October 3, 2007 Conquest FT

Wednesday, October 3, 2007
Emma Hanks
Br. Ludlow’s OT class
Well, we had barely gotten out feet under us from the trip to Egypt and the desperate dashes to the bathroom were just beginning to die down when we were already on our way to another fieldtrip. Everyone was overjoyed to see the inside of that bus again, sort of. But, thankfully the trip was short and it was pretty cool.
We traveled down towards the Jordan River and entered the West Bank a couple hundred yards to see one of the oldest established cities on the entire face of the earth, Jericho. It was clear to see the strategic importance of this city as the entrance into the hill country leading up to Jerusalem. Some of the highlights were reviewing the Biblical conquest by Joshua and seeing some of the archaeological evidences that may or may not point to the miraculous event of the walls falling down to allow Joshua and the children of Israel to enter and destroy all.
It was an interesting location to ponder the influence of one person, for example, Rahab the “Innkeeperess” who harbored and protected the two Israelite spies enabled the victory. And Achan, the greedy soldier who stole spoil from the town, brought down the defeat at Ai, and the death of more than 30 soldiers. He was later caught and stoned.
After seeing Tel-Jericho, we headed over to Quruntul Monastery, a site commemorating the temptation of Jesus Christ. It is a modern Greek Orthodox Monastery clinging to the side of steep cliffs to the west of Jericho. The hike was worth the great view and inside the monastery was the traditional rock which Satan supposedly tempted Christ to turn into bread. We returned to the bus hot and sweaty.
Unfortunately, many tears were shed over the cancellation of Dr. Mussalam’s class due to permit problems. And few could enjoy the evening due to grief, but somehow everyone seemed to be making due with the typical evening activities of sports, movies, socializing etc.