Most recent postings are first … I’ll try to keep everyone updated as often as possible.

From: Lane Hively [mailto:lane@hivelys.com]
Sent: Tuesday, April 04, 2006 2:59 PM

Subject: Update

April Fool's!!!!  Kelly and Kelsey!!! – Yeah, right!

Sorry I haven't written in a while - the internet was down.  I'm having a great time, except for when Aunt Virginia fell today and broke her wrist in a couple of places.  She's doing okay now, but it was very scary.  I think it's been two days since I last wrote.  We have visited just about every place possible.  We went to the field at Bet Shemesh where David fought Goliath and killed him.  We stood in the creek bed where David went to get his five stones.  It's all green and looks a little like WV.

We went to see the Dead Sea Scrolls at the Israel Museum.  We went to the Temple Mount where the Muslim Mosk now sits.  They allow non-Muslims up there twice a day - from 8-10:30 am and 1-2:30 pm.  We were to be very careful sitting up there.  It was beautiful.  We then walked the Via Dolorosa which is the path that Jesus walked the day he was crucified.  We went to the garden tomb where it is one of the two sights they believe Jesus was crucified and also the tomb is there.  IT WAS EMPTY!  Praise Jesus!!! 

We had a picnic lunch at the Panorama on the Mt. of Olives - a nice area with stone walkways and steps that have a panoramic view of Jerusalem - it was breathtaking.  We had a group picture taken there.  We ascended the Triumphant Entry route to the Garden of Gethsemane where Jesus prayed the night he was captured.  Of course there is a church over where it is believe to be the rock is he prayed on - the rock is in the middle of the church.

I also road a camel today!  I was very scared - but I did it.  Everyone said my facial expressions were priceless.

We have seen what is said to be the Birthplace of Mary, Jesus' Mother.

We ate dinner at a Moroccan restaurant and it was delicious.  I believe I could live off of Hummus everyday for the rest of my life! 

We went to the place where they say Peter denied Jesus 3 times and the rooster crowed.  The same place is where Jesus where held in the dungeon. 

I ate an Arab bagel that came with some spices that was delicious - now this bagel is not like ours - it is about 5 times the size & is an oval that is about a foot and a half long.  It was wonderful! 

We went to the Wailing Wall known also as the Western Wall.  We were given special permission to go to the Western Wall Heritage where they have dug underground all the way to the end of the Western Wall.  In the Wailing Wall (Western Wall), there is a place where they believe is the closest point to where the Arch of the Covenant was in the Temple back 2000 years ago.  In this place only 5 to 10% of the people are given permission to pray at this part of the wall.  This is where I placed the prayers people asked me to place on the wall for them. 

We went to the place they believe is where Jesus taught the disciples how to pray the Lord's Prayer - it was beautiful. 

We went to the Upper Room where it was the most amazing experience of my life.  We began singing and then prayed and then sang Hallelujah and this other tour group from Indonesia came and just starting embracing us, hugging us and crying - it was so precious.  Indescribable!  I had church on Sunday in the Upper Room. 

Well, my time is going to run out.  Tomorrow is a free day, so I will have more time to write as long as the internet is working.  I haven't sent postcards out yet - haven't had time. I'll try tomorrow, so you may get them after I return home. 

Love you all, See you on Friday!!

Lane

GoinPlaces426@aol.com wrote:

Hey Laney!

    Sorry it took so long for me to email back. I can't wait to hear all about it and see pictures. I don't think we are going to make it to DC Grans coming then, I think it just depends on if she wants to go or not. But anyway, I'm sure I will see you some other time, since I'm moving to West Virginia and all. Did Aunt tell you I am moving into Megan's old room at Aunt Hunt's house? I don't really like it here and I just need to get away and make a new start...and that way I can get in-state tuition to WVU. But about your trip....How was Bethlehem? I like the prayers that you are going to make. haha. Where have you gone since I talked to you, where are you going next?  I am soooo j! ealous. I'm going to call you I think tomorrow. Did you go to that Sea where you float always yet? Email back if you can. Love you lots, kelsey

Hello Lane-----

I hope you are having the time of your life------maybe you can help kelsey out when she gets there--she needs it...

LOVE YOU,

AUNT KELLY

From: Lane Hively [mailto:lane@hivelys.com]
Sent: Saturday, April 01, 2006 2:41 PM

Subject: Saturday

Hello everyone,

What a day!  I'm having a wonderful time.  I'm mostly overwhelmed by everything.  So much to take in...the days begin to run together.  Thank goodness for digital cameras to look back at in the evening!  At last count I have taken almost 1000 pictures!  I just can't stop taking them!  Aunt Yvonne has stopped using her camera and has given me her SD card to take more!  I'll probably have a picture party when I get back. 

