Our First Day on Pilgrimage!

Hey, our darling Siestas! This is your happy but bleary-eyed Siesta Mama writing you from our first stop on pilgrimage. Melissa, the entire LPM staff (minus AJ and CJ), many of our volunteers (for whom this trip was thrown) and I made it to Tel Aviv about seven hours ago, loaded onto buses and headed a half hour’s distance to Joppa. (We are 100-strong) For those of you who are interested, this is the very place Jonah boarded a ship to flee from the will of God. It is also the place Peter raised Dorcas (Tabitha in Aramaic) from the dead. We do not know why she was named Dorcas. We hope it was not because her father was an infamous Dork of antiquity.

Perhaps many of you know by now that Curtis’s beloved maternal grandmother passed away suddenly the night before our flight so AJ did exactly what she should have done. She cancelled out on the trip and headed to Missouri with both children to stand by her man. We miss her so much and bear all the Joneses on our hearts as they mourn their loss and celebrate the absolute certainty that she is with Christ.

We will spend tonight here in Tel Aviv then load back onto the buses in the morning and head for Caesarea and Megiddo. Here are a few pictures Melissa has taken for us so far:

The beautiful coastal city of Joppa, our first stop on the trip.

The Mediterranean Sea

Our First Teaching Session overlooking the Sea:

(I got a little amused when I looked at this one. That’s Hawk standing up in the back. She’s keeping a good eye on her charge. That would be me.)



The Hebrew Text of Jonah which mentions Joppa as the town where Jonah boarded a ship for Tarshish in attempt to run from the Lord (1:3). (That’s Melissa’s Bible. Not mine.)

While we were in route, we came upon quite an intriguing sight. This is a gathering of Jews from one of the most orthodox sects in Israel. They are protesting a building development they believe to be upon an ancient gravesight.

And to make things more interesting , they were “helped” into a restricted area by some police.

Our sweeping view of Tel Aviv from the Hotel

We wish every single one of you Siestas were with us here! We’ll try to stay in pretty close touch. We love you!

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209 Responses to “Our First Day on Pilgrimage!”

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Comments:

  1. 151

    I LOVE to look at pictures of people’s trips to Israel; I dream about doing there some day!

    Where would one sign up to go on a Beth Moore tour of the Holy Land?

    God Bless and keep up the awesome teaching of God’s mighty Word!

  2. 152
    Cheryl Carr says:

    Praying with and for you as you’re exactly where I’d love to be in Tel Aviv. Enjoy it with every fiber of your beings!

  3. 153
    Valerie says:

    Wow. that’s all I can say without leading to envy 🙂
    I truly hope that this trip is as much of a blessing TO you Beth as I know it will be to others THROUGH you.

  4. 154
    Portia Keena says:

    I received my Ruth bible study book in the mail today and I can hardly wait to start. Last summer’s bible study absolutely rocked my world and changed my life. I just can’t wait to see what God has in store for this summer.

  5. 155
    Nikki B says:

    LOVE THIS! Those pictures are amazing! Would give anything to be there. Enjoy, sweet sisters! We love you and will benefit from what God does in you while you’re there. Hurray!

  6. 156
    Sue Reinke says:

    Glad all arrived safely. Is Beth’s teaching time being filmed for a future Bible Study? Loved the photo’s, your trip is on my “bucket list”.
    Blessings,
    Sue
    Carmel IN

  7. 157

    Thank you for sharing your updates and pics of your trip. For those of us at home we can still imagine being there with you all. <3
    My prayers are with Curtis and his family.

  8. 158
    Pat says:

    Glad you made it safely. Hope you all have a wonderful time!
    Amanda, I am so sorry to hear about Curtis’s grandmother. May God fill Curtis and your family with peace and joy at her being with Jesus.

  9. 159
    Becky Bell says:

    I join with other siestas to say our love and prayers are with you Amanda, with your dear Curt and his whole family.
    It seems so hard to bear coming at this particular time but surely you’ll be able to look back later and see how God was gracious even in the timing of her homegoing.
    Dear Beth, I’m wondering if the teaching on Jonah will be part of a future study….please, please? (nothing like begging….)
    Praying it’s a wonderful trip for you all and good nights of sleep all around –

  10. 160
    Mollie says:

    May Father bless you all with a special covering of His love and presence! May His word come alive for each one of you and this be one of those joy-filled glimpses of His ways–higher, awesome, wonderful!

    We visited Israel and Turkey this Spring with our family. Joppa, Cesearea, Bet Shean, Akko. To look out over Valley of Ai (Ayalon) and think that Joshua asked the unimaginable of his God! May you dream and ask beyond your imaginations of a big and glorious God!

    We added Efes (Ephesus) after recently studying the Beloved Disciple (a must!), to see John’s neighborhood and lean into our Daddy, forsake ambition for affection and be-loved! What a revelation of love!

