Part one of our visit to the Holy Land is over, part two is about to begin as we head to Galilee.

Some of the highlights of our trip so far...

1) The first sight of Bethlehem, that most famous of towns. Wonder at being in this special place, but sad to see the wall snaking around that town.

2) Visiting the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, where Jesus was almost certainly crucified and rose again.  Four of us singing "When I survey the wondrous cross" in the Calvary chapel and our voices filling the church.

3) Standing on the Mount of Olives where Jesus wept over Jerusalem, looking over the city - simply breathtaking.

4) Sitting on the southern steps of the temple mount that were built by Herod two thousand years ago, knowing that Jesus would have walked up those steps and maybe chilled out there with his disciples.

5) Visiting the Temple Mount, and walking around the Dome of the Rock, which is a simply beautiful building.

6) Walking down a 2,600 year old water conduit.

7) Visiting a reformed synagogue, feeling welcome and enjoying the worship.

8) Singing in beautiful church buildings, where the acoustics have been fantastic.

9) Bobbing in the Dead Sea - great fun!

10) Finally, and most importantly ... seeing the Bible come to life before my eyes.  Realising just how prophetic Jesus was when he predicted the destruction of the temple is just one example.

There have been so many highlights; so much I've yet to process.  I won't be able to blog over the next few days, so i'll write my reflections about Galilee upon my return to England.