What a fun and insightful day. We went to the Nature Reserve of En Gedi.  En Gedi is the desert area where David hid from Saul when Saul was trying to kill him. As we explored the extensive rock formations and fresh water springs you cannot help but wonder if you are on the same path as King David! David also wrote many of the Psalms in En Gedi, too. So… we took some time out of our exploring the desert to each write a Psalm of our own! I really liked taking time to just sit in the desert and write a song/poem to God.

After that we went swimming! We swam for a little while in the small Spring the guide showed us, but then we decided to find a larger one some rock climbing possibilities.  We found a deeper spring and Caleb, Lauren, and I climbed up to the (near) top to jump. It was amazing. It definitely reminded me of all the incredible waterfalls I went to in Mexico and all the cliff jumps we enjoyed during that trip. The waterfalls and springs are so refreshing here! This afternoon we had a lecture on the Cultural Aspects of Reconciliation. We discussed the Jewish and Palestinian worldview—which I honestly think is very important to know for people spending time in this country.

Tonight I think we are going to go shopping and get gelato after dinner and review time. We had a delicious and very authentic Arabic dish for dinner tonight. “I have a feeling… That tonight’s gonna be a good night.” That has been the Jerusalem theme song.