We left our home in Warsaw, Va early on Christmas Eve, 2007 to commence our travels westward, first headed to Yuma, AZ, then Quartzsite, AZ and ultimately to California and several points in between. Thus begins our travel diary...........
Thought I would let you know we are still traveling west….we are in Pecos, Texas right now where we have met up with some RVing friends. We will spend a few days exploring here…this area is in the western panhandle about 200 miles east of the New Mexico border. Midland, TX is about 80 miles away, which is the home of President Bush. We may return there tomorrow to visit the Confederate Air Force Museum, to see a collection of the old Air Force planes. We also want to see the Museum of Petroleum, as this is definitely oil well country; there must be many thousands of oil pumpers in the plains here. There is, however, not much else! The country we have traversed over I 20 has been very remote for the most part, after we passed the Dallas area. The area around here and thru El Paso and into New Mexico is well known as the territory of Bill the Kid, so we plan to learn a little something about him also. As we travel down the road, I will lookup the things of interest about the state or area and read it to Bob while he drives, so we have been reviewing our history lessons on the southern states for the last few days!
The sunsets over the plains are truly spectacular and seem to last for hours…it is so FLAT here you can see forever. The days are pretty warm but the nights are cool or downright cold.
We spent Christmas Eve and Day in Roanoke with Grannie and Wanda (Molly’s mother and sister), attending Christmas Eve services with Wanda at her church in Poages Mill. It was really special, as Wanda sang “O Holy Night” and it has been probably been well over….uhh….at least 44 years since I’ve spent Christmas Eve with Wanda. (maybe longer….she’s getting pretty old, you know! :)
On Wednesday we continued West on I 40 to Asheville then turned south on 23 traveling thru the mountains of Georgia. A pretty Alpine-ish area with good roads….we will try to return there to explore sometime. While in NC, we met Melody Eller, Ricky and Leslie Speas, and Gary and Vicki Bell for dinner in Winston-Salem. It was so good to see our Holy Land traveling friends again, and especially to see our dear sweet girl Melody! They all send their love and best wishes to the rest of our group from the Northern Neck.
We spent Thursday night in Talledega, AL and it was WARM! As we traveled thru Mississippi and LA it was in the 70’s, then it has remained mostly in the upper 60’s in Texas.
We really miss our Sunday School class today…..it seems odd not to be there.
So we are alive and well and enjoying everything we see and learn. I plan to get the blog going once we get to Yuma and settle down for awhile, but I will try to email you and let you know that we’re still moving along!
Oh and Happy Birthday to Mary K and Kathryn on Dec 31st!
Love to everyone!
The entries previous to today's date are from our trip to The Holy Land in October, 2008!
Sunday, December 30, 2007
Saturday, November 3, 2007
The last day......Amman to New York
We were up early, as usual and boarded the bus to the airport for the final time. We went thru security with no problems, however it was about a two hour process. The plane was full for this trip and the flight from Amman to New York was to be 12 and 1/2 hours long! We watched three movies, some played cards and generally moved around as much as possible and kept each other in good spirits during the very long flight.
We left Amman at 10:30 AM Jordan time arrived at JFK at 4:40 PM US time. It took about one hour to go thru immigration and customs, but most of that time was spent waiting for our bags to come off the baggage carousel. Re-entering the US was painless and prompt. It was great to be back in the USA!!
We parted ways with our new found friends, and said our good byes. Many friendships have been made during our travels. There is no doubt that we'll be seeing each other again in the future.
For those who do not know, three of our pastors have a "connection" to each other. Beginning with Pastor Don Bowen and his time at Downtown Baptist Church in Alexandria, when a young man named Ricky Speas began attending his Church. Ricky became an "adopted" son to the Bowen family and Don mentored Ricky as he began his studies and ministry. He performed the marriage for Ricky and his wife Leslie. Don likes to say he knew Ricky "BLT"---Before Leslie and the Twins! (They have twin children). Ricky moved on and met Kevin Brown, our wonderful young pastor from Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church, and has been a great friend and mentor to Kevin, as he moved into his ministry.
