Hezekiah's Tunnel

In approximately 701 B.C. King Hezekiah had a tunnel built that ensured a study supply of water into Jerusalem. This 1,750 foot tunnel was built while the city was under siege by the Assyrians. Basically, two teams started at different ends and amazingly met in the middle. On our first full day in Jerusalem we went through this tunnel. I was terrified the entire day thinking of trekking through this tunnel. Why? Because I suffer from claustrophobia. No one was going to force me to go through the tunnel, but I couldn't imagine missing out on this once in a lifetime opportunity. We approached the tunnel through Warren's shaft. We wound down and down. But at least there were metal stairs and the passages were very large. I began to think that this might not be so bad. But then I saw it. The entrance to the actual tunnel. A very small tunnel with water still flowing through it. It was too late to back out so I braced myself and went for it. The first few steps into the tunnel took us into water up to my hips. Ice cold spring water! It literally took my breath away and I began to hyperventilate. Then I began to pray. I knew I could not make it through this tunnel on my own. God was going to have to take me through it. The water suddenly became much shallower...just to our ankles. We trudged single file through the dark, tiny tunnel. We each had a flashlight or else we would not have been able to see. Not that we could have lost our way since the walls were pressing in on our shoulders and at times our heads. While it was an amazing experience (you can still see the chisel marks in the stone) I was so happy to be out of that tunnel. Here are a few pics for your enjoyment.

Preparing to enter the tunnel through Warren's Shaft

Anita and Kathy. Check out the water line on Anita's pants.


Paul ahead of me in the tunnel. This gives you a sense of the size of it.
Squeeeeeeeze through Paul!

Even Anita and I had to duck in the shortest areas of the tunnel.

Israel Revisited - June 10, 2007

After approximately 18 hours in flight we arrived safely in Tel Aviv. Prior to deciding to go on this trip I never truly had a desire to go to Israel. However, seeing God's home for his people below me as we flew in to Tel Aviv brought tears to my eyes. Why didn't I want to visit this place sooner? As a Christian there is so much value and history in this land. If you have not yet made a trip to Israel I highly recommend it. It changed my entire perspective on my God and my Saviour, Jesus and it absolutely brought the Bible to life for me!

We immediately left the Tel Aviv airport and began our drive to Jerusalem. We stayed at the Gloria Hotel which is inside the old city walls. We were dropped off at one of the city gates and had to walk about a mile to our hotel. The tour bus was too large to navigate the small streets inside the walls. This was the first site we saw upon arriving.

As we went through that gate and began walking down the city streets I felt as if I was being transported back in time. Into ancient history. I could sense the age and history of the stones and buildings around me. And I could catch a glimpse of what Jesus saw when he walked the streets of Jerusalem.

We checked into our hotel and immediately had dinner and went to bed. Our travels exhausted us, but the thrill of what I would see in the next 14 days kept me awake most of the evening.

Israel Revisited - June 9, 2007

In June 2007 I had the amazing opportunity to spend 16 days in Israel. I've never really blogged about it primarily because I wanted to upload pictures and it has taken me this long to finally get them all uploaded. So I thought I would take the time now to revisit my travels to Israel.

We left DFW airport for Tel Aviv on June 9, 2o007. My parents and some of my friends were very concerned about my safety during this trip and my sanity for even wanting to go. I was primarily concerned with packing everything I needed for a 16 day trip into carry on baggage. There was no way I was going to check baggage and risk losing half my clothes! It is amazing what you can do if you set your mind on it. I was able to pack 2 jeans, 2 khakis, 1 black pant, 6 tops, 2 pairs of shoes, an extra duffel bag for bringing souvenirs back, a clothes line (to dry my clothes on after stomping them like grapes in the bath tub...the best way to get your clothes clean without a washer), laundry detergent, toiletries, a Bible, my large digital camera with extra lenses and a lovely traveling hat.

Now if you know me very well this was an amazing feat! I do not pack light. I have been known to take a very, very large suitcase on weekend trips. I guess the fear of losing my things outweighed the fear of not having just the right pair of shoes to wear for a trip to Ben Yehuda street for ice cream.