Saturday 14 April

A half hour bus ride south east of Amman took us to Mt Nebo, where Moses saw into the promised land but was not permitted to enter. The air was remarkably clear, unaffected by the usual blinding haze emitted by evaporation from the Dead Sea. From Mt Nebo, we could see the blue waters of the Dead Sea, the Jordan River, Jericho and the clear outline of the city and mountains of Jerusalem. We read from Deuteronomy 32 and 34 as we looked out over what Moses saw.

The Franciscans who operate the site have erected a beautiful statue of the serpent on a pole combined with a cross and affixed was the verse John 3:14 "Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the desert so the Son of Man must be lifted up that everyone who believes in Him may have eternal life." So many people were having their photos taken with the statue, taking the Word of the Gospel home with them. Recently completed is a stunning restoration of an ancient 4th century church, successfully containing ancient and modern architecture to create a functioning church.

Then to Madaba, a town with a long Christian heritage, to see the Madaba map, a 6th century mosaic in the form of a Christian pilgrim map that identifies the key points of interest for Christians making pilgrimage to the Holy Land. An absolutely delicious Middle Eastern banquet was provided for us while in Madaba - to the delight and enjoyment of all.

Then followed a 200 km drive south to Petra, stopping en route to view a 12th century Crusader Citadel and Moses' Spring in Wadi Mousa where Moses perportedly struck the rock.

The day concluded with a late check in to the Movenpick Hotel in Petra and another delicious smorgasbord feast - a most happy an enjoyable day.

(Editor's Note - we are having technical difficulties with photos and have not been able to include our best photos. Will try to improve tomorrow!)