Sunday 30 September 2012

Saturday Night

Words cannot describe how proud I am of Nick.

We participated in the Rosary, walking behind the statue of Our Lady in a procession of candles, an amazing sight. There would have been around 1000 people participating. Nick and Rhys each had special parts.

It starts with song, prayers and the rosary. We walk around the basilica praying. Nick said the third decade of the Rosary. He was very nervous before hand then just before it started a calm came over him, you could see it. We walk right behind the statue saying one Our Father, ten Hail Mary's and the Glory Be. If you could see his face when he finished it was beautiful. I think he was the youngest to do ever do it. We entered the Bascilica where the priests and the bearers, and the five readers of the Rosary enter the Grotto where we here readings and the area where Gabriel appeared is
blessed. Really words can express our I feel it was a very special event that Nick and I will have forever.

(As a foot note it was hard to take photos of Nick saying the Rosary as I was right next to him counting down the Hail Mary's. I'll get copies from the others who took photo's when we get home).

Saturday 29 September 2012

Day Six- saturday

Well we had a little sleep in today up just after seven. We had a quick breakfast of pancakes and bacon. Nick was in heaven.

We then headed out to meet the other families with the host children to join Habib on a walking your around Nazareth.

We started at the Basilica of the Annunciation. The mosaics from around the world are so beautiful. We went to the Grotto where the Arch Angel Gabriel appeared to Mary to say she was in child with Jesus. We the went up stairs to the church where around are huge mosaics from around the works including Australia. The one from China has real Pearls all over i. Very beautiful.

We then went to the Nazarene Sister where there is a cemetery under the convent (which is now also a BnB). Underneath there are ruins from the Crusader period as well as of course the time of Christ. The is one special tomb which is still intact. It is in the style of Jesus's tomb. You see the stone door that they roll open and closed. The room is quite big. It is written that a Just Man was buried here. The only man referred to as Just in the New Testament is Joseph. So perhaps this is Joseph's tomb. Simply mind blowing.

We wandered through the old Souk markets then ended up at a Synagog church in the style of church that we styled ours on. We then headed to Mary's Well. That was all the morning taken up.

When we got home Rana had a beautiful lunch prepared which was lovely. Nick and I are having some quiet time this afternoon before we head out to dinner followed by a candlelight procession and rosary at the Bascilica. (Nick is leading a decade of the Rossary). I'll write about that tomorrow.

I hope everyone is enjoying our blog.

Day Five- friday

Today was our last day at Terra Santa school. The boys handed out some gifts to the children. They were very excited. The key rings and koalas were very popular. After that we left for our tour of Akko and Haifer.

Akko is an old crusader city. The ruins are amazing you can just picture the crusading knights riding around. The only problem with Akko is that the locals are crazy. They are not very friendly for a tourist place. After Akko we went to Haifer where we visited Stella Maris church. It was very beautiful. The view from there across the Mediterranean was simply breath taking.

We then headed back to Nazareth to Terra Santa School for a BBQ for Abouna Amjad birthday. What a feast.
It was lovely sharing a meal with all the teachers and father.

Selection of photos

Here is a selection of photos from our journey on Thursday.

Friday 28 September 2012

Day Four

Well where do I start.

After a morning at school we left a bit early for a full day of touring.

Our first stop was Cana, where Jesus performed his first miracle of water into wine. Nick read from the bible the story of the wedding feast. We then went to Tabgha where Jesus fed the five thousand. Rhys read the story of the loaves and fishes.

We then went to Mt Beatitudes where Jesus did the sermon on the mount. It was an extremely moving place. Tom read the story of the mount. We then moved to Capernsum where Jesus lived for three years.

We then visited the Church of Primacy of Peter where Jesus announced Peter to lead his people.

We then moved to Tiberius where we went for boat trip on the sea of galilee.

The cruise was at sunset and extremely peaceful. We had two readings the calming of the storm read by Tom and walking on the water which was read by Jack. To sit on the boat in the middle of the sea was an incredible peaceful and humbling feeling. We were on the water at sunset and the view was incredible.