It has been such a pleasure knowing and spending time with these gentlemen and it is such a testimony to all of them, seeing how they continue to "pay forward" love and kindness. In addition, you've seen Melody Eller mentioned here on our trip. What a bundle of energy and a true bright spot she has been for all of us! Well, if you talk to her, she'll tell you that Ricky and Leslie have "adopted" her, much as the Bowen's did Ricky. And she has been a longtime friend of Keven, and he and his family are also like "family" to Melody. So the tradition continues, and it is a wonderful example for all to follow!
The flight out of JFK for the Virginians was delayed, departing around 11:45 and arriving in Richmond around 12:30. Earl and George( Charlotte's husband) were there to meet us with the church bus. We were glad to see them and ready for the drive to Warsaw. We arrived at Cobham Park about 2:15 AM. A little sleepy after 26 hours of travel, thankful to be home, and grateful for the wonderful experience of our trip.
Shortly we'll post a final "wrap-up" of our Holy Land Experience! Thanks to friends and family for supporting and following us along the way!
We left Amman at 10:30 AM Jordan time arrived at JFK at 4:40 PM US time. It took about one hour to go thru immigration and customs, but most of that time was spent waiting for our bags to come off the baggage carousel. Re-entering the US was painless and prompt. It was great to be back in the USA!!
We parted ways with our new found friends, and said our good byes. Many friendships have been made during our travels. There is no doubt that we'll be seeing each other again in the future.
For those who do not know, three of our pastors have a "connection" to each other. Beginning with Pastor Don Bowen and his time at Downtown Baptist Church in Alexandria, when a young man named Ricky Speas began attending his Church. Ricky became an "adopted" son to the Bowen family and Don mentored Ricky as he began his studies and ministry. He performed the marriage for Ricky and his wife Leslie. Don likes to say he knew Ricky "BLT"---Before Leslie and the Twins! (They have twin children). Ricky moved on and met Kevin Brown, our wonderful young pastor from Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church, and has been a great friend and mentor to Kevin, as he moved into his ministry.
It has been such a pleasure knowing and spending time with these gentlemen and it is such a testimony to all of them, seeing how they continue to "pay forward" love and kindness. In addition, you've seen Melody Eller mentioned here on our trip. What a bundle of energy and a true bright spot she has been for all of us! Well, if you talk to her, she'll tell you that Ricky and Leslie have "adopted" her, much as the Bowen's did Ricky. And she has been a longtime friend of Keven, and he and his family are also like "family" to Melody. So the tradition continues, and it is a wonderful example for all to follow!
The flight out of JFK for the Virginians was delayed, departing around 11:45 and arriving in Richmond around 12:30. Earl and George( Charlotte's husband) were there to meet us with the church bus. We were glad to see them and ready for the drive to Warsaw. We arrived at Cobham Park about 2:15 AM. A little sleepy after 26 hours of travel, thankful to be home, and grateful for the wonderful experience of our trip.
Shortly we'll post a final "wrap-up" of our Holy Land Experience! Thanks to friends and family for supporting and following us along the way!
Friday, November 2, 2007
Petra, The Red Rose city carved in rock.....
Thursday morning found us pretty well rested, after a wonderful dinner and evening in Petra. There were several lively Spades games going on in the lobby last evening, but everyone was up and ready for our five mile walk thru Petra at 8 am.
Now, Petra (the Latin word for "rock") is a city carved entirely out of rock around the early 1st century by the Nabateans. It was recently voted as one of the Seven Wonders of the World. To enter, one must walk thru the "Siq" which is a natural, narrow rock passageway about one mile long. Many of the group chose to ride part of the way in on horseback, being led along by the Bedouin men. The first majestic "building" facade is known as The Treasury and is the one made famous in the movie "Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom". All of the structures are carved by hand in the classic Roman style with Corinthian columns, in the usual elaborate manner. The interior "rooms" however, are very plain, with no carving, but the beautiful rose and rainbow colors of the rock, due to the mineral deposits in the rocks are plainly visible. Some of the most interesting were in the bathrooms!
Many of the group opted to ride part of the way out in a camel caravan! We hopped (well, not exactly "hopped", more likely "struggled") ourselves onto the camels, and rode up the hills to the Treasury facade, where we resumed our walk thru the Siq and returned to our hotel to board the bus for Amman. The camels were led by Bedouin boys, one of which was named Bilan. He spoke rather good English and told us that he was "born in the cave". He was about 10 years old, and said that he went to the Bedouin village school on the other side of the "mountain". He wore the head garb of the Royal Jordanian army, which is the red and white pattern, reminiscent of our red-checked gingham table cloth patterns!
