Someone in the tour said it best, "I'm still processing." I loved that I got to see so much of Israel each day! The days were typically from 8am to 4pm and were packed with sites and information. I took the time that we had at night to process, journal and write about my day and review the pictures that I took during the day.

I felt safe the entire time. Our guide, Jarir, knew Israel like the back of his hand. It also felt like he had a pulse on everything that went on throughout Israel. He had so many connections and knew the areas that were good for us to go to. Just like you don't want to go to watts in LA, there are some places that you don't want to go to in Israel. Jarir knew those places and stayed far from them.

The pace of the trip was kind of quick during the tours because Jarir wanted to make sure we got to see as much as we could. I appreciated that so much! He kept us on schedule, and I always felt like he had things under control. Even when traffic was heavier than we expected, he got us to Cana and made sure that the couples were able to renew their vows.

Imad was our driver for the trip and he amazed us all at his ability to drive our bus so well and maneuver it through all of the cities! This was another thing I did not worry about during the trip. He did a great job at getting us to where we needed to go when we needed to go.

Now about Israel itself, it is a beautiful country! Well, definitely in Galilee. Reminds me a lot of Southern California except for the Dead Sea area. Jerusalem is a very busy and crowded city and it seemed like there was a church or something for everything. A lot of sites felt commercialized so it was hard for me to really dwell on the places and events that happened there. It was easier for me to do this at night after we got back from the tour for the day. For the places that were not as commercialized, I felt like I was able to soak in more of the meaning at the time I saw it. God spoke to me at a couple of places which was amazing. God also reminded me before the trip that just because I'm in Israel doesn't mean He is with me more than He is with me while I'm at home. As a Christian, Jesus is living inside of me so whether I am standing in front of the Garden Tomb or sitting in my office at home, He is always near.

I also liked the itinerary for the trip. We started in the busy cities like Jerusalem and ended up in the most peaceful town of Galilee where Jesus did most of His ministry.

If I have to give a favorite place, I would have to say my favorite place of the whole trip was Sacellum Primatus. Linda and Jarir added it at the last minute. This place is from John 21 where Jesus appeared with His disciples in His resurrected body and while they were fishing. This is also where Jesus asked Peter if he loved Him. I have been studying this passage of scripture recently and to see the place where this happened was so exciting! I could almost picture Jesus calling to His disciples and Peter jumping out of the boat to be with Jesus quickly! How incredible to be in the same place and feel similar feelings Peter had when he was on that day!

I would definitely recommend everyone to go to Israel if of they ever have the chance. It is amazing how the people and places in the Bible have become more alive now, that I have been where they would have been and seen what they would have seen! I pray that you also will have a chance to see the Holy Land of Israel and walk where my Lord walked! - Julia Degen, Tour Participant

I will never forget where we went and what we saw. The Bible came alive for me as we visited Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Galilee, and many more incredible places. My advice to anyone contemplating visiting Israel is to go, it is safe. Experience the history, the sights, the friendly people, and the food. Linda Ream-Miller and Jarir (our guide) made this a trip I will always remember. - Carol Sauer, First Presbyterian Church, Upland CA

I think having communion on the Sea of Galilee was, perhaps, my most memorable experience. Also, the Palm Sunday walk down the Mt. of Olives and the Via Dolorosa. Being with you, Jarir, and Pr. Chris was the perfect combination of obtaining knowledge and experiencing all these amazing places. The memory of some of the cathedrals may fade, but being there with such wonderful people will always remain in my heart. Thank you, thank you. - Karla Kniss, Grace Lutheran Church, Huntington Beach, CA

Masada with its sad history would be among the most impressive of the sites we visited. The places we visited where Jesus walked or talked were not crowded, so we could enjoy them much more. I thank Linda and Alpha 2 Omega Travel for suggesting the timing of this trip. The tour guide selected was also VERY special. We had communion and sang hymns in the small chapel at Jesus tomb as a VERY special addition to the travel that day. - Jerry Wilson, First Presbyterian Church, Upland, CA

There is so much rich history and for Christians, so many places to renew our faith by actually walking where Jesus walked. The most overwhelming feeling of awe for me was at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, but there were so many others that confirmed that our faith is in fact evidence based. We felt totally safe and secure with our knowledgeable leader, Linda, and guide, Jarir, who are very aware of everything happening in the Holy Land. This trip to Israel is a must do for all Christians. - Martha Merritt, Grace Lutheran Church, Huntington Beach, CA