Home is where less heat is....

Hello again. I realize it's been a couple of days since my return to the states, but I have been a bit out of sorts with the jet lag and all. I decided to write my final Israel post today (finally). The last day of the dig for me was pretty normal again. I spent the day in the tunnel for a change of pace. They did end up uncovering an interesting horseshoe shaped rock formation about 3ft across; it looked like a giant toilet seat. They also started to dig farther down to try to find the source of the water, but they hadn't found anything by the end of the day. I'm not sure what the progress is now. They have a blog about the dig, I just need to actually check it :p. We ended early that day so we could make it out to dinner at Elvis Burger. It was actually pretty good, and I got a free Elvis coffee mug. I don't like Elvis all that much, but hey, it's a cool souvenir.

After dinner I finished up my packing, then headed to the airport at 9pm. Security at the airport is pretty intense. You go through around five different security check points, and you get asked questions at each one. Maybe that had something o do with the fact that I was traveling alone, so I was flagged as a possible stupid tourist who may have taken something from someone, but I'm not sure. All I know is that it took a good hour-and-a-half to get through all the security checkpoints.

The flight was loud, but smooth. I will still never understand why people with babies insist on taking such long flights. It was good to make it back to Michigan finally. I loved the trip, but I was ready to be home. Especially for the food. My first day back in America consisted of Starbucks, Taco Bell, and pizza. Awesome. No wonder my stomach hates me.

I really learned a lot on this trip, and I came to a few realizations about my life. I have been struggling for some time about where I am in life. I have been very discontent and have wanted nothing more than to just run away from it all. It was made pretty clear to me that I am exactly where I am supposed to be right now, and that this is my preparation time. For what, I am not yet sure... well, 100% anyway. I have been so eager to get on with my life that I've been ignoring that I need to prepare for it. So, that's my next great adventure: a spiritual journey instead of a physical one.

One more day

Honestly, I'm not entirely sure what to write about today. It was another pretty average day. Found some pottery shards with painting on them, but no full pieces. I spent the entire day doing water sifting, so I was soaked and covered in mud by the end of the day. It's fun, but my shoes were soaked through.... and that's not entirely comfortable. Tomorrow is the last day for me. After work time we're planning on going to a place called Elvis Burger. I guess it's pretty good, and has a lot of Elvis stuff. Then after that I will get my final packing done, and then I will be on my way home.

I'm ready for some pizza....

Short and sweet

Hello all,sorry for the lack of post yesterday; the internet decided to take a day off in our hotel. Right now I don't really feel like writing a super long post. We spent yesterday around the Sea of Galilee. We visited Capernaum, where Jesus began his ministry, went to a monastery on the hill where it is guess Jesus spoke of the beatitudes (Luke 6), and also saw some more ruins. Long day, but really interesting.

Today we went back to work on the water system. I did water sifting pretty much all day, and got plastered with mud.

this was after only a few hours of water sifting

We can't do normal sifting here because of the fact that what is coming out of the cavern is pure mud. Fun stuff. I was like a little kid again playing in the mud today. It was pretty fun. Now, though, it is time for me to quit. I'm tired, and we just had "church service" together so I've got a lot on my mind. Night all!

110 degrees of misery

I had every intention of posting yesterday, but we ended up having dinner with Ozzy (the Zs sound like Ss), the Israeli man that has been working with us at the dig. He works the crane that hauls the bags up and down the tunnel. He and his family had us over for the most amazing spread I have ever seen in my life. Everything was awesome, and when you thought it was over, more food came. I was so full. I have never seen so many meat products served in one meal, but it was awesome... and there was no pork, just chicken and lamb. My stomach was happy about the lack of pork at a cookout. No pork is typical for Jews but it seems that most cookouts in America have pork products, and they don't agree with my stomach.

The cookout was great, but we got back to the hotel super late, then had to be up at five this morning to travel south to the Dead Sea region. Needless to say, today was a bit rough. Not just for lack of proper sleep, but for the temperature too. It got over 100 Fahrenheit easily; I think they said it got to around 110. Absolutely oppressive. Michigan summers are soooo much more appealing now that I've felt the desert in the srping, lol. It was still a good trip despite the heat, though, now I realize how rough 40 days and nights must have been for Jesus. I could hardly last 30 minutes without water out there.

No photos today folks, sorry. I'm trying to make this quick so I can sleep, and photos take forever to upload. Feel free to google though.

Our first stop was Masada. Incredibly impressive place. It was another palace complex and stronghold of King Herod's; his winter home since the heat is so miserable this time of year. Masada is built up on a mountain. You should seriously see some pictures of this place, it's pretty intense.

After that we made a quick stop at En Gedi, where David was hiding from Saul (1 Samuel 23). Pretty much we went to go see the nice waterfall there.

The most interesting part of the day was the Dead Sea. It was kind of bizarre actually. You float so easily that it's more like hovering. The "beach" is lined with salt build up. It was definitely an experience not to miss. The water feels so thick and slimy, and even the tiniest cut burns, but once you're all washed off, your skin feels so smooth.

By the time we headed to out last stop of the day, Qumran (where the Dead Sea scrolls were found), I started feeling pretty dizzy. I was well hydrated and had eaten enough that it wasn't my blood sugar, but I was definitely overheated. My heart would not stop racing. I really didn't enjoy the last stop very much. It was interesting, but my brain was foggy and all I wanted was some air conditioning. Once we finally got back to the hotel and I got to lay down in the AC, I started feeling much better. I think I will stay in a mild climate forever. Maybe not Michigan, but some place with a similar climate.

Well, it's bed time. We have another 5am wake up tomorrow with a long day of touring. This time we are headed north so it won't be so hot. I do, however, have to wear jeans and a t-shirt since we are visiting some holy places, and shorts and a tank-top are a no go. Goodnight!