Ceaserea/Haifa, Israel – Ruins & Prophets

by Funhog Family on April 3, 2014

Caesarea National Park

We took a taxi to get our car rental around 10a.  The first thing I noticed is Israeli drivers are as fearless as they are fast.  There is no such thing as defensive driving here as everyone is on offense.  Kendall became such an amazing map reader that we pretty much stayed on course most of the day.  If you are using only a paper map with no electronics you are sure to set yourself up for more God encounters as you stop for directions each time you get lost!  Once we made it out of Tel-Aviv driving became much more manageable.  Our first stop, Ceasarea National Park.  It was here Paul was held prisoner before being sent to Rome (Acts 25).  Kendall and I were both enthralled with how everything was built.  We saw several sarcophagi, which are stone boxes called flesh eaters.  It is a special stone that quickens the decay process leaving only the bones.  We also saw the Hippodrome for Benhur style chariot racing and a still functioning Roman theater.  After leaving Ceasarea, we made our way up to Haifa.  We saw Mt. Carmel and stopped to see what some believe to be the place Elijah stayed prior to his mountain top experience against the prophets of Baal (1 Kings 17-18).  Later I found out Mt Carmel is also where David met Abigail.  I helped a Jewish grandma (after first asking permission) carry her cart up a flight of stairs to the cave and once there she insisted that Kendall and I enjoy her juice, dried fruit, and crackers.  On the way to our next apartment we met Orin who was incredibly helpful getting us on the right course.  Then we met Iris checking in.  She also was wonderfully helpful, giving us a great place to finish our day with yummy Italian.

The Big Arches

A Ben Hur Chariot

Kendall’s take:
April 3rd: – A Good Drive
We slept in till 8:00.  When I finally got up daddy was dressing after his shower.  The lady who checked us in had said to heat the water before using it.  Well, we couldn’t find the heater; so we took a very changeable (from hot to cold) shower.  Then we took the taxi to the car rental.  Daddy went and got the keys from the lady and we hopped in.  It was a big car (five seats and a trunk).  As we started driving down (or rather up) to Ceasarea, daddy found out he could not put the car in reverse.  He improvised and pushed the car backward with his foot (a Flintstone mobile).  We accidentally passed Ceasera without knowing it and decided to go back.  So, we went back, found it, and explored everything.  It was awesome!  On the way there, we passed a bunch of cool trucks (dump trucks, tractors etc).  It reminded me of my brother Elijah who is five and loves tractors and cool machinery.  In Ceasarea, we saw tombs above ground and a statue of a shepherd holding a lamb (reminding me of Jesus).  We had a little trouble with the maps finding our hotel in Haifa.  A kind man named Oren helped us.  Our hotel is so very nice (better than the other hotel).  I ate a delicious delicious I say, meat lasagna at an Italian restaurant our hostess recommended.  I was so full.  I have not had the need to eat since.

Daddy

Roman Baths

The Good Shepherd

Sarcaphagus

Camel Mosaic

Vault

Kendall Ruined!!!

Mt Carmel

Time to eat!!!

{ 14 comments }

Kerry April 3, 2014 at 9:22 pm

We are loving following you on your trip!! 🙂

Funhog Family April 14, 2014 at 9:34 am

Thanks Kerry! We have had a very special time and are waiting to get on our first flight home!

Diane Tuten April 4, 2014 at 3:54 am

Chariot races, amphitheaters, limestone buildings, Mt. Carmel, great food–looks like you two are finding more than enough to do! BEAUTIFUL scenery, including the special people! God bless you. Beats what we are doing–clearing brush and trees from the pasture!

Funhog Family April 14, 2014 at 9:50 am

That’s OK Grandma!!As soon as I get home,I’ll be taking over all Chloe’s jobs, and having awesome remembrances of my holiday with daddy in Israel!!!!!!! Thank you for writing.It blesses me a lot to have you write me when it sounds like your very busy! I love hearing about you time at home! I can’t wait to be home, but I would just LOVE-LOVE-LOVE to skip the plane ride! It is always fun to hear from you and I apologize that I haven’t written you back sooner but right now we have to sit at the airport for about three to four hours until our first plane leaves.I love you,Grandma!!!!!!!!
Love,
Kendall

Andrew April 4, 2014 at 7:00 am

My prayer has been for each step and misstep to be under his sovereign authority using everything for His glory and your blessing and to put those in your path who need to see Jesus in you as you go. Praise The Lord, He’s been doing it!

Funhog Family April 14, 2014 at 9:30 am

Amen! We have so felt the prayers and are so thankful for them Andrew.

Grachus Family April 4, 2014 at 9:44 am

We love seeing you at the Holy Land!!! It would be so neat to walk where Jesus walked. Have a great time! We love you 2.
-Hope Grachus : )

Lori Johnson April 4, 2014 at 11:59 am

Our Bible today with our children was reading about what your experiencing LIVE!!! Thank you for blessing us by sharing your journey!!!

We LOVE you guys!

Funhog Family April 14, 2014 at 9:26 am

Thanks Lori! Everyone needs to come and have this experience first hand. Kendall says thank you so much for the book too, she loves it and will be using it all the way home.

Jodi "Mom" April 4, 2014 at 4:16 pm

Hey there, we are reading through Acts and we keep coming across cities you guys are visiting. Miss you and love seeing the pictures!! Enjoy Tiberias and the sea of Galilee!

Marcia April 4, 2014 at 9:06 pm

So enjoying hearing about your adventure. Thanks for sharing the pictures and your stories praying for you !

Funhog Family April 14, 2014 at 9:24 am

Thanks Marcia! We have had quite the adventure and appreciate all the prayers!

Aimee Murphy April 5, 2014 at 9:21 am

What a GREAT adventure!!! Thank you for “taking us along” on your journeys. Blessings to you both and I pray for MANY GOD ENCOUNTERS!!!! Love you both!!

Funhog Family April 14, 2014 at 9:23 am

Thanks Aimee! We can so feel the prayers and appreciate you being in the trenches on our behalf!

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