Needless to say, we all have a new appreciation for the "washing of the feet", after all the time we've spent walking thru the dusty desert and cities here! There is a constant fine powder of dust on your feet and body as you travel. But it is ALL good!!
This was our last bus ride thru the desert for our group, so we enjoyed our time chatting and reviewing our experiences of the past 11 days.
Now, Petra (the Latin word for "rock") is a city carved entirely out of rock around the early 1st century by the Nabateans. It was recently voted as one of the Seven Wonders of the World. To enter, one must walk thru the "Siq" which is a natural, narrow rock passageway about one mile long. Many of the group chose to ride part of the way in on horseback, being led along by the Bedouin men. The first majestic "building" facade is known as The Treasury and is the one made famous in the movie "Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom". All of the structures are carved by hand in the classic Roman style with Corinthian columns, in the usual elaborate manner. The interior "rooms" however, are very plain, with no carving, but the beautiful rose and rainbow colors of the rock, due to the mineral deposits in the rocks are plainly visible. Some of the most interesting were in the bathrooms!
Many of the group opted to ride part of the way out in a camel caravan! We hopped (well, not exactly "hopped", more likely "struggled") ourselves onto the camels, and rode up the hills to the Treasury facade, where we resumed our walk thru the Siq and returned to our hotel to board the bus for Amman. The camels were led by Bedouin boys, one of which was named Bilan. He spoke rather good English and told us that he was "born in the cave". He was about 10 years old, and said that he went to the Bedouin village school on the other side of the "mountain". He wore the head garb of the Royal Jordanian army, which is the red and white pattern, reminiscent of our red-checked gingham table cloth patterns!
Needless to say, we all have a new appreciation for the "washing of the feet", after all the time we've spent walking thru the dusty desert and cities here! There is a constant fine powder of dust on your feet and body as you travel. But it is ALL good!!
This was our last bus ride thru the desert for our group, so we enjoyed our time chatting and reviewing our experiences of the past 11 days.
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Leaving Jerusalem for Masada and Petra, Jordan
Driving south thru the Judean wilderness towards the Dead Sea we headed towards Masada, the site of King Herod's fortress in the desert where the Jewish Zealots took refuge during the revolt against the Romans. Herod had constructed this fortress high above the desert and it was well fortified with arms, supplies, and food. Around 66 AD, the Romans surrounded the Zealots in the fortress but could not penetrate the mound. Finally, the Romans built a ramp to the gates and stormed them with battering rams to gain entry. The Zealots decided that death as a free man was preferable to life as a slave to the Romans, so they killed their wives and children, then drew lots to see who would kill the remaining men, then fall upon their own sword.
We ascended to this fortress on a cable car, with Charlotte huddled in the middle so we could protect her! We got her up there and back down, none the worse for the wear. Another fascinating site!
Before we forget...we need to say "Happy Birthday" to Jack-B-Quick!! From Susie and all of her new best friends here in the desert!
We spent the rest of the day driving thru the desert, around the Dead Sea and then past the Red Sea, to the town of Eilat, where looking across the Red sea, you could see Saudi Arabia and the Sinai Peninsula of Egypt .
The Dead Sea is a turquoise color with white salt edges and mounds all around it. In contrast, the Red Sea, is a brilliant sapphire blue and refreshingly clear. We drove several hours, stopping for french fries and ice cream at another kibbutz which runs a dairy farm. We crossed the border into Jordan, without any difficulty (even Pastor Kevin was cleared for passage....he wore his hat today! :) We arrived after dark at our hotel in Petra, which is just beautiful!
Pat was feeling rather frisky this evening and began giving "dancing instruction" to Nancy! Omar Abdul just happened to pass by so Pat got to do her dance with the Arab! Photos will follow for sure!!
Melody (aka as Debbie #4) says Hi to Dad and hopes he is reading this so he will know that she is behaving and having a great deal of fun! We have all adopted her as our own!
Tomorrow we walk the five miles thru Petra and then we will head for Amman!