    All that for all of you! Love from a sister serving in Japan

  11. 161
    Marilyn says:

    thanks soooooooo much for the pics and the play by play of the first day at tel aviv……oh how i wish i were with you……..but this is the next best thing………i’m with you in spirit….i’m heading to florida on my vacation friday but i’ll stay tuned from the road, love, M

    condolences to cj, aj, and family

  12. 162

    Not sure I can comment….you have taken my breath away! I guess I just didn’t know how very beautiful the Promised Land really is !! Thank you so much for taking time to let us get a few peeks through your eyes!

    God bless and stay safe!

    Marilyn…in Mississippi

  13. 163
    Carolina Cheesehead says:

    Wow – the pictures bring the Scriptures alive in a whole new way! Thanks for sharing.

    Amanda – you rock girl! I wanna be like you.

  14. 164
    Maria says:

    Amanda, My heart broke and I teared up for you. I would of cried my eyes out not to go, but the Lord is doing something in you to make you be with your husband and family ..like your mom said is the right thing to do. I’m so sorry for your loss. Write to us soon. With Love!!

  15. 165
    Summer says:

    Amanda, I’m so sorry for Curtis’ and your loss. I will be praying for you guys and Curtis’ family.
    Ms. Beth and all the ladies overseas, have a blast and be safe!! I’ve always wanted to go to the Holy Lands and you guys look like you’re having a great time!! Praying for you.

  16. 166
    Valerie says:

    I’m so sorry to hear about Curtis’s grandmother. He and his family are in my prayers.

    The pictures are so beautiful. I know y’all will have a wonderful, blessed trip – filled with tons of memories and stories to share.

    Good job, Hawk! You take such good watch care over Beth. 🙂

  17. 167
    Praises in the Valley says:

    i know it is hard to be missing something with family to be with other family. may God give you strength while you stand with your man. thank you for posting pictures!

  18. 168
    Pam Mundy says:

    That is one of the desires of my heart to go there some day. Thanks for taking us with you via the blog.
    Sorry Amanda for your loss.

    Pam

  19. 169
    Becky says:

    Awesome pictures. I remember last year teaching the book of Jonah in discipleship training. An awesome book for application in our lives today. Keep sending the updates. Praying safety and God’s blessings over each of you while you are there.

    Becky
    Attalla, AL

  20. 170
    Casey says:

    Oh wow – that looks like so much fun!

    This is my first visit to your blog, I attended the So Long, Insecurity simulcast and I have 2 chapters left in the book. I am 25 years old and married w/ one precious little 2 yr old daughter.

    I got pregnant with her during college and dropped out. I think I’ve been so plagued w/ insecurity that I convinced myself I could never go back. Well, I’m finally learning to be more secure and I can’t tell you how many times all day I whisper to myself “I am who He says I am!” But I am also now totally convinced that I can go back to school. I am praying about it a lot, and I know if this is His will I can do ALL things. I plan on enrolling in the fall to pursue a degree in Pharmacy.

    Thank you for the simulcast and the book and for believing you could do what God said you could do. You are my inspiration. I hope to write you in a few years as a happier, more secure pharmacist! 🙂

  21. 171
    Rhonda says:

    Please extend our deepest sympathies to the Jones family for their loss.

    I wish I was there with you all! Its cold here, and being in a warm area with a group of Siestas would be perfect!

  22. 172
    KaRetha says:

    Oh, how I wish I were there. I can’t wait to see and read each post. It brings back such wonderful memories. I had the privilege of going to Israel in 2008 after completing my cancer treatments. God is good to us and to walk where Jesus walked was just amazing! Be blessed!

  23. 173
    kim binnie says:

    Thanks for sharing with us!!!! Our prayers are with you all.

  24. 174
    KathyKnoblock says:

    My sympathy and prayers to the Jones family and you all. Also praying for blessing and safety on your amazing trip! In Jesus’ Love Kathy Knoblock

  25. 175
    Carla says:

    I’m so jealous! But i’ll try to not let it get out of bounds.
    The scenery there looks gorgeous and to be able to sit and hear beth teach there—such a blessing! I pray for your journey and safety. Have a great time together and keep in touch. I’m also praying for Curtis’s family as well. Carla

  26. 176
    Audrey says:

    Thank you for giving us a glimpse of what you’re seeing/experiencing! For those of us who have never been (and don’t know when we’ll get to go) it is a wonderful taste 🙂

    I am so sorry for Curtis’ family and will be praying for God’s reasons for calling his grandma home at this specific time to be evident soon. Even when we KNOW we’re in the place we should be, we can still have feelings of “but why didn’t I get to…”

    God is good.

    love,
    Audrey

  27. 177
    Dionna says:

    It’s beautiful.

  28. 178

    I was re-reading this and can I just say that I am so glad that the Lord did not give me the name dorcas?!? just sayin’

  29. 179
    BelievingGod1222 says:

    The pictures are great! I’ve been to Israel and want to go again. Soak it up girls!!!

  30. 180
    Shelly E says:

    My prayers are with all of you. Enjoy this amazing trip and may you feel the Lord’s presence everywhere. Blessings!