So, today we started at Masada.  So much history at this place. it was amazing.  A movie was made about it in 1976 i believe.  This is also where David had the opportunity to kill Saul and chose not to. Also the Jews hid their because it was a cliff on all four sides and it made it difficult to get up there.  976 people lived in Masada when the Romans tried to invade...they ended up successfully invading, but found no one on the mountain ! when they finally broke through the gate- their leader had convinced the husbands to kill the women and children so they would not be captured as slaves and tortured...so the leader was the last one left alive and he ended up committing suicide.  two women and five children escaped from that because the women did not believe the leader was making a good decision.  The women came to the Romans afterwards and told them what had happened and they recorded it on scrolls found thousands of years later.  The excavation is amazing!  Again, they were so advanced.  King Herod would vacation there from Jerusalem.  The view was breathtaking!  To get to the top of this mountain we ascended in a cable car 1300 feet!  Amazing!!!!  I wasn't too afraid because i stood in the middle of the car and it held 80 people- we were packed in like sardines! 

We then ate lunch at a Kibbutz.  This is a communal living situation.  They are ! very interesting.  This Kibbutz managed to prepare their land in the middle of the desert to grow trees, plants, grass, flowers...it was beautiful.  Here we ait Schnitzel.  It was pretty good. 

We then ascended from 1300 feet below sea level to Jerusalem which is above Sea Level but i can't remember how far now.  It was amazing. We saw donkey's and camels along the way.  I can't explain the feeling i had when i first saw Jerusalem.  I was speechless.  It is huge!  We saw Bethany in the distance where Lazarus died and Jesus came to raise him from the dead.  It is now Palestinian ruled so their is a big stone wall around it preventing them from entering Israel. 

We then drove around and made our way to Bethelhem, which is also Palestinian ruled.  we had to deboard our bus and board another bus that had a Palestinian Bus driver and tour guide- who were both Christians.  There we went over! the border to Bethlehem.  We saw the actual cave of the Birth of Jesus- it wasn't a stable as always portrayed.  It was amazing- of course there is a church built over it- has been for centuries.  We had a service in the actual cave.short service, that is.  Interesting note- we had police man escort us through the city.  When we got to the Church of the Nativity we were escorted off the bus to the church by policeman.  We were also met at the gift shop by policeman to guard our busses and protect us.  It was really cool- I was never afraid.  They said they don't have many problems in Bethlehem, especially with tourists because they need the tourists money!  as we were leaving we had to stop for some Sheperds sheparding their flock of sheep through the roads of Bethlehem!  It couldn't have been more perfect!  The most funny thing was- one of the Shepards had a GAP sweatshirt on!!  haha  Of course i have pictur! es.  ;) 

We were unable to graize (sp?) the Shepards Fields where Boaz saw Ruth in the Book of Ruth due to security reasons.  Also, everytime we got off the bus the peddlers were in our face trying to get us to buy several things- cheap prices for good product- so of course i gave in a couple of times.  It was like New York City and getting rolex watches!

I'm having a wonderful time.  The hotel in Jerusalem is very nice.  Apparantly their is an Israeli Celebrity staying at the hotel and he came into the lobby and everyone came running...i tried to find out who he was but the lady couldn't understand my english.  It was funny though!  They all had pictures ready for him to sign!  :) 

Each day our tour guide- who is the #1 tour guide in Israel- receives a security briefing before we do anything...kind of like our Homeland Security.  Our tour guide- Shlomo- is amazing and he is very knowledgeabl! e.  He has lots to say!  And i'm very thankful.  He's supposed to teach us how to do some Jewish dances before we leave...hopefully we have time. 

Well, tomorrow we head to the Mt. of Olives, Garden of Gethsemane, and a couple of other places- I forgot where.  Jerusalem will be much more fast paced than this past week.  Can't wait to get back and show everyone all the pictures. 

Well, miss you all.  Wish I could write more- this is my longest email since I've been here.  This hotel is a five star hotel and it has two computers to buy internet access on in the lobby.  It is very busy hotel, lots of people and still very loud in the lobby at 10:30 at night.  Don't forget to spring forward tonight!  We will then be back to 7 hours difference- me 7 hrs ahead of you all. 

i'll try to write tomorrow. 

