March 14... Powerful Past and Unfolding Story

There are many lessons which only become apparent when travelling.  A good friend of mine and I always talk about how travel eliminates prejudice in a way which nothing else can.  We (you, me, or anyone else) cannot know someone unless we have heard their story.  It is hard to understand their story unless we see where and how they live.

So today we went two primary places:  the Amman Acropolis and Jerash.  The acropolish was fantastic as it was a great introduction to the rich archaeological history of Jordan.  Jordan, like it neighbors, sits at civilizations' origins and crossroads.  Digging around here can be very exciting!  In nearly any populated hillside there are to be found prehistoric, Nabataean, Edomite, Moabite, Greek, Roman, Ottoman, Byzentine, and other relics, art, and religious sites.  The ground around here is a place where east and west have met for centuries.  We are on hillsides containing some of civilizations oldest secrets.

(Lindsay with Annan, one of our tour coordinators)

Between the Amman Acroplis and Jerash (about 40 - 50 minutes by bus, but I wasn't paying attention), we drove through the hills of Gilead (yes, that Gilead), over the Jabbok River (yes, that Jabbok River - read Genesis 32:22 and following), and through the hills where Moses eventually led the Hebrews to Mount Nebo.  It was, quite frankly, overwhelming for me.  Already on day 1 of our official touring, my understanding of the 40 years and what that meant and how it might have looked has been changed.

(That's me, down to the left below me is the River Jabbok - I honestly can say that I have never imagined for one moment that I would ever seek this river)

The bulk of our day was spent at Jerash.  I have read about Jerash for years.  Nothing prepared me for the size and scope of Jerash.  A fascinating site, it is significant for both past and present.

(The Cardo Maximus - "Main Street" of Jerash.  Imagine these paving stones surrounded by shops and industry.  Jerash has been inhabited for 6,500 years and the Roman engineering of it was nothing short of stunning.)

(Members of our group at Jerash.  The site is huge.  Excavations could go on there forever it seems.  Our main guide, Naim is in the center of the photo with a black jacket and red and white scarf.  He is a knowledgable and pleasant guide with an uncanny, stunning knowledge of the Old Testament).

There was this moment today that was an intersection for me that I had only imagined.  I suspect there are only a few places in the world where one could have this experience.  Take a look at this picture:

This is a mosaic floor from a Byzentine-era church, Christian church (the floor is full of Christian details).  Out in the distance is Mt. Nebo, Jabbok River, hills of Gilead -- all essential to Jewish history.  We were in the midst of a Roman ruin (which the Byzentine church was built upon) and off in the distance we could hear the calls to daily prayer from the many Muslim minarets.  Think about that... There are only a few places in the world where that historical and religious intersection can exist.  I suspect we'll experience more of that intersection in certain parts of Jerusalem and in Israel.  I look forward to such experiences both intellectually and spiritually.

(Here is picture of a picture of our group at the Forum in Jerash.  To see a family member, simply zoom in).

I suspect the spiritual richness of the entire time here will only increase as we get closer to the "footsteps" of Jesus.  But for now, as we prepare to go to Mt. Nebo and Petra tomorrow (two more places I never thought I would see), I am richly blessed.  I can't wait to see more.  With every site the story unfolds and the understanding of what I have been reading and studying for so long grows a little richer.  

"We thank you O God for the wonders of this earth:  for the hills, the streams, the rocks, and the valleys.  We thank you O God for our history and its richness and we thank for the richness and history of the Jordan river and its surroundings.  Even in its complexity we thank you.   We thank you for the story of people who heard your call and who followed you in trust.  May we have an sliver of their courage, and follow as you lead.  In the name of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen."