Shalom!

I'm happy to report that my new "good neighbor" camera works great...& I have a few pix to prove it! Paul's parents took us (along with Paul's sisters & spouses) to Israel for a wonderful trip to the Holy lands to see the places talked about in the scriptures. From Bethlehem, to Galilee, & Jerusalem, we saw the places where Christ lived, taught, & performed miracles. It was a marvelous experience! Thanks Mom & Dad - you are the BEST parents ever...(Am I the favorite now?)

Here is our family on the Mt of Beatitudes after a wonderful testimony meeting. It is hard to be in this beautiful setting & not feel the spirit of Christ's ministry.



On our way up to Galilee we stopped at Caesarea on the Mediterranian Coast where Paul "almost" converted Herod Agrippa to Christianity (Acts 26:28).



The Mt of Olives offers a scenic view of Old Jerusalem. The gold dome building is Muslim shrine (Dome of the Rock) that stands on the ancient temple site. It was interesting to see the strong presence of three religions inside the city walls; the Jews, the Muslims, & Christians alike believe Jerusalem to be a Holy City.



Of course the most significant thing for me was the strong feelings I had as we visited the Garden Tomb. This peaceful setting offers such a contrast to the hustle & bustle of the modern city of Jerusalem. As wonderful as it was to visit all these wonderful places, this humble garden tomb had the most profound impact on me as the promise of the Resurrection was impressed upon my heart..."He is not here, He is risen."



In addition to Israel,we visited Jordan (including the famous city-carved-out-of-rock, Petra, featured in the Indiana Jones movie, The Last Crusade) & the red sand deserts of Wadi Rum. Unbelieveable scenery! Thanks Mom & Dad for the trip of a lifetime...(Am I the favorite now?)

On the way to Jordan, we stopped at the fortress at Masada (The movie by the same name starring Peter O'Toole is actually pretty accurate if you care to rent it & enjoy a little bit of historical reinactment.) It was originally built by Herod the Great as a Pleasure Palace...it has an incredible view of the surrounding area - as it should...it rises 1500 ft above the valley floor.



We felt like "extras" for an Indiana Jones movie standing in front of the Treasury of the city of Petra. Petra, of course, means "rock" & this city is literally carved out of the rock canyon walls & it goes for MILES!



Here is our illustrious "Sheik Larry" & his "Bedouin Princess Jeanne" (aka G'ma & G'pa Fudge). We appreciate them including us on this "trip of a lifetime." You can see more of Petra in the background. (Am I the favorite yet?)



After a donkey ride up a steep canyon...



...we continued walking up the canyons till we eventually came to this magnificent building called the Monastery. (This & the Treasury are the most photographed in all of Petra.)



Believe it or not, I was happy to see this wonderful sign throughout the trip...& this was one of the "nicer" ones we came upon. Here I am waiting patiently...or not! You can see my friend in the back ground wanting to sell me some TP, but I happen to keep such a treasure in my pocket at all times!



After leaving Jordan we headed back to Jerusalem & we stopped in the red sand Deserts of Wadi Rum. Here we are at the top of a little climb enjoying the view.



Of course, I couldn't resist such an opportunity...it's good to know I've still got it...who says 50+ year old g'mas don't know how to have fun?



Our last stop was in Egypt to see the great Pyramids. They are crazy HUGE! Those pharoahs had some kind of ego to build such GINORMOUS monuments to themselves. Amazing civilizations have been buried in the sands & are still being uncovered.

Karen & I rode a camel with the Pyramids of Giza in the back ground...way cool!



Up close & personal with the Sphinx.



In the word's of Steve Martin, "(king Tut) Now, if I'd known, they'd line up just to see him, I'd trade in all my money And bought me a museum. (king Tut)
Now, when I die, now don't think I'm a nut, don't want no fancy funeral, Just one like ole king Tut." (king Tut)"



Did I mention that I was thankful to Mom & Dad for such an awesome trip? (I don't really care if I'm the favorite or not - actually, I'm pretty sure that I'm the favorite daughter-in-law since Paul is their only son)...I'm so happy to be part of such a wonderful family.



Thanks Mom & Dad - I now have personal experiences that will come to mind everytime I read about these places in the scriptures. It was a thrill to be there & an even greater thrill to have shared it with part of my family. I love you guys!