Goodbye to the Aussies

It was my last day with the Australians for this tour. We started out on the shore of the Galilee and traveled in the direction of the Mediterranean. Along the way we drove through Cana of Galilee and Nazereth. Our first stop was Megiddo where we explored a fair share of the 25 levels of civilization represented by the huge old mound of dirt.
We continued on through the Armageddon valley until we finally turned and ascended through one of the passes in Mt. Carmel.
The monastery on Mt. Carmel has one of the most spectacular views of the magnificent valley. Unfortunately, it seemed like it also had half of the population of Hong Kong. I instructed the group to take their pictures and then come with me to a quiet wooded place nearby. We gathered under the trees and Kieth presented a moving and challenging message about the faith of Elijah and the widow as well as compelling insights about the confrontation with the priests and prophets of Baal and King Ahab.

Our last stop of the day and my last site with this group was Caesaria on the Seashore. We visited the theater where King Herod held court and later Roman governors used as their headquarters. This is the theater where Paul made his defense before Festus and Agrippa.

But that was yesterday and this is today. I am getting ready to leave again as I type. I'll go get on a different bus and greet a different group in a short while. I know I'll see the folks from Australia again but it was a little sad to say goodbye. I should be used to it by now.