Amman, Petra, and The Holy Land.

Sorry it has been so long since my last post. I've been so busy, visiting other countries and well Jerusalem! Since my last post, I have done so much! Last week, I spent the rest of the week preparing for our flight to Amman, Jordan. I knew we would be visiting Jerusalem and I must say I was nervous, mainly just about being in the wrong place at the wrong time, but Diane reminded me that this could happen anywhere and I just kept thanking God for the opportunity and praying that He would be my shield and give me peace. He definitely did! We arrived at our hotel after a three hour flight and an hour taxi ride. There was even a Michigan license plate at the Amman, Jordan airport, not sure how it got there, but that was cool to see. We slept like rocks and got up very early to go to Petra the next morning. Now this was a three hour drive from Amman, so we settled into the cab. Once there, we got a tour from Mr. Mohammed on horses all the way to the top. We saw Aaron's tomb from a distance as well. This was a breathtaking experience and something that no picture can do justice. We met a man at the top who sold us water and little treasures. It was so hot this day, Diane, was not feeling well and started to scare Drew and I, so it was time to go. Our cab driver, Mr. Samur arrived and took us home. We were all starving when we got back to the hotel, then we went to bed before 8 PM and prepared for our day in Jerusalem. So my one day in Jerusalem, is most certainly a day I will never forget as long as I live. We got up at 6 AM. Had breakfast and got a cab for the hour drive to the border. Our driver, Mr. Ahmed, was awesome and I was blessed to hear some of his story. He dropped us off at the border and told us he would meet us there that same night at either 7:30 or 8pm. So we were off, got our stamps in the passport out of Jordan and caught the bus to The Israel border. One problem, the border closes at 8 PM and we were stuck in the bus at the border for 2 hours before they gave our driver the "ok" to pass through, I was starting to panic, just didn't know what was going to happen. Diane started talking about having to spend the night in Jerusalem and that made me even more anxious. Once we crossed the border by van, we had to wait in line to get into the country and such. This was an experience in and of itself. We finally made it and caught a scharoot (I know this isn't how it is spelled, but it is how it is pronounced. It is a taxi for lots of people, like a short bus. haha) and we were literally in Israel and on our way to the Holy Land of Old City, Jerusalem. At this time, my tummy was churning with all sorts of emotions, from excitement, to awe, to shock, to nervousness and everything in between! I just really couldn't believe I was there! We entered through the Damascus Gate in the Muslin quarter and had shawarma for lunch. It was very good. We then wondered around until we found the Western Wailing wall. I was blown away. Went up to the wall, with my head covered of course, and just prayed. Took a few pics and we were on our way. We asked about the Dome of the Rock, but it closes at 11 AM on Sundays, so we missed it unfortunately. We then continued on. Went through the many vendors and were encouraged to by something from them all. We stopped in a few. Other things/events occurred while we were walking through, but you'll have to ask me for the story. I was not too brave in this area, because I just never knew what was going to happen next. We finally came to The Church of the Holy Sepulcher. This was my very favorite part. I was just in awe and disbelieve that I was in this place. I almost cried a few time. Got to touch the slab that Jesus was cleaned on as well as go inside the tomb where he was thought to be before He rose from the dead on the third day. We bought some post cards and stamps and sat in a coffee shop to write and address them, then found a mailbox and sent them out from Jerusalem. Then we found a taxi to take us back to the border and we were on our way. We were all tired, hot and had just about had enough since we didnt have a tour guide or anything and didn't want to end up there overnight when we had a hotel reserved in Amman and needed to get back across the border before it closed. It was an amazing experience but a little disappointing and not at all what I expected the Holy Land to be especially since I have wanted to visit there as long as I can remember. But don't get me wrong, I thoroughly enjoyed myself and wouldn't trade the experience and the opportunity for anything! If I ever go again though, I will probably plan with a tour guide. We got stamped back into Jordan and had dinner at a great Italian restaurant. Then went back to our hotel, cleaned up and went to sleep. The next morning was our last day. We went to Mount Nebo, where Moses was supposed to enter the promised land. This was way too incredibly cool. Made me want to go back and read Exodus, so I am! :) We visited this mosaic place there as well, it was so amazing and they were all filled with so much talent. Then we went to The Dead Sea. This was awesome! Ever since I learned about The Dead Sea, I had dreamed of going there and I finally got there. It was just so buoyant, I floated with my hands behind my head and my ankles crossed! Then Diane and I put on black mud, which is supposed to be really good for your skin with with salt water. We rinsed it off in the water. The only problem with it was how salty it was, I knew this was going to be the case, so I tried to prepare myself, but if you know me, you know how much i thoroughly despise the taste and smell of salt, also it burned, really bad, but it was all worth it, this was a great day! Then we had lunch at our hotel and headed back to the airport to fly back to Abu Dhabi. It was a great flight and an incredible, once in a lifetime, whirlwind weekend! My favorite scripture passage became so real and provided me with such peace on this trip. Psalm 73:23-26 "Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand. You guide me with your counsel,and afterward you will take me into glory.Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail,but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." God provided me with such peace in His promises to be with me, while I visited His Holy Land. I am still in awe that I was even there. I am so thankful that He provided me with this opportunity with Diane and Drew. I am thoroughly blessed by Him and this trip. We spent the rest of the week recovering and went out to breakfast at the Mugg and Bean this morning. Very delicious. I am off to see what the rest of the weekend has to offer! Thanks for reading and God bless!