The Fire and The Passion

[JohnDB]

Well I can tell you how excited I am. I am being surrounded by devout Jews now as I wait in the airport for my flight.

One rabbi, one telmadeem, and several guys in wide brimmed hats.

I'm so excited my seat won't hold me.
Just breathing the air, drinking the water and eating some matza would be enough to send me into a tizzy for days.... maybe weeks. But I'm going to be doing a lot more. I'm going to pee my pants in a minute.

 

[for_his_glory]

Well I can tell you how excited I am. I am being surrounded by devout Jews now as I wait in the airport for my flight.

One rabbi, one telmadeem, and several guys in wide brimmed hats.

I'm so excited my seat won't hold me.
Just breathing the air, drinking the water and eating some matza would be enough to send me into a tizzy for days.... maybe weeks. But I'm going to be doing a lot more. I'm going to pee my pants in a minute.

What a great chance in a lifetime you get to experience, but don't pee your pants, get some Depends instead

 

[JohnDB]

View attachment 9400 View attachment 9400 View attachment 9401

Gonna pee.... running to the bathroom

 

[GodsGrace]

I know John.
You can't believe you're there.
It's surreal...

 

[jasonc]

Isreal has such a unique environment.

 

[JohnDB]

The wind is blowing and the temp has dropped. Very comfortable.

Anyone want a night pic?

 

[JohnDB]

View attachment 9402
Dome of the Rock at night.

 

[JohnDB]

OK...went through the Jaffa Gate and now about to have a late breakfast on the grounds of the old city.
(French Toast in case you were curious)

Why won't my eyes stop watering?

 

[GodsGrace]

Because you could feel Jesus nearby.

 

[Kidron]

Actually we get two nights on the Sea of Galilee in a resort. Two nights in Jerusalem and two nights in Haifa.

Then I'm going home to couch sit for a week.

-
I love Haifa.
Be blessed on your journey.

 

[JohnDB]

Because you could feel Jesus nearby.

Actually it is just this place. Because the Tomb is empty and I have a new heart.

I hate the Via Delarosa...it's a marketplace for everything under the sun. From herbs and spices to brassieres.

We don't think of the humiliation of being paraded around town as a criminal. Or that an abortion potion guy was made to carry his cross for Jesus (nobody liked that guy either)

Or the travails of the blind man who washed his face in the pool of Siloam (hefty uphill and downhill trek)
Just to get harrassed by the Sanhedrin.

They are working on the church of the Holy Sepulcher...lots of scaffolding and straps to hold the top pieces in place. I didn't need to look in there to see an empty grave...He is always with me.

The rudeness and shinnanigans of every dealer in the marketplace. Makes me want to look down on them for their money grubbing ways....but Jesus could look at me in the same way. VERY EASILY.

Got to see the Shrine of the Book today too. Also a scrap of the Allepo codex.

Which brings up the thought.

This place has been fought over and conquered so many times by everyone.
The relics that display the past have been looted, sold, resold, fakes sold, and scheming scammers infest every corner except the money changers. They are the most honest of the bunch. (I guess the beating did them some good)
The Jews seem to be prejudice against everyone. We Americans are "second class citizens" because of our heritage. People speak kindly to only those they are doing business with or want to do business with.

Where is the peace?
Where is the Harmony of getting along with your neighbors and visitors?

I can understand why people want to come to America and stay. It's nasty in the rest of the world. The USA is a resort community by comparison. I long for my home in Heaven moreso than I ever have before.

I'm looking forward to Tiberias tomorrow. Out of the city and away from people. I want to take a trip to Banias. (Caesarea Philipi)
Eat one of Peter's fish. Call it a day.

 

[GodsGrace]

Actually it is just this place. Because the Tomb is empty and I have a new heart.

I hate the Via Delarosa...it's a marketplace for everything under the sun. From herbs and spices to brassieres.

We don't think of the humiliation of being paraded around town as a criminal. Or that an abortion potion guy was made to carry his cross for Jesus (nobody liked that guy either)

Or the travails of the blind man who washed his face in the pool of Siloam (hefty uphill and downhill trek)
Just to get harrassed by the Sanhedrin.

They are working on the church of the Holy Sepulcher...lots of scaffolding and straps to hold the top pieces in place. I didn't need to look in there to see an empty grave...He is always with me.

The rudeness and shinnanigans of every dealer in the marketplace. Makes me want to look down on them for their money grubbing ways....but Jesus could look at me in the same way. VERY EASILY.

