On Sunday mornIng, our sixth day on our journey, we all attended The Evangelical Lutheran Christmas Church in Bethlehem. We were welcomed open-armed by the congregation and worshipped in Arabic and English.

Afterwards, we hopped back on the bus and descended below sea level to the Dead Sea. We changed into our suits and floated in the lake whose salt level is eight times the norm. Feeling buoyant and light as a feather, we spent the afternoon in the water and mud baths enjoying the afternoon sun and fellowship.

Our last stop before heading back to Bethlehem was the majestic site of the canyon of Wadi Qelt with a view of St. George’s Monastery.  The sun was setting and a calm breeze filled the air – a lovely ending to a wonderful day.

~ Cindy Young