Saturday

Friday afternoon and evening were free time. It was a little strange but I managed to fill in the time. Saturday we started at 7:30 am. We first went to Nazareth and the Church of the Annunciation (were Mary received the angel's message about being the mother of Jesus. Dr. Elizabeth knew the curator and we not only got to see the Church but a closed area where they have found early first century living areas which are rock caves, natural and carved out, which was probably the kind of home in which Jesus lived. The Church I saw last time I was here (13 yrs ago), but the extra was great. We visited a couple of other churches which are associated with Mary's life in Nazareth. Then we went to a synogogue which was probably 3rd century but would have been very similar to the one Jesus attended in Nazareth.
Next we went to Zippori which was an affluent town shown by the elaborate buildings and the many mozaics found there. It contains a mozaic called the Galilean Mona Lisa. There was much to see, a Roman fortress, a synogogue, a collumade (an ancient shopping center) and many other ruins. Next we went to Migiddo, in the Valley of Jezrel, in Revelation it is the place of the final conflict, Armaggedan. It is the place of many battles through history, it is the place where King Jehu of Israel was shot dead by an enemy arrow. No wonder they piced that place for fortresses you can see forever in every direction covering both caravan routes through Palistine.
Next we went to Ceasarea Maritime, were Herod the Great built one of his great cities. He built what we would call a modern harbor, an amplitheater seating 40,000 people, a hipadrone for chariot races, a couple of palaces and a swimming pool although it is right on the Mediteranian Sea. It is where Paul was imprisioned for two years waiting to be tried and then claimed his Roman citizenship and appealed to Ceasar. It is also the place where an inscripion to Pontius Pilot was found. We had a two hour drive home and arrived just in time for the 7:00 pm dinner.

Thank God Its Friday

Last nights lecture was about Herod Philip's takeover of the Golan area of Palistine, and his activity in the area of Bethsaida. This morning we found a gold coin of the Roman period of Bethdaida. That is the big news so far. Today I got acquainted with washing pottery. Yes every piece has to be washed. The Dirctor said that we would be finding millions of pieces of pottery shards this year. I sort of questioned that in my mind, however now after washing thousands of pieces myself with two others doing the same thing I belive it is possible. We quit a bit early and went by each of four areas where the dig is going on at Bethsaida, and heard what each group is doing and what they have found so far. The real surprise is that we now probably have a level 7, which goes back earlier than anyone suspected.

Tomorrow morning we leave for a tour of several Biblical sites that are near to the Kibuttz. We come back to the Kibuttz for the evening and then do another tour on Sunday. (To Gloria, I have tried several different methods to telephone and have not been able to complete the call. I am searching for a method that works.)

It's a long week

I cannot believe it is Thursday already. We got to the bus at 5:30 am in the middle of an Israelie thurder and lighting storm, just a sprinkle but very unusual. We are still working to uncover the wall if it is a wall. Many findings of pottery shards. We found a coin this morning but it turned out to be a modern Syrian coin, dropped when the area was Syria before the six day war. Another group found a tenth century ear ring. In another area they have discovered a wall which may go farther back than anyone thought to the 12 th to 11th centuries. Mid morning we got such strong winds and dust we had to stop and have breakfast early. The wind kept colapsing our sun nets. I have had lunch and am doing my blog in the Museum where the internet is free. I found out you have to have an Israelie modeum to use the wireless system here. This afternoon we will do pottery reading at 4:00 pm. I have found it very interesting to find out what some of our findings mean. We are actually at a first century site in the area I am digging in (in which I am digging, for you Bethany) Last night our lecture was about the ancient medical practices and instruments. I am not sure what is on for tonight. I am tired but having a great time getting to know everyone and doing something I have always wanted to do.

Arrived Safely and got a tour of the Bethsaida Site

Had a very uneventful trip, the 777 plane was fantastic and smooth as a baby's behind. I am rooming in the dorm with three yound adult males from West Virginia Univerity. I actually met them before we borded the plane in Newark. There are aproximately 20 young adults in the dorm. Have met and am getting to know the fifty people who are working on the Bethsaida Dig. Dr. Rommie Avram of University of Nebraska Omaha, is the Director of the Dig and Dr. Carl Savage of Drew University is the Asso. Director. Along with WVU, Drew University, and U of NB, we have Rocky Mountain University and a number of individuals like myself. Kibbutz Ginasor is beautiful, nestled on the Sea of Galilee. I have taken many pictures but have not yet made an attempt to post them.
We toured the Bethsaida Site today and I found it fascinating. You immediately see the ruins of a 10 th century BC wall as you come into the site. Up the hill is the largest city gate found in all of Israel and the Middle East. It is called a four chamber gate. There is a palace area and a residence area. Tongue in cheek we saw "Peter's House" which is actually called the Fisherman's House, the Winemaker's House and yes it had a wine cellar in which the found the wine bottle pottery (no wine), the other is called "Luke's House" because they found some ancient medical impliments.
Tonight we get off with just a lecture, at 8 to 9pm. Tommorrow we start the day at 5:30 am. More to come.

This is the day I leave for my great adventure (at least to me). I want to thank all of you for praying for my trip, my safety, and my enjoyment. You'll never know how much I appreciate that. So here's to signing off for now and all that is to come. Dr. Hall

Here we go!

Getting the blog page set up so I can keep you all up to date on my trip.