Got to see the Shrine of the Book today too. Also a scrap of the Allepo codex.

Which brings up the thought.

This place has been fought over and conquered so many times by everyone.
The relics that display the past have been looted, sold, resold, fakes sold, and scheming scammers infest every corner except the money changers. They are the most honest of the bunch. (I guess the beating did them some good)
The Jews seem to be prejudice against everyone. We Americans are "second class citizens" because of our heritage. People speak kindly to only those they are doing business with or want to do business with.

Where is the peace?
Where is the Harmony of getting along with your neighbors and visitors?

I can understand why people want to come to America and stay. It's nasty in the rest of the world. The USA is a resort community by comparison. I long for my home in Heaven moreso than I ever have before.

I'm looking forward to Tiberias tomorrow. Out of the city and away from people. I want to take a trip to Banias. (Caesarea Philipi)
Eat one of Peter's fish. Call it a day.

Well John,
Maybe now (or maybe you always did ) you know why I get so upset sometimes on those political threads which I really should avoid. Full of people talking who have never left the states and don't even know what they're talking about. As if news articles could explain anything...

The Israelis want the tourism for the money it brings in, but otherwise they wish everybody would disappear. Not because they don't like outsiders, but because the influx of tourists changes life a lot and it's resented a little bit. It's a small place and they must feel invaded.

The Via Dolorosa, as you must know, that Jesus walked is about a yard below what you walked on. Precisely because of all the wars that you mentioned.

I like to be nice and polite to everyone and keep out of their way as much as possible.
This is their home. Outsiders treat it like a museum.
Enjoy everything. You're so lucky that you got to go.

Keep a hanky nearby!

Wondering

 

[JohnDB]

Yeah...
The guy who has rented us a room told me his family's story...
It isn't a good one. It surrounds Poland, Germany, and Russia during the second world war. And a load of 800-900 orphaned children marched around to India before getting on a boat that came to Israel.

Thinking of seeing the Holocaust museum here... dunno if we will have time.
I'm going to need an emotional break after this trip. Not a physical one... just emotional one.

 

[JohnDB]

OK...time for a summation of the trip and everything. set back and get comfortable...

My wife was tapped to be involved with the Slovakia mission because of her background as a professional, licenced teacher. Complete with a masters degree in education and certified with English. She went last year to do some personal evaluation and assessment and discuss things with the Slovaks about their desires for the "English Camp". Annoyances from our Church itself made sure that she was going to be flying alone and without any company for her flight. (I couldn't go with her)

For those that don't know Slovakia was part of Czechoslovakia even after the Iron Curtain fell. (it was a state of the USSR) but then they decided to separate from the now named Czech Republic and are a country in their own right but part of the EU. They touch the Hungarian border and are just east of Austria. Romanians are their "plague" of society. Mostly due to their "gypsy" ways and other behaviors they tend to not be reliable in many fashions...but do try their best to convince you that they are. Russians have been moving into the area because of the good water and to escape Russia once again. (Putin isn't exactly religion friendly because of his fight with the Muslims and the history Christians have with Russia)

The flight over to Slovakia was long and arduous....almost downright painful. But we survived and actually arrived ahead of the rest of the team. We had to take a different flight from them due to our extended layover in Israel before returning to the states.
the food on the flight and in Newark airport really was bad...almost inedible. But we made do with what we had and since we were trapped we decided to make the best of things.

When we all got loaded with our extra luggage (and those fees weren't cheap) into a van that Slavo (the pastor of the church that owns the school) had rented and headed to Banka Bistritsa I asked if we could stop somewhere and get a bite to eat. I and my wife were famished (only having a lousy croissant in Berlin on a layover) and exhausted. (Its a whole day of flying to get there)
I suggested anything anywhere because I was interested in some schnitzel and some strudel. The Austrians were/are world renown for their baking abilities with breads and cakes and desserts. Everyone else chimed in that they could use a bite as well but that mostly they were tired from the transatlantic flight. So they agreed. (Greg had to...he was the American from our church that leads this mission...and had the budget to concern himself with...all meals were supposed to be included with the money we paid) So we stopped in Heinburg for a bite as soon as they found a place to park the van.
As we were walking to the restaurant we were intending to eat at I noticed a cigarette vending machine on the sidewalk installed like a parking meter...I thought it a bit odd but kept walking.
Seen Pizza parlours and a greek restaurant but we kept walking towards the square. finally we got to the restaurant and asked for menus...sure enough they were in Austrian...no english menus. *sigh*.
Turns out that this restaurant was greek food as well. LOL...no strudel for me.
But we ordered gyros (Hie-rows) and got ready to eat. It was definitely different than anything I had in the states. The flavors were wonderful and the cucumber yogurt sauce was incredible. Thick as any mayonnaise but seasoned wonderfully. The Pita bread was as fresh as it comes...(they made it) The beer I ordered to go with the food (cheaper to drink than sodas) was wonderful as well. So smooth and drinkable...definitely different than beer from the states as it didn't have near the amount of hops that american beers do. You could actually taste the grains that made this beer.

