Ok, time to learn some Hebrew! “Good morning” in Hebrew is boker tov! As we greet one another each morning, we say, “Boker tov!” Even our Arab bus driver understands it. We haven’t quite mastered the Arabic version (though we are working on it).

This morning featured another glorious sunrise over the Sea of Galilee, and an opportunity to say, “Boker tov, Adonai!” Good morning, Lord! Giving praise to Him seems so easy here when we are separated from our normal daily routines and distractions. But, given the beauty, how can we not glorify the One who created it! Here is this morning’s sunrise, along with the boat that will take us on our first adventure of the day: time on the Sea of Galilee. Wish you were here!

Breakfast was followed by a quick walk to the boat dock at our hotel where we boarded the boat for a very special time together.

What a moving experience we had on the Sea of Galilee! Worship music was playing as we boarded, and we were greeted by a joyful crew. After raising the American flag and singing the anthems of both the US and Israel, we reached a point in the midst of the sea in which we stopped to contemplate Mark 4:35-41.

On a very calm sea today, we were reminded of a storm that came up as Jesus was in a fishing boat with His disciples. We know it was a very severe storm, based on the narrative of both Mark 4 and Luke 8. We were reminded that storms come into our lives, but Jesus is in our boat. He will never leave us in the storm alone!

After a time of devotional, our crew demonstrated how nets were cast into the sea during Jesus’ day. Then, rejoicing erupted as we all joined in traditional Hebrew dances. You haven’t lived life until you dance the Hava Nagila! What a fun time!  Our group has become like family and we rejoiced as one today!

We then went from sea to river to baptize those who wished to do so in the Jordan River.  One of our beloved brothers did the honors and it became a very special occasion for us all. A special blessing was witnessing a son baptize his mother. Sweetness!

Our next stop was Not Ginosar, home of the Jesus Boat, a 1st century fishing vessel very likely similar to the boat Jesus was in during that huge storm. Lunch followed at a restaurant famous for serving St Peter’s fish. Again, a fabulous time of fellowship and fun.

Well, gang, our days are just too packed to get all daily details into a single post. Stay tuned because this afternoon we go to Capernaum, Mount of Beatitudes, and Magdala, all very important sites upholding our faith. We’ll catch up on those sites soon.  Stay tuned!