We were up very early and drove about five hours through desolate wilderness to arrive at Machaerus, and the ruins of one of Herod Antipas’s twelve palaces.
It is significant because it was where John the Baptist was executed.

The challenge, at least for me, was that it was a very steep climb and, of course, it was 1 pm and at the very heat of the day. I did it in homage to John, and I am delighted to say that I made it!!!

We then did a short drive to Madaba where we had the best meal we’ve had since arriving in Jordan at Haret Jdoudna.

Later we went across the street to St George’s Church to see the extraordinary mosaic map of the known world created in the 6th century. The light was too dim for photos, so of your interest is piqued, google St.George’s, Madaba, and you can see it all!

Tomorrow we’re on the road again to Mt. Nebo and the Dead Sea before returning to Jerusalem and the College.

God’s peace.

My mother’s last surviving sister of four, Frances, died yesterday. She was over 90 years old and had lived a good life. I remember her as a fabulous cook. Hers were the first hushpuppies I remember eating and set the bar for every other one I ate. I don’t think any ever topped hers.

It’s strange to be so far away that there is no way I can get back to Texas in time for her service for any amount of money. I wish I could be there to sit beside my mom. Prayers from somewhere in Madaba tomorrow night when the service is in Melissa at 11 will have to do.

May the souls of all the faithful departed, of whom Aunt Frances was surely one, rest in God’s peace.

Yesterday we drove from Wadi Rum to Petra for two nights. We spent most of the day exploring this one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. There’s a sermon coming about the Treasury, the first building you see as you exit the Siq, the nearly mile long canyon where each turn took my breath away.

For context, one of the Indiana Jones movies was filmed here.

Today, our second day in Petra, a rare free day, I’m taking it as a Sabbath to catch up with myself. Up before dawn to see the sunrise in the roof, a leisurely morning doing laundry, journaling, knitting, and reading. After three nights in tents I’m enjoying my pretty room.

In a hour or so I’m going with some of the women to have a Turkish bath. Since I had a Turkish bath in Turkey, I’m curious.

Then back to get ready for class and maybe a sunset on the roof.

Tomorrow we’re on the bus again to Machaerus Fortress (where John the Baptist was beheaded) and then to Madaba (Medeba in Scripture).

Traveling mercies to all.

Never ever seen blue like the iridescent blue and aqua and turquoise of the Red Sea.

Muslim women in full dress playing in the water; the women of the pilgrimage the only ones in swimsuits.

Soldiers training by and in the Sea

Painting and praying the Morning Office

Israel and Egypt in front of me; Saudi Arabia to my left. All meeting without incident in the Red Sea.

Salaam. Shalom. Peace.