Day 10: Negev Field Study

Wow...I can't believe we are already half way done with our trip! Then again, it is crazy to think of all the amazing things we have seen and all the more that is yet to come.

Today was our second day of our three day trip. I got a great nights sleep in the hostel which was wonderful. Our first stop was Beer Sheba International park. What was fun about this site was that we had hard hats to wear - these were specifically for a tunnel that we went through. The streets of Beer Sheba were well organized, indicating that there was a strong, centralized government here. We talked about Samuel and Abraham, who where the two main Biblical figures associated with this site. We were also able to see what the common four room houses would look like. It was amazing to actually be in the Negev (desert region in Southern Israel) and visualize all that happened here in the Bible. Down at the entrance of this site was a replica of an altar that was also here, indicating a temple location. There was also a tamarisk tree, that had a "holy" reference in the Bible. We were encouraged to taste the tree..and I did...it was very salty!

After Beer Sheba, we went even farther out into the Negev and stopped at Arad. This location was even more isolated. At first, we stood at a Hellenistic tower which was fortified during the time of Solomon. There was also a temple at this site used by the Israelites, indicating how the Israelites screwed up by worshiping other gods. From the top of this tel (notice that all these places are tels), we began to descend to what is currently the best preserved site of a Canaanite city (I'm pointing at it in my picture!). I couldn't imagine opening my door and seeing the amazing desert view around me. Verity, Mallory, Caroline, and I opened up some Scripture and read references that Vernon (one of our tour guides) had given us about the Biblical Negev. It was amazing to reflect on God's word.

Pita and hummice for lunch : )

Next stop was the Wilderness of Zin! Here is where Moses and the Israelites wandered before they reached the Promise Land. It was incredible to be there! We actually took a beautiful hike throughout the hills and mountains and valleys. We walked along a stream and a waterfall. The hard part came when we had to climb up these steep stairs that were basically vertical. Thankfully I'm not afraid of heights! Once we made it to the top of a mountain, the view was incredible. It was fun to say that we "wandered" through the wilderness.

Avdat came next. This didn't have as much Biblical reference, but was a Byzantine fortress. This site was a lot of fun because Aubrey basically told us to "go play." We were free to explore the site in whichever ways we wanted to. We walked through tunnels, caves, etc. Lots of fun! Oh, and I saw a snake! Gross.

Our last stop of the day was the Makhtesh Ramon crater. This is the largest crater in the world! It was so deep and vast and lasted for miles. We were at this site for the sun set, which was beautiful as always. Once again, I was in awe of God's beautiful creation.

Tonight, we stayed in a hostel! A super nice hostel! It had a flat screen TV, and I took a nice hot shower with excellent water pressure. Perfect. We stayed in Arad for the night. Once again, the hotel provided us with an abundance of food. They know Americans eat a lot I guess..

Once again, another great day in the Holy Land!