Our journey from Amman to Petra took three hours and we filled the time with a Devotion offered by Steve, Pastor of the Richwood UMC, prayer, singing, and more history and information from Michele Intersting than any of us could individually retain. What a blessing it was to come together in prayer and thanksgiving, enjoying the promise of the day and grateful for Sharon's full recovery. The terrain was barren, with only isolated patches of green and many wondered aloud how people could live so far from town ... apparently many of these folks have not seen West Texas and the Panhandle!
Arriving at "Petra" is only the beginning of the Nabatean adventure for one has to navigate 1 1 / 2 miles of rocky, rough terrain to finally see the Excavated community and the Treasury, as it is known. The options for this journey are few: ride in a two passenger carriage drawn by a horse and driven at high speeds up and down the Bumpy trail or walk. We chose to walk - at least down the hill! Michele did an excellent job of Explaining to us the history of the Nabatean society, at least as much as is known. A powerful community along the trade route that including King's Highway, it Existed before and during the time of Jesus. The Excavation of their city is estimated to be only 9% complete, but already includes some phenomenal work. In the slide show you will be able to see the graves that the Nabateans carved out of the sand stone for the Interment of their family members. The most intricate of these Tombs likely Belonged to middle and upper middle class families, all families with creating something for loved ones to speed the process of the soul's ascension to the heavens and subsequent Reincarnation (a belief shared by many cultures of the time.)
The Treasury is the most intricate of the Tombs, it's name a Misnomer Mistanken Arising from the belief that there were Fortunes stored within it's walls and Adornments. However, this amazing structure was the final resting place of five the Nabatean kings. Pictures in the slide show will give you some idea of the beauty of the Treasury, but no picture, not even the Filming of Indiana Jones, truly captures the sheer magnitude and beauty of the work. The presence of Camels in front of the Treasury delighted many ... and Intimidated some .... and appropriate pictures have been posted for Posterity! The walk back up to the main road proved something of a challenge and certainly worked out any residual effects of 30 hours of mandatory sitting. We all made it back to the bus though.
From the Youngest to the oldest we drug ourselves back without injury save the Headscarf pin that Punctured Janelee's foot after she somehow managed to pick up it up in the sole of her walking shoes. A phone call back to the states confirmed what she already suspected: her last Tetnus shot was too long ago! So it was back to The Specialty Hospital this evening for me - this time to keep Janelee company and perhaps see once again the new friends I made last night. I am so impressed by the level of care and Personable, Casual manner in which it was offered ... no chart, no admission for something so small as a tiny Puncture ... just a quick look at the foot ensure nothing was broken off within the skin and a trip down the hall to the pharmacy for an "anti-Tenus" shot (they do have a point about proper terminology!) We were out the door fifteen minutes and ten dollars later ... what a deal!!
Well, it's rather late here and our wake up call is at 0600 to prepare to depart for our excursion to Mount Nebo tomorrow morning. We will stand where Moses stood and see what Moses saw as he looked out across the land which God promised to the Descendents of Abraham. But we will get to do what Moses never did ... we will bid Farewell to dear Jordan, cross the river into Israel and set foot in the Promised Land. It will be a wonderful, blessed time that we will each experience in a unique way. I look forward to the Richness of the day and the promise of the days before us. Although, I do wonder what I shall do for evening entertainment without the chance to visit The Specialty Hospital? Seriously, the Joshua and Murfreesboro groups have had their trips to the doc and the folks from New Jersey seem to have their act together so maybe we are done. It was an interesting experience though, and if I have some time later I will share with you the observations I made as I people-watched in the waiting room. It opened a window into the real lives and relational dynamics of our Jordanian friends I would not have had without our side excursions beyond the walls of the hotel and outside the Confines of the bus.
One last blessing tonight: Laura Jean arrived shortly before dinner and while she missed the Petra experience completes our group. We are grateful for her presence with us.
Sleep well, dear friends, and know that you are all appreciated. Stories of loved ones and home have come alive in the telling and we are enjoying getting to know one another and those who love and support us from afar. You are here for we've each carried you with us. There is a saying among our Jewish brothers and sisters, "Next year in Jerusalem." In that spirit of hope and Anticipation, we say, "Tomorrow in Jerusalem!" Until then, peace and grace be yours.
Fabulous pictures....so glad all are well. What a frightening beginning. Continued prayers for everyone's good health and enjoyment! Kim.
ReplyDeleteGreat slide show...!!!!! WOW!!!!!
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