight we will bid farewell to four travelers, our two from Freeport and two from the North Dakota group. They will fly home while the rest of us move back to Jordan and eventually to Petra. We are all well, emotionally tired, but physically doing fine. Peace be with you! --JC