Haifa to Tel Dan to Galilee: A Long and Winding Road

On the second day of our road trip, we left Haifa early en route to Tel Dan, the northernmost point in Israel. Coleman was driving, and here are some comments on that: Laura-"safe but scary", Holly-"adventure", Jason-"effective, yet wreckless", Jennie-"my driving twin". The best part of Coleman's driving adventure today was nearly running through a police checkpoint into a brush fire.

We stopped on the way to Tel Dan for lunch. Wanting something unique to Israel, we found a roadside restaurant that served falafel, hummus, olives, onions, eggs, and "something spicy". Holly tried her first ever olive, Did she like it? Ehh.. not so much.. But the food was absolutely amazing, actually the best we've had yet. We bought for 5 people but should've only bought for 2. They took care of us!

Upon our arrival in Tel Dan, we went into the nature center and experienced the beauties of the wildlife and plantlife surrounding the start of the Jordan River. Jennie seriously almost jumped in at first glance! Also there is the ancient city of Dan, where King Jeroboam set an idol up for the people to worship in place of the one true God. Bad decision... We prayed over the area against the evil presence of all the idolatry from so many years. In addition, the region of Dan was part of the original area of the promised land allotted to Abraham. Dan was the northern boundary of the Holy Land then, and still is today. Abraham's Gate, (a gate so old that Abraham is said to have possibly walked through it), is still located right outside the ancient city. Although in ruins, this ancient gate can still be identified even after its 4,000th birthday.

Not only does Dan have religious significance, but it also has historical significance to Israelis. While Israel defended itself against the other Arab nations, Dan was set up as the first line of defense from the North. The area is full of bunkers where soldiers would run through and shoot from. Very cool. There is one area where the bunkers are clearly labeled, but apparently, thanks to Jason, there is an entire network of bunkers that only his eagle eye and some kind of bunker radar could find. He must of uncovered 20 of them, buried under tall grass, thick brush, and fallen trees.

At one point on the trail, we could stand in Israel and look out and see the nations of Lebanon, Syria, and Jordan, all at the same time. Being part Lebanese, this was very special for Holly, and we were able to take pictures, (practically a photoshoot), of her with Lebanon in the background, a place we are very confident she will one day visit.

Next we went to Caesarea Philippi, the place where Jesus renamed Peter and gave him the keys to the Kingdom from Matthew 16. Philippi was the temple location of Herodian gods and idols. People came from around the region to make offerings in the names of Zeus, Pan, and Caesar Augustus. It is so cool how Jesus would choose a place where so much idolatry took place to, in effect, demonstrate His victory over all sin. We prayed there, read Matthew 16, asked for new names, and symbolically jumped off a big rock. It was a good time of taking in Christ's glory through the Word and His Spirit.

After Caesarea Philippi, we drove south to the Sea of Galilee, near the city of Tiberias, where we stayed at the Sea of Galilee Guest House. We ate dinner down by the water and all spent some time alone with the Lord overlooking one of the most peaceful places on Earth. Laura's favorite spot was definitely the hammock at the guesthouse garden, overlooking the water on the horizon. It was a great place to simply spend time in the Lord's presence. We are going back later this week with the rest of the team to tour the area.

Tomorrow the rest of the team arrives, and we can't wait to see them! We will check back in a few days, and we love all of you very much!

-Jennie and Coleman, from the Sea of Galilee!