Katie had a fantastic time in Israel! It was a last minute opportunity that came about through unfortunate circumstances, but it was exciting and wonderful nonetheless. Mike's teaching semester did not end until mid-June, so he was unable to go, so Katie went alone.

Her daily journal entries are shown within each of the sections below. Here are her favorites and highlights:

*Favorite Biblical Sites: There were many, but the most inspiring to me were the Garden of Gethsemane (amazing that the roots of the olive trees date back to the time of Christ!), Megiddo (Cynthia’s prophecy talk really helped me understand the significance it), Caiaphas’s House (such important events occurred on and around this site…the real-life rooster crows were a special addition to our visit), and the Garden Tomb (a perfect end to an incredible trip).
*Most Interesting “Hot” Spot: Wadi Kelt with the view of St. George’s Monastery…amazing how it was built “hidden” in the desert like it is.
*Most Fun Lake Experience: Definitely the Dead Sea! It was a ton of fun to play in the mud and float around in this historic place….here’s wishing we had a Dead Sea in San Diego. :)
*Best Nightlife: At the Western Wall….the crowd was vastly different than during the day, and it made for some interesting people watching. The temperature was so much more comfortable at night too!
*Most Delicious Beverage: Lemon and mint concoction at a pizza place in the Muslim District in Jerusalem….mmmm…my mouth is watering just thinking about it!
*Most Worthwhile Museum Visit: Vad Yashem (Holocaust Museum)…no comments are necessary on this one.
*Best “Adventure” : Western Wall Tunnel Tour…this was incredibly interesting, with a thorough explanation on the history and significance of the Temple Mount and Wall itself.
*Favorite Falafel: At a little café in the Jerusalem Jewish Quarter…with Cynthia and Alexis.
*Best View: View of Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives.
*Favorite Church: Church of All Nations, not only is the church beautiful, it sitting on an amazing historic site, next to the Garden of Gethsemane, and there is a fantastic view of the Temple Mount and the Eastern Gate from the front steps.
*Best Ruins: Bet She'an - they were the most extensive and best preserved of any of the ruins we visited.