Love you all,

Laney

! PS I hope all my info is correct- Everything is just so overwhelming i keep getting places confused.  :)

From: Lane Hively [mailto:lane@hivelys.com]
Sent: Saturday, April 01, 2006 12:54 AM

Subject: Friday

Hello all,

Well, I left off most of yesterday's excursion.  We began by stopping at Beit-Shean.  It is the largest excavation sight, I think in the world.  It was once called Decapolis.  It was amazing- it's huge.  They were so advanced.  They had a theater with acoustics that were amazing.  We had some of our singers down on the stage and could hear them all the way to the top!  I videoed this.  We walked down Main Street of this city.  It was "paved" with black cobblestone.  To the sides were very wide sidewalks and back in the day they covered their sidewalks with a marble roof and huge pillars lining the street.  It was all destroyed by a massive earthquake.  When they began excavating all the pillars were laying on the ground.  They continue to excavate today finding the most amazing things.  In this city they had two bath houses where everyone came to bathe at the same place!&n! bsp; Could you imagine!!  I could just see camels and donkeys going down the street making their way to the theater for night of drama! 

We then began our journey towards the Dead Sea.  It is like night and day from the Sea of Galilee and the Dead Sea area- green/trees/flowers to desert- rock/dirt mountains.  And it was very hooootttt!  It only rains 3 inches a year at the Dead Sea.  their water supply comes from the mountains when it rains in Jerusalem.  The water runs down the mountains and makes a beautiful waterfall.  We saw this waterfall at Qumeran.  this is the place that David hid from King Solomon in 1 Samuel.  The waterfall flows into a beautiful pond and it supplies the water to the Dead Sea Area for sometimes up to 3 years. 

Today is Shabat- the Jewish Sabbath- interesting fact and I don't know why- but they can't push buttons- so the elevator in the hotel opens and closes on every floor! so they can board and not push anything.  The bedrooms also have automatic lights that come on when you enter! 

Well, gotta get on the bus.  We're heading to Masada and Bethelehem this evening.  I'll try to write when I get to Jerusalem.  Pray they have internet!!

Love you all,
Lane

From: Lane Hively [mailto:lane@hivelys.com]
Sent: Friday, March 31, 2006 10:58 AM

Subject: Finally- email again!

Hey,

What a blast the last three days.  We left Tel Aviv and made our way to Tiberias- stopping at Cesarea- wow!  It was one of the most beautiful sights I've ever seen.  I could have just spent the whole day there sitting on the rocks in the middle of the Mediterranean- of course we didn't have that much time- just about 45 minutes!  Can't wait to show the pictures.

Next we stopped for lunch at a hole in wall place called Oreintal Druze Restaurant.  We had falaffel- it was delicious.  Then on the Mt. Carmel which overlooks the Valley of Armageddon- OH MY GOODNESS!!!  Huge...you can see for miles.  You could see most of the places we drove through and stopped at throughout the day from that one spot! 

Next to Megiddo- an excavation sight- beautiful!! 

Then on to Nazareth- the boyhood home of Jesus.  There we went to the cliff where the Jews almost threw Jesus over the cliff for preaching in the synagogue.  Also saw Mary's Well.  We drove through Cana of Galilee- where Jesus performed his first Miracle at the Wedding.

Arrived at the Sea of Galilee- it was breathtaking!  I was so overwhelmed I was numb. 

That evening we went to a museum at a Kibbutz and saw a boat that was dug out of the Sea of Galilee that dates back to Jesus' time.  We also met the man who discovered the boat and got pictures with him.

While at the museum it was dark and I saw two shooting stars!!  Couldn't have been more perfect!

On Thursday we started the day at the Mount of Beattitudes- of course there is a church there!  Beautiful nevertheless.  On to Tabgha- where it is said that Jesus fed the 5000 men with 2 loaves and fishes.  Then on to Caperneum- the town of Jesus.  Peter's house was excavated along with a large Synagogue.  Beautiful!  Then took a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee!  AHHH!!  Then lunch where I proceeded to be the only one brave enough at my table to eat a piece of St. Peter's fish caught in the Sea of Galilee- everyone else had pizza!  haha  It was delicious!  Then the best part of the day- I was baptized by my Aunt Yvonne in the Jordan River!!  Praise God!!! 

Today we left Sea of Galilee and proceeded to the Dead Sea- lots of history I learned today.  I'll tell of that when I get home. I also have beautiful pictures!!  We saw where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered- the caves are amazing. 

Then I floated in the Dead Sea- so did Aunt Yvonne!!  It was wonderful!  I then I got my pedicure and massage!  Woa baby!! :) 

I'll write more later!  I have to go to dinner!!  I miss everyone!! 

