DAY 1: CAESAREA MARITIMA

There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of what was called the Italian Regiment, a devout man and one who feared God with all his household… Acts 10:1-2

 After a very long day of travel we landed in Tel Aviv about 11am Sunday morning. Some of us got in the slow line at immigration so it was another 2 hours before we were loaded in the tour bus heading north on coastal Route 2 for Caesarea.

Our tired jet lagging bodies were somewhat revived after our first Israeli lunch of falafel so that we had the strength to enjoy the ancient ruins at Caesarea. I’ll let the photos tell the story.

Tour guide “Uncle” Kenny shows us a model of ancient Caesarea

The 2000 year old Roman theater

Steve teaching from Acts 10

Crusader fortress ruins on the right

Ancient columns

The aqueduct ran 14 miles from Mt Carmel

Lots of photo opps

The Mediterranean Sea

CALLS & TEXTS WHILE OVERSEAS

 Can you send out lightnings, that they may go, and say to you, ‘Here we are!’? – Job 38:35 

How do we communicate with our loved ones back home? There is Skype and Facebook Messenger, etc. But the easiest way if to activate your smartphone’s WiFi calling feature. According to articles I read, this feature allows one to send and receive voice calls and SMS over WiFi networks. I think this is available on newer Android and iPhones. On my Galaxy S7 I can turn on WiFi calling under “settings ” > “advanced calling”.

Works fine here. We’ll see soon if it works from Israel. 

READY TO GO?

And the LORD, He is the One who goes before you. He will be with you, he will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed. Deuteronomy 31:8

Day after tomorrow! Bags mostly packed! Leaving early Saturday morning. Check back Sunday (hopefully) for the first posts from Israel.

Please keep the trip in your prayers!

Pictured is the cover of our Israel Tour/Study Book. Art by Christine Kidd.

A TRIP TO WASHINGTON

He [God] makes peace in your borders… Psalm 147:14

Washington DC was busy today preparing for Friday’s inauguration ceremony . Despite that, I was able to complete my interview at the Customs and Border Protection office and now have my Global Entry Program and TSA Precheck membership. I spoke with a young man named Andrew who was definitely one of the most courteous federal employees I’ve ever met.

Looking forward to a speedy security check and expedited reentry on the upcoming trip.

The process is a bit tedious but worth it. Check it out at www.GlobalEntry.gov

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GETTING READY TO TRAVEL 2

Peace Frogs in Charlottesville did a great packing class for us. We were told that Air Canada’s carry on size restrictions are strict and bags larger than 9 x 15.5 x 21.5 inches would have to be checked. Most roller board luggage, including mine, is a bit larger than this.

I shopped online, but really needed to handle the bag before deciding. Walmart had the above bag by iFLY which measured 9+ x 13 x 21.5 inches. It will pass for 9 in I don’t pack out the front  pockets. It is very light at only 5 pounds (my old bag is over 8), has spinner wheels, and sells for $49.99.

The only con so far: it’s available in only one color!

GETTING READY TO TRAVEL 1

My old Swissgear day pack has seen better days so I decided to replace it for my upcoming trip to Israel. I thought an anti theft design would be safer, eventhough costly. The Pacsafe Metrosafe 15L backpack was the right size to meet Air Canada’s personal item carry on restrictions (6x13x17 inches). It sells for about $100 on Amazon. I found the same pack for $63 on eBay. Although compact, it easily holds my 11 inch laptop. I think it will be perfect for the trip.