Elias Chacour, Bahai Gardens, Mount of Transfiguration (Mt. Tabor) (8/3)

Today we had the privilege to hear Elias Chacour speak. While I really enjoyed some of the themes and language about forgiveness that he used in his book Blood Brothers, I was not convinced that he shared the same message in person. I was encouraged by his challenge to never become one-sided; he also said, "I will never encourage you to tear down the wall, but to build bridges over the wall so that it disappears." He also stated that, "[The Jews and Palestinians] do not need to learn how to live together, but they need to remember how they lived together [previously in peace]." He was a very gracious and hospitable host and his style of sharing with us was largely narrative in nature, making the connection between what he said and what he meant slightly more challenging. Still it was nice to meet him and hear from someone who has been living in this land and serving its people for so many years.

It was another brutally hot day, yet we put on smiles and are embracing the adventure. We traveled up Mt Carmel that over looks the Bahai Gardens and the harbor of Haifa. The harbor is impressive in size and watching the massive container-ships that filled the port and surrounding seaside was exciting. The Bahai Gardens were of a magnitude that I have not seen matched. They extend well down the mountain side, although we were only able to walk through the first two levels. The beauty was stirring and I have included a few pictures that perhaps capture the regal elegance better than my words.

After the gardens while we were having lunch (which for me was a delicious chocolate croissant), we saw on the news that some gunfire had been exchanged between the Israeli military and the Lebanese military. Being less than 22 miles from the border this was fairly disconcerting. The details were unclear as our ability to communicate in Hebrew is close to zero and we able to discern little from the store owner's broken English.

Fortunately, it didn't seem like it was escalating into anything major and I felt for the most part safe and secure. We then traveled up to the Mt. of Transfiguration (Mt. Tabor) where we were able to take some pictures and see some views that overlook a large agriculturally rich valley that lay below. It was inspiring to be where Christ had been; I think this place had special significance for me since I have written a sermon on The Transfiguration. The idea that Jesus teaches us that He did not come to change/fix the problems of the world in the way we think He should, but instead invites us to travel down the mountain, carrying our cross and following Him in obedience - even to death is as challenging to us as it was to Peter. However, the promise of the text is that Christ is with us. He walked before us and He walks alongside of us now. All that is left is that we daily pick up our cross and follow Him.

While we were there several fighter jets flew overhead adding to our curiosity about the current situation between Israel and Lebanon.

Back at the hotel we had some breaded chicken, french fries, and watermelon, another game of football with the neighborhood boys and then some down time. There was a bit of drama with our guide as we were trying to find one of our team members, and unfortunately the situation escalated to ridiculous proportions. It was quite surprising, disappointing, and frankly shocking. Why he reacted in such an extreme matter was not clear and seems to me that there may be something deeper at the root of the issue. I was quite amazed at his lack of concern for a fellow human, and irrational anger and inappropriate language. Ultimately, this led to us getting a new guide in the morning (after an attempt by our leader to reconcile the situation). Ci la vi.