It was a whirlwind trip. We hit the ground running! Visiting, Tel Aviv, Caesarea, Haifa, Zefat, Qumran, En Gedi, Masada, City of David and the Old City of Jerusalem in just four days. My last day in Jerusalem was spent at the DVI Clinic during the morning; followed by additional sightseeing in the afternoon at the Bird Observatory, the Israel Museum and topping off the evening before heading to the airport a trip to the Farmer's Market.
In preparation for the trip, I had read Jerusalem: The Biography, by Simon Sebag Montefiore which was a wonderful history of the city. Which I was grateful for once there and visiting the city. We even watched a number of archeological lectures on Jerusalem and the area as well prior to the trip. Again it was the putting together of the pieces and parts of what had been learned during Sunday School with the history of the place and throwing in current events that caused me to appreciate so much the reality of the place and marvel at it's complexity. There are so many layers, historic, religious, political, and archeological one upon the other. It gives a whole new understanding to Biblical history and the country as a whole.
Standing in so many of the places where the events of Biblical history have taken place; and touring the country put into perspective both the events of the Bible and today's current events. That so much has taken place in such a small area it is hard to fathom. The experience truly does change you.
Visiting the DVI Clinic and meeting the staff, volunteer dentists, and the patients was a special time. There is dedication of the staff and dentists to the clinic can be felt from the time you enter the door. The patients come from all backgrounds and there is a feeling of unity. If the world could operate in the same way the way or world would be a much better place.
My "job" was to photograph the country, people, food, and clinic for the American Friends of DVI. Please be sure to check out their website. Pass along this opportunity to volunteer to your dentist or contribute to the work that they are doing. Changing lives one child at a time and in their own way forging peace in the Middle East.
Trip photos, subject to change and removal. Enjoy!
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