  31. 181
    Rhonda in Michigan says:

    Hey Amanda, I think it is time we heard from our World Travelers again…what do you think siestas? I thought that was the coolest thing that Beth said they were where Peter had raised Dorcas from the dead. Wow!

    Everybody have a good Friday, the weekend is coming.

    Blessings,
    Rhonda

  32. 182
    karensk says:

    Praying for Curtis & Amanda & family….sorry to hear about your grandmother. May the Lord bless you all and and may your family time be ultra-special. 🙂

  33. 183
    hisfivefooter says:

    It looks beautiful and old. The city, not you, honey! I wish I was with you and listening right now. As it is, a “quick word” with Beth Moore will have to suffice it on OneVoice. I love you all, please let us know how it is going.
    Lisa in Kirkland, WA

  34. 184
    apurefire says:

    Oh how I’d love to be there with ya’ll!! Can’t imagine anything more thrilling that to walk the Holy Land with my favorite teacher, Miss Beth ;o) I’ll be praying for a wonderful time together.

    And I’ll remember to pray for Curtis and the family during this time of loss. Amanda is quite a woman, to drop everything and be exactly where she needed to be.

  35. 185

    Oh how awesome to walk the streets where our Savior trod some 2,000 years ago. I’m sure you all will sense it’s more than nostalgic – it’s a time to savor the lives of those who have gone before us in the faith and whose hearts continue to echo through the portals of time…”He is real and He loves you!”

    Enjoy every minute of your trip girlfriends!! 🙂

  36. 186
    Fran McCurry says:

    You guys are living my dream! What a wonderful trip. My heart goes out to Curtis and Amanda. Love to all- Fran

  37. 187
    shaminder says:

    Hi guys! I’ve been absent from the blogsite for a while so didnt know of the latest stories.
    My condolences to CJ and family-may God give them strentgh and peace.
    Oh, I wish I was there with you guys in Israel. Thank you for the lovely pictures-one day the Lord will also allow me to visit…yeah in advance!
    God bless you all and keep you safe. Have fun you all!

  38. 188
    Nicole Unice says:

    Ah, to be in Joppa! I just finished writing a study on Jonah and I have to say I am completely entranced by the treasure of God’s word there. I wish you a fabulous trip…and to teach under that tree with that view…unbelieveable!!

  39. 189
    Warm in Alaska says:

    (Oh darn. I know it’s Dorcas-y of me…but I’m tres keen to get your next update…. Where are you all? What’s been going on? I so feel like the impatient three year old on Christmas morning…) Trusting everyone is in good health and having the time of their lives ~ but don’t overindulge on the falafels, girls!

  40. 190
    Rebecca says:

    I heard this week that the Israelis are doing emergency preparedness drills. Also they have been handing out NBC masks(Nuclear,Biological,Chemical)to every front door in Northern Israel. I also read a really great blog this week from a Rabbi who had met recently Christians in Israel who were at the Christians United for Israel summit. He had always felt alone in the world that no one was a friend of the Jews. He is now happy to discover there are lots of Christians that love the Jewish people. His name is Rabbi Moshe Rothchild. May God’s protection be on you throughtout your trip.
    Rebecca-Indiana

  41. 191
    Judy Huddleston says:

    My body is not there with you all, but just seeing the pictures made me seek out my Bible and reread all about Jonah. Prayers for your safety and the presence of God close to each of you.

  42. 192

    The pics are GORGEOUS! Praying that you all have safe and blessed trip!!

  43. 193
    Michelle says:

    It sounds incredible– I would love to go there someday. I hope you have an amazing trip– please report back often. What a blessed thing to actually be there where major events of the Bible actually took place!

  44. 194
    Leigh Gray says:

    Thank you so much for sharing with us that are not on the trip! What an incredible place to be! I love the Med. area! Praying for all that goes forth from this! Much love, Leigh

  45. 195
    karen heaps says:

    Hello Holy Land Travelers!
    Oh how I long to be with you. I walked where you are walking 2 years ago, and cannot wait to return! My life was changed forever on that trip! If you have time please visit Shevet Achim in Jerusalem. Check out the their website, http://www.shevet.org. The work God is doing there is phenominal. He is bringing children with debilitating and terminal heart issues from Irag, Moracco, Gaza, and other Arab areas to hospitals in Israel where God is healing physical hearts and spiritual hearts. This is especially precious as Christians, Muslims, and Jews come together trusting each other as God offers healing, love, and hope for the children and their families. The ministry is based on Psalm 133:1 – “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brothers to dwell together in unity.” Your life will be forever changed from meeting the children, their families, and the wonderful staff of Shevet Achim. I know your schedule is probably very full, but if you have the opportunity please treat yourself to this special experience!
    with love and prayers,
    karen

  46. 196

    Amazing! 😀
    What an incredible opportunity…

    What i wouldn’t give to walk a mile in one of your shoes. …hmm. i mean, *both* of one of you all’s shoes. 😉

  47. 197

    Hi,this is really a good jeans,I like the classic socks.

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