Well, here we are in the middle of the winter, housebound. There just isn’t a lot that we can do, unless you are on Oasis with us cruising in the Caribbean. But that is a column for next month.
During this time of the year, I seem to get in a lot of reading. It is wonderful to pick up a book and be able to know the streets and places the author is talking about. The book might be set in Seattle, or Rome, Russia or Hong Kong. If you have traveled to those places, you can just immerse yourself and it all is more real.
I just finished reading “Killing Jesus” by Bill O’Reilly. I know, the title is horrible unless you know about “Killing Lincoln” and “Killing Kennedy.” They are all historical in nature and not political or religious. “Killing Jesus” is the historical account of the life of Jesus. It follows his life from birth to death and truly makes the Bible come to life. For me, it validated so many things that I have been taught and have just taken on faith.
An article on Jerusalem just the other day reiterated the fact that what I had been reading was all so real. It was about a new find that is probably the exact spot of Jesus being sentenced.
All of this brings me to the fact that we have scheduled a trip to the Holy Land in October. It is for 10 days, traveling to so many places that we have read about — Tel Aviv, Jaffa, Caesarea, Tiberias, Nazareth, Galilee, Jericho, Qumran, Masada, Bethlehem, Jerusalem, Mount of Olives, Mt. Zion, and Wailing Wall. Visit Cana, considered the site of the First Miracle where Jesus turned water into wine. Go to the Mt. of Beatitudes, site of the Sermon on the Mount, and Tabgha, site of the Miracle of the Loaves and Fishes.
This is a totally guided tour offered by Collette. Hotels are first-class, and you will have someone with you every step of the way. I am very excited about this opportunity. If you would like further information, contact me and I will send out a complete brochure.
Now, of course we have other things going, as well. How about our annual trip to the harness races in Canada? This will be in March, even though the exact date has not yet been set. There are always dinner dates and mystery trips. In April there is still room on the 19-day trip from Tampa, Fla. to Vancouver, B.C. through the Panama Canal. In June we are heading across the mountain to Leavenworth, where I have rented a beautiful home overlooking the Icicle River. Our calendar is always evolving, so get on the email list at linda.finch@gmail.com or call me at 253-927-8207.
Read a good book and enjoy the fact that you know where they are talking about. Travel and expand your horizons.