so we loaded up and went on to the town after dinner...and we ALL fell asleep in the van. I stayed more awake as I have a bit of stamina...I was losing it sometimes because I was jazzed to see the countryside. Even the old Border Guard shacks for crossing over into a communist country. Rows and rows of farms with the wheat partially harvested. Corn on its way...it was spectacular to see the difference between the farms here and those there.

The second we arrived we had to unload off the luggage at the school and then our luggage at the Penzione (bed and breakfast) and then attend a dinner party for both the Slovaks and American teams...(this is Saturday evening and we left Friday morning) and both places were within walking distances from each other.
We then finally exhausted got to go to bed...uncomfortable twin beds that broke on a regular basis...no air conditioning either and it was middle of summer there. But the temp was dropping at night so we made it.

Sunday morning we got up bright and early for breakfast and then got ready for church. After church they had a wonderful lunch made for us that they ladies had made...we ate and stuffed ourselves. They had these caramel cream puffs for dessert that were insanely scrumptious. I haven't had the like in soooo long. since the days of culinary school and the top restaurants in America. But the vegetables were also insanely fresh. ( I was told that they most likely had been pulled from gardens the day before)...and the breads...I don't even want to say.

So then by now it is late afternoon...off back to the school to set up our classrooms. Greg says we are on our own for dinner. (WHAT???)
We hang out at a table outside of the Penzione and wait for the others to come back to the hotel...eating and drinking another fabulous beer. (I could so easily become an alcoholic over this stuff) the team all decides that they will join us at our huge table at our invitation to join so that they can have their fears put at ease before the big day tomorrow.

The children come in the next day after breakfast and a quick team meeting...we had no idea that we were supposed to play this game with the children. (communication people!!!) but we get our kids ushered into desks and classrooms as appropriate.
We begin our lessons and notice right away that the level that they said these kids were...was absolutely wrong and where they may fit someone's idea of Low/average...they ain't. Our 3 inch notebooks that had resources to use for teaching that my wife had put together for us were going to get used yet again...we had to pull out new stuff for the next day. But we had already decided that it is much easier to go from easy to difficult in lessons than to get children to go from difficult to easy. And we dipped into it several times to find stuff that would challenge these children. All the while we forced them to speak english as we don't understand a word of Slovak.

we had a system set up in class. Where positive behavior and trying hard would gain you a ticket. these tickets were then put into a fishbowl and drawn at random. If the number on the ticket matched yours then you could go over to the prize shelf and pick one out. We also had "Volunteer or Victim" set up in class too. If you volunteered to be first you got two tickets and your answers could be light and easy...if you weren't the volunteer you got no tickets and you were extensively questioned. It got easier to get volunteers towards the end of the week for some reason.

Little Simone (as was read about on the previous page of this thread) was the only boy in our class...and a stubborn little guy. He really didn't want to even be there in this class or participate or do much of anything except play with the other boys. But towards the end of the week...he excelled farther and with more intelligence than any of our girls...including the one he was sweet upon (and she was really smart too)

we went and helped a senior citizen activity center plant an herb garden and make some chairs out of tires and made a chess board and pieces out of beer cans and ....well you get the idea. The "boys" including Simone at first wanted to do none of it. They weren't going to help out a bunch of stinky and hairy old people. they wanted nothing to do with any of it. But then digging in the dirt was something that their parents never let any of them do at home...so then they decided that they were going to plant the herb garden. (sometimes ya just gotta shake your head and wonder) The senior citizens center asked if Narnia school and them could have a sort of partnership...they could help the kids with homework and things (like knitting and sewing and...) if they could help them with computer skills and video games. (the full result of the inquiry isn't exactly in yet) But the whole project made the news in Slovakia. The Television and radio and newspaper played it up full centerpiece stories. (So that means in Slovakia I am a Hero...if only my fifth grade teacher could see me now...HA...and he said I would never amount to anything and be a drain on society)

