Jerusalem

We have arrived in Jerusalem!   We left Tiberias and went to Jericho where we saw the Mt of Temptation, the Tel of Jericho and the sycamore tree.  We had a wonderful lunch and traveled on to the Bsptismal site on the Jordan River.  20 of our group were baptized.  At this site there is a fence down the middle of the river which separates Israel and Jordan.  It is believed to be very near the site of Jesus baptism.  We saw many date palm groves bananas and olive groves.  I say UP because Jericho is 1000 ft below sea level and Jerusalem is 2400 ft above and only about 30 miles apart.On the way UP to Jerusalem we saw shepherds with sheep, gosts, camels, and bedouin camps. then on to Bethlehem where we shopped at the Bethlehem Souvenir Center then back to our hotel (The Leonardo) for the evening.  We went to see our friend Abraham who owns a shop near here.  After a wonderful meal we met together to discuss plans tomorrow for touring the Old City, Mt of Olives, Gethsemane, and more. Wr appreciate your prayers as we continue the journey.