Day 8: The "Wilderness"

Today was our last day here in the Holy Land.  As we will be leaving for the U.S. in a few moments, here are some pictures and brief thoughts on today.

Masada

Masada is located near the Dead Sea, the place with the lowest land elevation on earth.  Masada is the location of one of Herod the Great's Wilderness Fortresses.  It's also where a small band of Jewish rebels held out against 15,000 Romans for 3 years after the destruction of the temple in 70 C.E.

Leona, in what were once Herod the Great's pet pigeon's homes at Masada.

Rob at Masada

A bird at the location of where Herod the Great kept his pet pigeons.

At the ruins of Masada.  Above the line is reconstructed by archeologists, below the line is what is left of the original buildings.

Qumran

At Qumran (where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found).

Cave #4 (where many of the Dead Sea Scroll fragments were found).

The Dead Sea

The Dead Sea.  The place where the sand and water meets is white with salt.

Salt from the Dead Sea.

Leona floating and playing in the Dead Sea.

Rob reading while floating on the Dead Sea.

The Jericho Road

Ein Gedi, a desert oasis mentioned in the Bible.

This is also where our Natural Mineral Spring bottled water was from.

St. George's Monastery built into the rocks of the wilderness of the Jericho Road.

Can you see the Shepherd and all of his goats?

The Wilderness.

This has been a wonderful experience that I will treasure for the rest of my life.  Please pray for our safe return.  I will see you all when I get back.

-Rob

Thank you for all of your prayers.  We will enjoy sharing more of our stories when we return home.

-Leona