Israel...Netanya & Caesarea

 The second day in Israel was a great one! We first started off the day by going down to the Mediterranean Sea and walking on the beach.  We then went to Netanya College where they have dedicated an area of the College to Orson Hyde. They call it Orson Hyde Square. They have a really large oak tree that has 5 trunks that all come from the same root. They also have planted an olive tree for all the past and present Prophets of the church. It was really cool to see names that I knew and could recognize clear across the world!

Mediterranean Sea

Me and NaDene at the Mediterranean Sea

Plaque for Thomas S. Monson.... They had one by each Olive tree for each Prophet.

Thomas S. Monson's Olive Tree

Me in front of the oak tree

  The next stop was to Caesarea.... this is where there are a ton of ancient ruins. There is an ampitheatre, a temple, and an arena area where they had chariot races. Sam took us on a great tour and taught us a lot about the area. Paul was held prisoner here and they also found a stone that had Pilates name on it.  Confirming that he was around back then and backing up that the stories in the Bible are true. It was so amazing to walk around the ruins and just take it all in. I could not believe that there was so many ruins and it just seemed to go on and on. We saw some beautiful views of the Mediterranean Sea and some really cool areas that they were excavating. They were in the middle of excavating a mosiac floor. It was a neat experience to watch and see how careful they were at uncovering parts of it. I think the most amazing part is to think how long ago it was made and that it has lasted until today! What an experience it was to walk around the ruins and think back to the Saviors time and wonder what people did back then and how life was. It sure made you think about life and thankful for modern day technology. :)

Ruins at Caesarea

More ruins at Caesarea

Me at Caesarea

Me at Caesarea Ruins

Theatre in Caesarea

View from Caesarea

Tomb

Me at Caesarea

The stone that was found that contains Pilates Name

Caesarea

NaDene, Me, and Travis at Caesarea

Caesarea.... Where they did Chariot Races

Where the Chariot Races would begin

Mosiac Floor

Mosaic Floor

Ancient Temple in Caesarea

Gate at Caesarea

Aqueduct in Caesarea

So it has been awhile since I have blogged.... Hopefully you will start to see more posts from me. My computer broke and I had to wait until I could afford another one. I finally got my new lap top and can blog away now. So hope all is well and that you all enjoy the pics from my awesome trip!