Hanging in Tel Aviv

Jill, Beth, Bethann, Jenny, Gina, Dale, Sally & Maryann

Today, we continue to hang in Tel Aviv as members of the group keep straggling in from the States.  Weary and bleary-eyed, they nevertheless add to the growing excitement that this adventure is about to get underway quite soon.  

Baha'i Gardens, looking down 

In the meantime, there have been walks on the beach, swimming in the Mediterranean, and side trips to museums, market places, and religious sites.  One group made their way up the coast to Haifa where they navigated the Baha'i Gardens.  These formal gardens cover the slope of Mt. Carmel and boast 19 steep, beautifully landscaped terraces. Fountains and flowers dazzle the senses.  

Baha'i Gradens looking up

Passover is being celebrated all over the country and our hotel was mobbed with families dressed up and eager to retell the story of Israelite liberation from slavery in Egypt.  

Pastor Debbie spent much of the day at the airport, ferrying people to the hotel.  She was struck by all the balloons that made their way to the ceiling rather than into the hands of the thousands of people arriving to celebrate Passover and Easter.  (Yes, this year, here in the holy land, both Passover and Easter are a week later than our celebrations in the West.)

Tomorrow, we officially begin the pilgrimage.  We can't wait to share our stories and insights!

way too many errant balloons at the airport