We ascended to this fortress on a cable car, with Charlotte huddled in the middle so we could protect her! We got her up there and back down, none the worse for the wear. Another fascinating site!
Before we forget...we need to say "Happy Birthday" to Jack-B-Quick!! From Susie and all of her new best friends here in the desert!
We spent the rest of the day driving thru the desert, around the Dead Sea and then past the Red Sea, to the town of Eilat, where looking across the Red sea, you could see Saudi Arabia and the Sinai Peninsula of Egypt .
The Dead Sea is a turquoise color with white salt edges and mounds all around it. In contrast, the Red Sea, is a brilliant sapphire blue and refreshingly clear. We drove several hours, stopping for french fries and ice cream at another kibbutz which runs a dairy farm. We crossed the border into Jordan, without any difficulty (even Pastor Kevin was cleared for passage....he wore his hat today! :) We arrived after dark at our hotel in Petra, which is just beautiful!
Pat was feeling rather frisky this evening and began giving "dancing instruction" to Nancy! Omar Abdul just happened to pass by so Pat got to do her dance with the Arab! Photos will follow for sure!!
Melody (aka as Debbie #4) says Hi to Dad and hopes he is reading this so he will know that she is behaving and having a great deal of fun! We have all adopted her as our own!
Tomorrow we walk the five miles thru Petra and then we will head for Amman!
The Mount of Olives, Garden of Gethsemane, Garden of the Tomb
Early Tuesday morning we drove to The Mount of Olives. From there we had a terrific view of the Old City of Jerusalem, and it's many walls, both old and new, as many new walls are erected between the Israeli and Palestinian areas. We visited the Chapel of Ascension and then walked the Palm Sunday road to the Garden of Gethsemane. It is easy to see why this was a place Christ and the disciples spent much time, as it is a tranquil oasis. We then entered the Old City again and visited the Pool of Bethesda, where Jesus healed the lame man in John Ch 5.
We next stopped in St. Anne's Church (Mary's Church) where we began singing "He is Lord" and a group from Rwanda joined their voices with ours. They smiled and chatted with us afterward and it was a special moment spent with "friends".
We were then "turned loose" in the old marketplace in Jerusalem for lunch and shopping. A little restaurant was found by some of the group, where they had some marvelous "Israeli" pizza! What a treat!
On the way down thru the marketplace (which is a rough, old stone path) Gordon decided that he had walked way past his limit that day and cried "uncle" for the first time. (We had walked ALOT and climbed even more!) So a shopkeeper by the name of Samir Husseini, offered him a seat in front of his shop, while we went for lunch. Melody "delivered" his pizza back to him, and Samir took Gordon to his table to dine! Of course, by the time lunch was over, Gordon had another good buddy in Jerusalem. There are some really nice people all over the world!
We then went to the Garden of the Tomb, where we were able to enter the empty tomb and then we had a communion service in the Garden. This was the highlight of our day as Pastor Kevin and Pastor Dennis led this service and truly made it special for us.
We continued to our hotel for our last night in Jerusalem tired and with achy feet, but what a wonderful day we had!
We next stopped in St. Anne's Church (Mary's Church) where we began singing "He is Lord" and a group from Rwanda joined their voices with ours. They smiled and chatted with us afterward and it was a special moment spent with "friends".
We were then "turned loose" in the old marketplace in Jerusalem for lunch and shopping. A little restaurant was found by some of the group, where they had some marvelous "Israeli" pizza! What a treat!
On the way down thru the marketplace (which is a rough, old stone path) Gordon decided that he had walked way past his limit that day and cried "uncle" for the first time. (We had walked ALOT and climbed even more!) So a shopkeeper by the name of Samir Husseini, offered him a seat in front of his shop, while we went for lunch. Melody "delivered" his pizza back to him, and Samir took Gordon to his table to dine! Of course, by the time lunch was over, Gordon had another good buddy in Jerusalem. There are some really nice people all over the world!
We then went to the Garden of the Tomb, where we were able to enter the empty tomb and then we had a communion service in the Garden. This was the highlight of our day as Pastor Kevin and Pastor Dennis led this service and truly made it special for us.
We continued to our hotel for our last night in Jerusalem tired and with achy feet, but what a wonderful day we had!
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