Israel: On The Road to Galilee (Telmaggido)

Getting out of Tel Aviv was tricky. The signs are there, but not until you need to turn off. Still, his fabulous sense of direction (HIS!) got us on the right highway out of town. We were so excited to be going to see the Sea of Galilee. Firstborn had downloaded some music on her ipod for our road trips. We enjoyed praise music, songs from movies they like, and even a few Disney theme songs for Sweet Cheeks.

I was just continually struck at how beautiful this land is, and how God has blessed it by making it fertile.

Soon, we arrived at Telmaggido.

I would learn that "tel" means hill in Hebrew. And I would also learn that Telmaggido, a historical and archeological treasure, holds even deeper significance for us, for it is the Hebrew name for Armageddon. As we drove to the top of the hill, and saw this vast valley, I began thinking how people make visits to holy sites or other mystical/magical places, and how we might be viewed by others, non-believers, as we came to see this place. And yet, the difference is that we have Scripture. And we have a God who never lies. And I believe with all my heart that this will happen. And so, this site of a future battle at the end of time was my first "holy" other-world experience.

There was a small museum and vast ruins behind it, but this was our first introduction to Shabbat (Sabbath). The sun had not yet set, but the ladies working there were shutting down. They needed to get home to prepare a meal and light candles before the sun went down. We did not get to tour the rest, but for me to see this valley and wonder at what is to come, and trust that what God says will happen, will happen, was enough.