Fun Day - יום כיף

Today, in the early morning, we boarded the train, then the bus, to Jerusalem. We planned to visit the Western Wall (Kotel) and, if we can get in without reservation, the ancient tunnels underneath. But the day turned out different then we planned.

A friend met us at the central bus station and rode the local bus to the Kotel with us. Clutched in my hands were a few folded pieces of papers.  In front of the Wall there were two solid rows of women, some sitting some standing, all praying. The holes in the wall were filled with papers just like mine; small clusters of papers were on the stoned floor all along the Wall. My friend searched to find an empty space. These are important papers, they are scribbled with prayers. Mine carried the names of people that I promised to pray for from five continents. We found a hole.

After prayers, we met Willie who completed his prayers in the men section. We checked the tunnels underneath and took their web site address so we can arrange a tour at a later date.  Then the surprise started.

My friend's mate arrived to meet us. He turned out to be the best private tour guide we've ever had. Following him up many flights of stairs, we saw the replica of the Menorah from the Second Temple, the Gate of Zion, the 1948 bullet holes in the gates walls; We looked at the captivating panoramic view surrounding the city; we heard the story of the 1967 war and how they moved bodies that lay there from 1948 to the burial ground on Mount of Olives; we heard the story of the coming of the Messiah, learned the names of the gates surrounding the city and the stories about them; he took us to the upper room and explained the communion of the bread and the wine in a more sensible way than any preaching I've ever heard ; he walked up and down stairs relating stories as we tried to keep up.

With our bodies tired and our heads full of new information we set at their table for homemade soup and pizza.  We did not have enough thanks for the unexpected tour and hospitality. We promised to be back again, soon.

22nd Day 2014 - thank You God for a fun day, Yom Cef, in Jerusalem Your Holy City and the Capital of Israel. Thank You God for blessing us with these great friends. 

After a hot shower,

Orith