Marathon Touring

We have spent the last three days in the Nazareth/Galilee area and it's been quite the trip. I like to refer to it as marathon touring and unlike the real marathon, I'd rather not do this again. Basically, we started traveling from Bethlehem to Nazareth where we were staying and stopped at sites along the way. The first day was actually a very good day. We stopped at an organization called MIFTA which stands for key. It is "The Palestinian Initiative for the Promotion of Global Dialogue & Democracy" and what they do is post articles from various sources on this website in order to spread the word and get multiple views out there in circulation and to get people talking about it. The website is: http://www.miftah.org/ I was really impressed by their methods and by the people that talked to us. They had their own opinions and agendas, yes, but it was very educated and they offered counter points as well. It was a breath of fresh air from our Hebron experience. I'd suggest checking out the website and seeing some of the articles.

Then, we went to Caesarea which was a beautiful archeaological site off of the Mediterraean which I really loved. It was windy so the waves were crashing hard and we got some beautiful pictures of the site and of the water. Finally, we arrived in Nazareth which is a cute city and our place has a great view of the surronding area.

The next day was marathon day number one. We started early and hit up four different sites and spent way too much time on the bus. However, we started the day with a boatride on the Sea of Galilee which was a great time. It was quite the trip to be on the water and wonder what it would be like out there during a storm like was the case for Jesus and his disciples. It was beautiful and it was great to see the area and countryside. Then, we started our great church tour. We hit up Capernaum and the Primacy of Peter, the Church of Fishes and Loaves where Jesus fed the 5,000, the Church of the Beatittudes where Jesus gave the sermon of the munt, and the Church of the Annunciation in Nazareth where Jesus was raised. We were basically given 15 minutes at each site which isn't my style. But, the area was beautiful.

I think what hit me the most was the Church of Fishes and Loaves. None of these sites are for sure, it's mainly tradition that places the locations there which isn't necessarily accurate. However, despite all of that, when I was listening to the story of the feeding what struck me was the importance of miracles. Even though this might not be the site, something special had taken place at each of these places and that gave hope and wonder to the people. I certainly believe in miracles now days but they're smaller and simpler. However, I also need to believe that something bigger is possible and that miracles happen every day in small ways and in large ways as well.

Off to the bus, this will be con't later...