G is for Gethsemane, Golan Heights, German, Goldstar, Garden Tomb, Gallicantu

G is for Gethsemane

On the lower slopes of the Mount of Olives is a grove of ancient olive trees. This spot is so named due to the trees – Gethsemane – gat-shamna is olive press in Aramaic. The garden is still very well kept. When we were there in 2016, they had just pruned the trees and some of our folks brought branches home. No, they weren’t supposed to do that. Did they get caught? Only one person did and she had the smallest amount! One of the trees is rumored to be so old that it could have been there when Jesus was there.

Jesus went to Gethsemane with his disciples to pray.

Located here is the Basilica of the Agony, also known as the Church of All Nations, because it holds artwork, etc. from just about every nation.

The mosaic on the front of the church is amazing and can be seen from quite a distance.

Inside the church, in front of the main altar, is the traditional Rock of the Agony upon which Jesus prayed and sweated drops like blood the night before his arrest. The rock is surrounded by a crown of thorns of wrought iron.

this was in 2016 and you can see

where the tree branches are

piled up after

pruning

roommate was kind enough to snap one of

me in the garden

the rock surrounded by gate of thorns

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I just love this picture with the sun overhead

G is for Golan Heights

The Golan Heights rise high above the sea of Galilee. This is a mountain area north-east of Sea of Galilee. Before 1967, Syrian troops constantly threatened the fields and orchards below in the Jordan Valley.

Tourist Israel the Guide states, “About 40 miles from north to south, and an average of 12 mils from east to west, it is a relatively small region. Despite its size, the Golan Heights is very important, supplying Israel with over one third of its water, and, historically as the site of many important battles.”

In 2016 and in 2017, we could see snow capped peaks as we were driving to Golan Heights.

A day or so after we arrived back in the US, the drone incident occurred. You can read about it here. 
I think these pictures are from Golan Heights two years ago because I think we prayed for Syria at that time.  If not, someone correct me.

snow capped mountains

G is for German

What? German? I thought this was a post about Israel. Yes, it is, but this was the only place I could work this in. Did you know that quality cotton is grown in Israel? Did you know that it GROWS in three colors? It grows white, orange, and yellow.  Did you know that a German man buys all of this cotton five years in advance??

G is for Goldstar

Goldstar is Israel’s main home produced beer. Not bad at all, some Israelis swear by it. It is marketed as a dark lager but is golden in color. I don’t drink beer but I’m always scouting out beer and bourbon for the dear hubs.

G is for Garden Tomb

The garden tomb is always a moving experience. The garden is lovely and it is amazing to go into a tomb and it is powerful to think that Christ may have been laid in a tomb like that one. On both trips, we ended our trip with the garden experience and we celebrated Holy Communion with all of the other pilgrims from our great home state!

sign on the door of the tomb

He is Risen, indeed!

communion cup in the garden

me - exiting the tomb (pink phone in hand!)

G is for the Church of St. Peter in Gallicantu

I love this place. I assume it is because I have always loved Peter. I can identify with Peter. The church stands on the site that is purported to be the House of Caiphas (more about this in
another post).

Luke 22:60-62 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)

60 But Peter said, “Man, I do not know what you are talking about!” At that moment, while he was still speaking, the cock crowed. 61 The Lord turned and looked at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said to him, “Before the cock crows today, you will deny me three times.” 62 And he went out and wept bitterly.

roosters everywhere - you could

actually hear real roosters

crowing all around

Rooster atop the statue depicting where Peter

denied Jesus