The kids had one day where they would do nothing but goof off. A scavenger hunt was set up...and the kids were all sent off in different directions to find their various items. My kids came in second...but really better in so many ways than the others...I gave them a mean look and told them that they had better win...or else be my victims...little Nella went up to a total stranger and asked for a hug. with no hesitation or reservation...they barely got the video of it because she was so quick with getting it. (one of the items)

 

[JohnDB]

**continued**
To step away from the day to day for a minute and describe the area...
the breads (white with some rye flour mixed in) were incredible. fresh, hand-made bread was a daily thing. The beer was always large and usually cheaper than half the volume of coca cola. Ice in drinks became a distant memory as the week went on. Everything was within walking distance...from another restaurant to two different grocery stores. Few people can afford cars there but there are still plenty of them...but not as many as you would think in this densely populated area. Garbage is all set up for recycling. Each grocery store (even if a chain) is unique in some way...the one by the hotel specialized in local made sausages and meats where the one by the school specialized in local produce. All of them were open at 6am...so people could get their daily bread that never came in a plastic wrapper. Hot dogs got served to us for breakfast as sausages but were insanely local, fresh made...and absolutely deliciously different than any you can find in the states.
This area was known to have good tap water that you could actually drink. Most other areas in Slovakia can't say the same thing. The children in school can all ride the trains and busses for free. But I seen that many adults were often commuting to somewhere to work by bus and train on a daily basis. Every apartment (almost) had some kind of window flower box...most held flowers. some held vegetables or herbs. Every house with any kind of yard at all had fruit trees and vegetables planted filling up the entire spaces. People took fruit from their trees to the local distiller to have their fruit turned into some kind of brandy. They would use this to toast your arrival or departure from the area...or for any other reason they could think of.
they were also famous for a couple of dishes...one is translated as "slaughter" which is basically three or four meats. three were sausages...very tasty. the other dish famous in Slovakia is Halooshkee.(I am not spelling it right so you can pronounce it right) It is made from some kind of cheese that only they have, this cheese is made into a sauce and poured over dumplings about like Spaetzle...but then topped with diced slab bacon bits. good and filling. But remember, European cheeses are not made from pasteurized milk and I think this one is made from sheep's milk...maybe goat. Can't remember.
Catsup never comes with a meal and has to be paid for if desired...just incase you get some american fries.

it is kinda strange being surrounded by people that sound and look somewhat like Boris and Natasha from Rocky and Bullwinkle show...Natasha has a real life twin at that school...no joke. Her voice is similar as well. I got one of the guys to say, "I want to kill moose and squirrel" for me just once...kinda had to. too much to resist for me.

The people there also really prize t-shirts with american words on them...regardless of what they say. Most can't read them anyway. (which I find rather odd) But as it was we didn't really stand out. We looked like everyone else. also since the fall of Communism the one church that has made the biggest gains is the Catholic Church...But their idea of being catholic isn't the same as the American Catholic...or even normal European Catholic. They are what is referred to as a charismatic catholic...kinda evangelical...and where still a bit shy about praying to Jesus or God they really ain't much for a lot of the things associated with being catholic.

the last night there they held a big dinner for us all. We went to a special restaurant for local cuisine...they ordered and had made for me especially some apple strudel. (finally getting some...I was beginning to wonder if there was any in this country despite their claims)

We got to wrap up...with another meeting. It was a heated meeting...we argued and fussed and had it all out. BUT...we got the message through to them loud and clear. We are here for Evangelism and to teach English...we are not "rock star" attractions to be there for kids already heavily exposed to the gospel message. We need for them to purposefully aim their focuses on next year's camp in that direction. Testing students that wish to attend and make sure that the whole community knows about the camp instead of just the Narnia kids. Even if that means that Roma(gypsy) kids come to the camp. this is a partnership...not an "added benefit" for their kids. They got the message...we hope...otherwise that partnership will instantly dissolve) It was decided though very early on...and agreed that this first summer English camp was a complete success...and it really was.
we went to church that last sunday morning...cleaned up and went to the before mentioned dinner where I got apple strudel...(meeting in between)

Monday Morning at four am we all got up and headed for the airport...

