February 13, 2008

Bless God for His Favor to Us!

Good morning from the Sea of Galilee! Sorry we weren't able to post last night, the internet was down here. We're up and going this morning, though! Yesterday was nothing short of miraculous. It rained everywhere where we were not! Then, it cleared up and, in the words of our Israeli tour guide, it was "the most beautiful day in Israel ever for GTI Tours." Yeah, we were blessed yesterday. We got to sit atop Mt. Arbel and pray on one of the mountains where Jesus prayed, visited the Mount of Beatitudes where Jesus delivered the Sermon on the Mount, made it to Tabgha where Jesus called Peter to follow him (the very spot!), went to Bethsaida where Peter James John and Andrew were from and even got to squeak in a visit to Capernaeum - Jesus' home town. We even got to have some "St. Peter fish" (talapia from the Sea of Galilee) for lunch!! It was a FULL day and it was all breathtaking. I wish you all could be here with us and I pray that each of you have this opportunity at some point in your lifetime. It is very special here.





Marty teaching us as we sit on the Mount of Beatitudes - the Sea of Galilee just behind us.












We are all still happy and healthy. A few sore muscles now and maybe a headache here and there, but nothing too bad.

A few of the students wanted to say hello, so here are some comments from them! Shalom! Matt



Caitlin is having a blast. The knee is just fine… that’s for you, mom. Wish you were here for Valentine’s day… that’s for you, Matt.

Rachael is having an AWESOME time! Thanks so much for the prayers mom and her class, God is so faithful! It has been incredible. In fact, it’s flying by way too fast, there’s so much to take in. I love you mom and papa! Hope ya’ll have a wonderful valentines day…tell the boys I love them too! =-)

Adam says “Hey everybody! It would be so cool if y’all could be here to experience the sights, sounds, and tastes here, on top of learning so much new context to apply to text. Don’t worry, I am staying very safe and taking pictures (though probably not enough)! I love you all! Bye!”

Chase is tugging on his ear here wanting to wish Hannah a happy Valentine’s day.

Cecily: "I am having such an amazing time here! Israel is so much more than I expected. It is truly touched by the hand of God. We have gone from desert to lush greenery- all in one day and it is all gorgeous! Anyways- Momma, Daddy, Dustin- I love you guys! I hope y’all have a wonderful Valentines Day- I know I will here- spending the day with my God! Mom- I decided not to buy a calling card to call you because it is too expensive for what little minutes you get- But keep checking here and you will get updates! I love you all! Peace Out!"

Jane: "I sat on or near the mountainside where Jesus spoke Matthew 6:33-34! Glory to God for the phenomenal weather and sunshine. My knees and heart and voice are all strong, thank you for praying! I’m loving every moment of it."

Jenny loves and misses her friends and family!

7 comments:

  1. You guys are looking a lot like disciples! We are enjoying the pictures and descriptions so much. This trip looks amazing. We continue to pray for you as you continue your journey. Happy Valentine's Day! We send our love to you. Thank you Jenny for your message. We miss you too. XXOO mom and dad Brown

    p.s. Andrew loves his Jenny Poo!

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  2. We are all enjoying keeping up with your trip. I even learned how to enlarge your pics on the overhead! We continue to pray for you and it is so exciting to see prayers so evidently answered. Of course I tear up every time I read your update letters and especially my Rachael's note. My students will think I've lost it by the end of the day!
    Happy Valentines Day.
    Beth Hitt

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  3. Happy Valentine's Day! I can't wait to hear your stories, see pictures, and catch a glimpse of what God is teaching you there. We are praying for you.

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  4. It is amazing to be able to live vicariously through y'all these past couple of days. I'm praying for each of y'all and am so excited that you get to have this experience. The pictures are breathtaking! Happy Valentine's Day!
    ~Audra

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  5. praise the Lord for what He is doing! chase, happy valentine's day! thank you for your thoughtfulness...im thinking of, praying for and missing you. matt, the updates and pictures are such a blessing. have a beautiful time guys!
    -hannah

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  6. What a joy for us to have a vicarious visit! Prayers abound for you all. I expect a rousing chorus of "I walked today where Jesus walked, and felt His presence there" when you return! Have a wonderful last few days. Much love and hugs to all (extras to my baby boy Tangy Zip).
    ~sharon b.

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  7. i love it!!! God is AWESOME! we love you all and will continue to pray for you each day...
    allie and caleb send hugs and kisses to rachael!

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