From the Golan Heights

When we imagine Israel, we often think of a desert landscape. But the North of Israel - and especially the Golan Heights - are a nature lover's paradise! Our morning began with a hike through the Tel Dan nature preserve. It was lush and green, with water bubbling up from the ground. In fact, we stopped at the very spring which is the source of the Jordan River - many of us took the opportunity to kneel down and drink directly from this "Source of Life." From there, we drove up to the very top of the Golan Heights, where we saw with our own eyes why it is such an important strategic location. We drove ATVs right up to the border with Syria, where we looked across at Israeli soldiers, UN peace keepers, and Syrian soldiers within a few hundred yards. Just as important, we walked through the fields and picked cherries which were, honestly, just a bit sweeter than the ones we get back home. Now, our group is laughing and talking over lunch, enjoying each other's company, and reveling in the opportunity to enjoy the fruit of our Promised Land.