A wonderful breakfast at our hotel had everyone cheery and ready for a long day of exploration.

We began at one of the more interesting sites in Jerusalem: the western wall tunnels. This site has been upgraded so much since I was last here in 2017. So many unique features to observe in these tunnels and amazing displays to help make sense of how Herod developed the Temple Mount. Lots of walking, but worth it for the moments of historical significance.

Then a quick stop at the Western Wall was next on the agenda. The holiest site for Jews is always special and the wall was not overwhelmingly packed, so a group picture was in order. We snapped that and headed across the street.

Here we arrived at the City of David. This is the oldest and perhaps most significant archaeological dig happening in Jerusalem at the moment. So much to learn from the ancient city – from the king’s toilet to the cistern David used to ambush and defeat the city – the City of David is special.

After this, we split into two groups. Some of us hiked through Hezekiah’s Tunnel – water and all – and others of us did the dry tunnels of the Canaanites. We all met up at the end thankful for good water systems and grateful to be done with tunnels for the day.

After this, we headed to lunch and had shawarma, falafel or pizza for lunch with tea or soda and a unique sweet pita dessert. Delicious for sure and then we were off to our next site.

This was the Church of the Holy Sepulcher – a site which could be the place of the death and burial of Jesus, but we focused on the purposes of the church and a neat 1st century tomb in an Orthodox Church that is the most authentic part left in the building. Many are still wrestling with their thoughts on this site – which is right where we want to be. Are we chasing Jesus or the places built to honor Him? Tough question for sure!

Finally, we finished the day at Gallicantu, the site associated with the first trial and imprisonment of Jesus and the denial of Peter in the courtyard of this house. We were also greeted with amazing views of Jordan and the Dead Sea in the distance. It was beautiful!

Another great dinner at our hotel rounded out the night. We had a couple of people fall today in different locations. One fall led to a few stitches and a visit to a local hospital. All is well at this hour, but I am grateful for Pastor Rich giving up the end of his tour today to help out and am going to bed soon praying for sure feet and rested bodies tomorrow.

Jerusalem can be very uneven, so we will take our time tomorrow for sure. I will let everyone share their story in their time, so please don’t ask for details, just pray for a great and safe rest of our trip!