We’re coming up on 3 months from when we made the trip, and I’m still working on this travelogue. We left the Dead Sea and traveled to the beautiful Wadi David, also known as En Gedi. This is one of the areas where David hid while fleeing from Saul. It’s a beautiful oasis with lots of caves, an ideal place of refuge. The waterfalls and freshwater pools are quite lovely.

After seeing the large number of caves, it’s easier to see how God’s hand was involved when Saul chose to relieve himself in the very cave where David was hiding.

There were many hydrax, and we saw a few ibex up on the cliffs. We also got to examine some acacia trees; they were important in biblical times both for their wood and for the “wild honey” produced by their sap.

We then went to Qumran, in the area where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found. We learned about the community there at Qumran and saw some of the ruins.

We traveled to Jerusalem with the intention of visiting the Citadel of David. However, the museum had closed early due to the Sabbath. Instead, we traveled to Bethlehem, visiting the Church of the Nativity.This is one of the sites identified as Jesus’ birthplace; they have marked the traditional location as well as a nearby manger.

As we were entering the church, a Greek Orthodox funeral procession was leaving. They walk through the streets carrying the body before proceeding to the cemetery.

We also visited a souvenir shop run by Palestinian Christians. That’s the main way that Christians support themselves in Bethlehem. When Israel closes access to the city, it’s devastating for the Christian population.