Saturday Update #2

We finished up the parking lot expansion by about 2:30 this afternoon, so we ventured back into the Old City on our own after revisiting the Garden Tomb in the daylight. We entered via the Damascus Gate, turned on the Via Dolorosa, then continued on to the Lion's Gate. At this point we left the major tourist crowds and exited the city overlooking the Kidron Valley. We came back in and went up to the gate of the Temple Mount, but it was the wrong day (only Muslims allowed on Friday and Saturday) and the wrong gate for Christians to enter.

In the process of this discussion with the guards, we noticed a walkway on top of the Old City wall. We asked if we were allowed up there and were pointed in the general direction of the entrance. We set off exploring, walking through a few neighborhoods, and final made our way up onto the wall. From here we had an incredible view of the Kidron Valley, the Mount of Olives, and Gethsemene. We also had a great, up close view of the Dome of the Rock. During this entire time, we only saw 3 other people and they were NOT tourists. It was great.

Tonight we made it to Bethlehem and are settled into the guesthouse at the Bethlehem Bible College. Brenda and Alex Awad joined us for dinner at a great Palestinian restaurant. We are now back at the guesthouse discussing Albert's snoring habits, so it's probably time to log off.

Blessings!