Jesus Boat Ride and Yardenit

20/12/08
We took a boat ride in a traditional wooden boat which is also called the Jesus Boat on the Sea of Galilee. We were three countries together in the boat when the boat captain raised the flags as we sang our National Anthems one at a time. The sea was calm of of course and Bernard didn't have the chance to walk on water like Jesus did some two thousand years ago LOL. Instead, the boys were contented with the wind blowing through their jackets.

Here we see the shores of Galilee from the boat.

We took a drive to the traditional Baptismal site. This is not the original site where John the Baptist baptised Jesus . The reason being that the original site was in foreign territory further up the Jordan River.
We all renewed our baptismal promises together with Bishop James and touched the waters off the Jordan River and blessed ourselves with it.

I witnessed quite a number of people dressed in white immersing themselves in the waters here .... liken the practise to reliving baptism. It was freezing cold here you know :-)

Mt. Beatitudes

20/12/08
Up on the site of "Jesus Sermon on the Mount" (Matthew 5:1-12) we visited the Mt. of Beatitudes Church and celebrated mass outdoor. It was a moving experience as the cool air and awesome view heightened the senses to feel the soul within.

Colorful vegetaion being planted in the vicinity. There is also a garden near the guest house and at the time of our visit, I saw volunteers working on their planting in the garden.

Church of the Primacy of St. Peter

Saturday Dec. 20th "08
This church was built by the Franciscans to mark the site where Jesus revealed himself the third time to His disciples after his resurrection (John 21:1-14). This place is also called Mensa Christi or Table of the Lord. The church is built on black lava stones.

It was at this place that we could touch the water at the shore of the Sea of Galilee. Megan also collected some sea shells and pebbles.

Tiberius, Sea of Galilee

19/12/08
We checked into the Hotel King Soloman's for three nights. It would be from here that we journey to the various holy sites around the Sea of Galilee. The view you see here was from the hotel room. It was sunset and the Galilee sea was calm.