 

[JohnDB]

Israel.
I hate to say it...But I don't like the Jews as a nation. Now I am not advocating that their nation be attacked or dismantled or anything else like that. I just don't like the people in that place. I have never seen a group of more shallow, money grubbing, self-righteous bunch of hypocrites in my whole life. They were rude, obnoxious, and trying to cheat everyone at every turn. The money changers were the only ones that were halfway honest...obviously the beating Jesus gave them did them some good. But every taxi driver tried to overcharge...ridiculously so. Even trying to get twice the fare out of us instead of a couple of extra dollars. Those that ran their meters drove in circles to get the fare to be higher...
The Arminians were a bunch of cheats as well...using everything but a gun to try to get you into their shops and purchase something...for heaven's sake don't even look at a map when in the old city...its only an invitation to them to harass you into buying something...and act horribly offended if you don't. They purposefully cover the street names so you can't find your way around as well. A person can get so easily lost in there it is ridiculous...
We only met a handful of halfway honest people the whole time we were there...and they were tourists too.
the Hassidic jews don't have to serve in the military like everyone else and get to receive a small salary from the State while in school...So they have a whole new bunch of Hassidic Jews in Israel.
the Muslims are busy throwing garbage everywhere...the Old City in the Muslim quarter is strewn with it from one end to the other. The water in the Pool of Siloam is unfit to drink because of the trash that litters the place. (I washed my face in it anyway despite the warnings)

Haifa was a pretty city. A bit more secular than Jerusalem...(most Jews say, "I'll keep kosher at home" and do as they please when travelling or out in public.)
the Stella Maris (a monastery on the top half of Elijah's cave) is a great place to purchase some souvenirs...they take dollars with no extra fees or charges...or charge exorbitant prices for trinkets. the blackberry bushes were going dry and the berries were drying out on them...rotting off and going to waste. Seemed kinda odd to me at the time considering....
But what I found unique was that the rock at the top of the cave was really different. sure someone had used a candle and had smoked the rock entrance black in a few places...but the limestone that is so common in that area had been transformed like I have seen several times before when a power line falls....(getting the idea?)

the water in Israel used to water outdoor plants is done by drip lines. the whole green areas are covered in these drip lines. Many in private homes are set up on a timer. If there is no water it shows really easily...everything is dead. either someone pays the water bill or everything is dead...there is no inbetween whatsoever. Nuclear power is the chief source of power in Israel...I got a pic of the power plant in Haifa.

The best part of the trip was the city known as Tiberias...At the Ron Beach hotel. I could sit there and watch sunrise over the Sea of Gallilee the rest of my life and be perfectly content. I could see Gadarenes, Capernaum, Bethsaida, and the other so famous cities all while sitting on the deck of my hotel room. (*sigh*)
The beauty of the place where Jesus was baptized was also stunning...liked that place too.

the shocker was how immodest everyone was. People kept changing clothes in front of me and my wife. Out on the street in full view of traffic was not uncommon either. Men, Women, Boys...didn't matter.
the women in both Slovakia and Israel wore skirts so short that their butts came out the bottom...and they could be riding bicycles doing it too. they really didn't seem to mind. One lady had half a nipple sticking out of her low cut blouse (no bra) and I did a double take to make sure I was seeing what I was seeing.
Mind you now I am kinda old...so when I see a beautiful woman holding a cute baby...five minutes later I couldn't even begin to tell you what color the beautiful woman's hair was but I can describe in detail every dimple and feature on that baby...just the way I am wired these days.
Other women seem to love partial blouses...blouses where you can be sure to see every line, seam, and bit of their brassiers...dunno why...its just some kind of style they seem to be having going on...no wonder the moslem women see fit to cover themselves from head to toe...just to be an extreme opposite of the rest of society.

the only thing I really want to do when and if I ever get to go back is see the holocaust museum...and visit the dead sea and En Gehdi...also Banias nature preserve for the Pan Temple...but my curiosity has been slated enough. I don't know that I want to go because of the people there. It was that bad...really.

But one thing did come to mind...
Desert life is difficult. It really is. One has to use every bit of cunning and energy they have to survive. Judean wilderness is rougher than the rest of desert Israel.
and that talent of finding life or making life in a desert is exactly the sort that Jesus wants to make disciples...because the soil of people's hearts is a difficult place to make alive and growing. It is one of the most difficult things to do. And absolutely needed if you are going to be one of His disciples.