Love, Lane

From: Lane Hively [mailto:lane@hivelys.com]
Sent: Tuesday, March 28, 2006 9:41 AM

Subject: The market

Glad you're getting my emails.  I'll try to email as often as I can...yes much more cheap than calling.  about $2.00 for 10 minutes.  Just enough.  Right now I'm on my friends laptop- she paid for the internet connection. 

anyway,

got up this morning and was exhausted still.  but, went to the street market on Benjamin St.  It was amazing...like on tv- fruits and veggies sitting out along with fish and other poultry.  It smelled like fish everywhere except for the periodic strawberry smell- what a beautiful strawberry. I got pictures...

So, came back to the hotel and took a nap- didn't mean to, just fell asleep and woke up 2hours later.  So, then jackie and I went to find lunch- we ate at Burger King- haven't had a whopper in years...but I had a whopper.  The menu was in hebrew- so i had to ask if they spoke English...the cute guy did, of course!! 

jackie and I ! are on our way to the jacuzzi...i just finished a chocolate bar with hazelnuts..mmmmmm...

Hopefully make it down to the mediterranean sea sometime this evening. 

Saw my first machine guns- men and women soldiers standing at the end and beginning of the market street- officially Benjamin St. Market.  then the next street over is a street for artists with a bunch of local artistry...very beautiful stuff.  to get on that street they scan you with a metal detector and check your bags- however I think American is written all over me cause they don't ever really check us...which is cool...but they even frisk people right in front of us.  I feel very safe- didn't feel unsafe at all today.  Lots of cute guys...

Well, heading downstairs.  it's 4:30 here now...which means its 9:30 there.  I'll try to write later...still looking for a calling card cause i don't think I'll be able to go that long without hearing mom or da! d's voice.  thanks for calling Jackie's sister and my work.  Tell them I might not be able to call them this week like I said I would on thursday...phone card issues. 

Love you all,

Laney

PS- Hello everyone mom forwards this too...I'll try to write as often as I can- email me if you have any questions or whatever.  Mom I'll be in the room tonight around 9pm- which is 2pm your time if you want to call...room #1617- dan panorama.  you can go online and get a calling card from AT&T and it's 29cents a minute- you get the card number online. just so you know dad!  :)  talk to you soon!

From: Lane Hively [mailto:lane@hivelys.com]
Sent: Tuesday, March 28, 2006 1:01 AM

Subject: Hello

Hello again.  jackie's roommate has her laptop so I thought I'd e! mail you again.  Please email me back that you got my emails.  Oh, and could you call Caroline at A. Yvonne's to make sure she got knows she is here okay.  Slept well last night. could sleep another couple of hours...but breakfast is soon!  The water is beautiful!  Not blue like I thought it would be...but it is beautiful, nevertheless.  Love you all...sleep well.  Oh- mom...I did not eat any chicken last night although it was available!  I had beef shawarma, rice with almonds, mashed potatoes with onions in them.  Lamb, seasoned veggies.  And then the most wonderful desserts ever!! 

Talk to you later,

Love you, lane

From: Lane Hively [mailto:lane@hivelys.com]
Sent: Monday, March 27, 2006 3:05 PM

Subject: I'm in Israel

Hey, I can't figure out how to use the international calling card. I'll be able to buy a different one in the morning and hopefully call at some point.  It only cost $2 to get online here at the hotel for 10 minutes.  It's 10pm right now here...i think that makes it 3pm at home.  Hopefully someone will check their email soon.  I'm going back up to the room and probably going to sleep in 2 hours.  Dad, you have all the hotel information.  We'll be in the room every evening probably around 8pm...we have dinner tomorrow night at 7pm.  So if you want to try to call the Dan Panorama Hotel room 1617- the first hotel on the list tomorrow to talk you can...if not I'll just keep trying to email and try to call the first chance I get. 

The flights were no problem.  It was actually much smoother than I expected over the Atlantic!  I tried to sleep- but it was very hot on the plane- i felt like i had heated seats my but! t was sooo hot.  my legs and feet swelled to about 3 times their size and I was pretty much miserable the whole 10 hours on the flight.  but, it was definitely worth it.  We went to Jaffa tonight and saw the lighted city of Tel Aviv.  It was very pretty and the temp was perfect- about 60 degrees. 

I'm keeping A. yvonne and A. Va in line.  Dad- I forgot one thing- an extension cord!  that's all I've figured so far.  Rick if you get this call dad or mom and make sure they've gotten it so they know I'm here.  I"ll try to call when I get a chance.  I miss you. I love you!  Oh- the room we have has a view of the mediterranean sea...I'm sure it will be beautiful tomorrow.  We have a free day. My jet lag is awful- I am sitting here and I still feel like I'm moving back and forth like on a boat!  haha.  Talk to you soon!!

Love you all, Lane