Jesus Baptism Site and Mt. Nebo

Guest Blogger Susan Randell (Grandma Sue) --

This is my last weekend in Jordan and I went on an amazing day trip with Nathan, Caleb and Benjamin (Heather unfortunately was under the weather and had to stay back).  

Jordan is an amazing, historic country and it is awe inspiring to be at the actual sites where so many pivotal events took place.  Our driver and tour guide took us first to the site where Jesus was baptized.  A mini bus took us to a path where we walked about a mile along the Jordan River to the actual site.  It was a quiet peaceful setting - There was a feeling of wonderment to realize the significance of the baptism that took place so many years ago in this serene simple place.

Caleb was very helpful showing the other visitors the map and tracing the route we would follow to the Baptism site. 

                                        

                                            Our Fearless Tour Leaders Benjamin and Caleb

                                                  John the Baptist Church in the distance.

A number of churches have been discovered on the East bank of the Jordan river a short distance from the Baptism site.  The waters from the Jordan river are lower now than they were in biblical times and these churches would have been built on the banks of the river.

John the Baptist Church

Going down to the Jordan River.

                   The Jordan River is very narrow at this point - Jordan is on the near side and Israel
                     on the far side. You can almost reach your hands across and touch the other side.

Our two fearless walkers taking a well deserved rest in the shade.

NOW FOR SOME FUN - Caleb and grandma took a camel ride at the Dead Sea (Ben was sleeping).  First time I rode a camel - What really made it so special was riding it at the Dead Sea.  Caleb was a super trooper - Got right up on the camel and loved it.  

Incredible Views Of The Dead Sea From a Lookout

So close, yet so far away.

We drove up a winding mountain road from the Dead Sea towards Madaba.  As we climbed the temperatures cooled and the scenery changed dramatically.  We passed many springs and small streams flowing down the mountain gorges. Where there was any sign of water, the mountain was green with trees, and grasses which contrasted with the dessert like feel all around.  The temperatures were wonderful when we reached the top and the land very fertile and green.  The view was magnificent from Mount Nebo.

There was not a rock on the mountain that the boys did not try to pick up and throw!

The Serpentine Cross on Top of Mount Nebo is 2,680 Feet Above Sea Level.  It is the place mentioned in the Bible where Moses was granted a panoramic view of the Holy Land.  It was an amazing feeling standing where Moses did.  On a clear day you can see Jerusalem.  There was a slight fog in the distance, but we could see Jericho to the west, the northern end of the dead sea, Amman to the North East, and the Jordan river valley stretching out to the north.

Did You Ever Eat a Cactus - we did.  While driving home through the town of Madaba, our driver stopped and bought Cactus bulbs from some kids on the roadside.  When we got home he cut them open and took the "meat" out.  They were very tasty and even better after putting them in the refrigerator for a while.

WHAT A FUN, AMAZING, AWE INSPIRING DAY - A PERFECT WAY 

TO SPEND MY LAST WEEKEND IN JORDAN.

THANK YOU NATHAN AND HEATHER FOR MAKING IT POSSIBLE.  

I WILL BE BACK :) I LOVE YOU ALL 4 VERY MUCH!

First day of preschool

The boys had a great first day of preschool today! This year they are attending a local bilingual school where they have one english and one arabic teacher full-time, and they even get an hour of french every day. We attended orientation the other day and the boys got to check out their teachers and class. It is a bigger school than they attended previously, and we think the boys will have a great year here.

Benjamin is in preschool-2, and his teachers are Mrs. Leen and Mrs. Rula.

 Caleb is in KG-1 and his teachers are Mrs. Maha and Mrs. Farrah.

 Two boys excited for their first day.

 And the bonus....they get to ride the bus home!

 Ready for a fun year of learning and fun!

Exploring the City

We are settling in well and were glad for this weekend to get out and explore the city. First stop was King Hussein Park. It was a big green spot on the busy city map, so we wanted to check it out. It was a really nice park up one of the hills and had great views of the city. Lots of walking paths and scootering/biking trails. We'll be back here for sure.

It has been a lot of fun to show my mom around, and for her to see our day-to-day life. She has been such a blessing to us, and we are so glad she is here helping us get settled. The boys are having a fun time with camp Grandma!

While exploring the park, we came across the Children's Museum! So we checked it out...

Lots of fun exhibits for the boys to play and imagine. We are excited this museum is relatively close to where we live.

And they had an outdoor play area too. It was a fun day!

The next day we went to the Citadel and Roman Ampitheater. It's amazing how much history is in this part of the world, old, old history dated back to 1700 BC! We are so excited to be able to explore these amazing places and that they are so close by. 

The Citadel has ruins from many prominent empires. The ruins of churches, temples, and mosques represents Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. 

View of the city and Roman Amphitheater from the top of the Citadel.

Pretty amazing!

 

Next stop was the Amphitheater. Nathan and Caleb climbed to the top and my mom went most the way.

My turn to go to the top next.

Holy steep steps!

And is his true fashion, Benjamin made friends with our taxi driver :).

On the way home, we stopped for for delicious falafel and schwerma. It was a fun weekend, and we are looking forward to exploring something new next week.