Mount Carmel

As stated in my last post, Mount Carmel was one of my favorite and most spiritually moving stops in Israel.

Looking down over Kishon Valley (1Kings 18:40)

There is a park area on top of the mountain that marks where the prophet Elijah faced the false prophets of Baal (1Kings 18:16-45).

Near the main entrance stands a monument depicting Elijah slaying one of the false prophets.

Me standing next to the monument

Church and gift shop area

The building at the front of the park has an observation area on the roof, overlooking the Kishon Valley. While there, Ron read to us the account of Elijah challenging the prophets of Baal.

The stairs leading up to the roof

The observation area on the roof

Ron reading about Elijah

This was a place where the scriptures came to life for me.

Another view of the valley

It was a hazy day

The stone is a marker for something, can't remember what. LOL

Coming up next ... The Grottos and more of the Mediterranean Sea.

The church on the mountain

Garden in front of the church

While there were many memorable places we visited in Israel, one of my favorite stops was at a church on Mt Carmel, Kehilat HaCarmel.

The front steps of the church

I love studying about the Old Testament prophet Elijah and his time on Mt Carmel. Visiting a church built where he walked was a moving moment for me.

Worship team

Every part of the church is built with a purpose. There are twelve stones around the platform that were retrieved from different regions of the country, representing the twelve tribes of Israel.

The church's ten supporting pillars symbolize the commandments. There are four windows in the ceiling, each facing the North, South, East or West. They represent the four gospels going out to the four corners of the earth.

Skylight

The skylight built over the alter serves as a reminder of the fire Elijah called down from heaven. (1 Kings 18:38)

Prayer room under the church

There is a room under the church that is dedicated to prayer. Part of the mountain that the church is built upon is exposed inside this room. It is a reminder that Jesus is our rock and prayer the foundation of our life.

This sweet lady showed us around and gave us a quick history

I wish I had taken more pictures and could remember more of the significant things that went into building this church. If you would like to see more you can check out their website by clicking here, Kehilat HaCarmel

Church sign

Coming up next time ... On top of Mt Carmel

Sharon Beach National Park

I had planned on writing about "the village by the sea" however the pictures I wanted to use are "stuck" on my kindle and I seem to be technically challenged. Don't you hate it when technology kicks your butt?

The cloud has stolen my pictures and no matter how hard I look I can't find them!

Since my pictures from Capharnaum seem to be temporarily lost in some mysterious cloud, I'm going to continue my journey in Israel from another location.

One beautiful afternoon we went walking through Sharon Beach which is right by the Mediterranean Sea.

This was my first view of the Mediterranean and I thought it was breathtaking. There are cliffs along the area we were at so we had an aerial view of the water and beaches.

The rainy season hadn't started yet so there wasn't a lot of greenery. The flowers were few and far between.

Not sure what kind of flower this is

While walking along the path I noticed some bushes that had white clusters that resembled cotton.

From a distance it's hard to see what it is

Upon closer inspection I found that the white flowers I was looking at were not any kind of flower at all. Instead of finding some sort of flower, the white "blooms" turned out to be snails. I only saw snails clustered like this by the Mediterranean.

Live snails on the bushes

My first trip to there we just walked along the cliffs so I wasn't able to get my feet wet, that would have to come at another time.

While we were walking the trail a paraglider went right by us.

Walking the trail

Watching the waves.

Coming up next: The church on the mountain ... one of my favorite stops in Israel

Sea of Galilee

As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. (Mt 4:18)

Boat on the Sea of Galilee

One of the places I was able to visit while in Israel was the Sea of Galilee. There is a company there that makes wooden boats that are replicas of 1st century boats.

Our ride for the day.

As we were going across Galilee the workers asked what countries were represented in our group. There was enough room on the mast to fly 3 flags. They chose 3 flags and as they hung them they played the national anthem for that country.

Only 3 of the countries represented in our group

After playing the national anthems the crew put worship music on. I loved sailing across the Sea of Galilee while worshiping the Lord, it was a wonderful spiritual experience.

Church service on the Sea of Galilee

The shoreline did not have sandy beaches like I expected, instead it was very rocky.

Rocks from the shoreline

I am very thankful that I was able to go on this journey and I would encourage anyone that is able, to go.

Happy times ... great memories

COMING UP NEXT ... The village next to the sea

Israel, getting there

In 2015 I felt God was telling me that I would be going to Israel that year. I had no idea how that was going to happen, especially since I was the full time care giver for my uncle and didn't know when I would be able to go. But as the year progressed my uncle kept improving and slowly began gaining his independence.
I have friends that live in Israel and have a congregation there. I contacted them to see if they knew of anyone that could show me their beautiful country. As I had done my research I found that most companies lead large groups and I wanted to experience Israel and her people. I did not want to be herded around like cattle and see the country from a tour bus.
My friends had had so many requests for them to lead tours that they had decided to give it a try and asked me if I would be interested in going with them, I eagerly said YES!

Ron and Elana Cantor

With anticipation in my heart I began preparing for what would be the trip of a lifetime.

I flew directly from the US to Israel. It was a long tiring flight but I was very happy that I didn't have lots of stops and connections. No running through airports praying that I would get there before I pass out!

Ben Gurion Airport

I arrived a day before most in our group so I was able to have a day to rest before the tour began. I stayed at a hotel in Tel Aviv.

My room in Tel Aviv

The door to the elevator

The elevator was tiny!

New Year New Beginnings

Okay, so technically I have missed welcoming in the new year since it is now February 2016,  but with that being said my new year has begun and I'm looking forward to what's ahead.

Let the journey begin

This coming March it will be two years ago that I started taking care of my uncle after he fell and broke his back. That began a journey that I had no idea would last so long. During that time I have learned a lot about myself and God's timing.
I am happy to report that my uncle is doing much better and is able to walk on his own, something the doctors weren't sure he'd be able to do.

In October 2015 I started my journey (again) toward doing what I love, missions and traveling.

"Let's go!!!"

I was able to go to Israel, a trip that I will be writing about very soon. Then I opened up the lines of communication with my friends in Haiti to let them know that I am now able to come work with them if they have any openings. And now I am in Florida visiting friends and seeking God for clear direction.

"Here I am Lord, Send me!" :)

I can't wait to start the journey that God is taking me on this year and I'm looking forward to sharing it with you.