The group decided to spend the morning touring some of Jerusalem's points of interest. We visited Hezekiah's tunnel, which water saved Israel from the Assyrians. The tunnel has shower-like acoustics with the ability to somehow improve one's voice. We sang hymns throughout and they were wonderful! We tried again later, and...not so much.
Exit of the tunnel. "Two tacos," a family joke from Alicia and my trip to Salisbury Chapel in England.
Our third day brought an amazing opportunity. On the south-west outskirts of the settlement, was a round structure. Apparently, circular structures are either little-known, or nonexistent in Ancient Israel. Here was an opportunity to excavate an anomaly. The circular structure was approximately 13' (+/-) in diameter, with rectangular stones framing it. There is a sill with a channel carved into the center, the likes that have been seen in funeral tombs. The circular structure The sill Dallin digging out the circular structure Another friend Dirty Work Slightly less dirty...hmmm. AN ANCIENT QUARRY One of the areas of import, was a deep quarry. The photos of the quarry can't do it justice. At approximately 60' under the ground, it is an ominous room. The work ethic of those who created and drew from this quarry is beyond impressive.
Members of the archeological team that wanted, could camp on the site. The evening camp This gave Dallin and I the opportunity to do some late night exploring. As of yet, I hadn't taken him to the main Beit Lehi site we'd visited in 2012. We took the afternoon and explored this site. The Idumean temple walls A sacred mikvah (ritual bath) Massive oil presses There's something about this room... The outer room... The inner room... There's just something about it. I want to go back and explore further. THE BYZANTINE CHAPEL To my surprise, as I led Dallin to the beautiful Byzantine church, with its mosaic floors, I sensed him stop. I turned to see him staring at the floors. He was clearly having a surreal experience. I walked away to let him have this moment. I have a video of the event, but it's too personal to share. It wasn't until later when I found him sitting in a stairwell, that I realized he was overwhelmed (po...
Some of the members of our group attempted to visit the Garden Tomb . If you're not familiar with this place, it is very sacred. The members of our group were unable to attend, due to the place closing, but after a short argument, were allowed to come back the following day and help clean the grounds. While this might not seem like a good compromise, to be able to spend the quiet hours of the morning, preparing it for the spiritual experiences awaiting those who were to come, was indeed a special experience. The experience was so unique, and the work was a blessing. The Garden Tomb in the morning hours A familiar sacred symbol
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