Jordan- Day 1

Here I go, updating my blog for the second day IN A ROW! Well I gave you a bit of a preview yesterday about the lovely time I had in Jordan. Now I will give you some more details and pictures!

Day 1
Day one began bright and early as we departed from the Jerusalem Center at 7:00 AM. We made our way across the Israeli/Jordanian border without too much trouble and arrived at our first stop- atop Mt. Nebo. This site is most well known for the place where Moses looks out and sees all the land that his people will inherit. It is also believed by most to be the place where Moses died. (See Deuteronomy 32:48-52). This belief varies a bit from an LDS perspective, since we know that he actually didn't die, but was translated.

the view that Moses would have had of the land that would be inherited by the Israelites

Also at this site, was a memorial of a staff with a serpent wrapped around it. In Numbers 21, a story is related where the Israelites were plagued with fiery serpents. Some of them were bitten, but the Lord provided a way for them to be healed. He commanded Moses to put a fiery serpent upon a pole, and those who would look at it would be healed. It was such a simple task, yet there were many people who did not have faith enough to believe that looking would really heal them. This story made me think a lot about how simple the gospel is, yet sometimes we lack the faith to follow the simple principles that we have been given. Sometimes we must just take a leap of faith and trust in the Lord, even if we don't understand the purpose for what he is commanding us to do.  John 3:13-16 links this symbol to the atonement of Jesus Christ. The staff and serpent represent Jesus Christ, and if we will but turn and look towards the Savior, he will save us and heal us from our iniquities.

brazen serpent memorial

After Mt. Nebo, we went to Madaba. This place is very well known for it's mosaic art. In particular, a map of the holy city made of mosaic tiles was found here. A church was built on top of it, so we got to go to the church and see the remains of the map. We also got the chance to do a little shopping, and I purchased a mosaic of a sun. I have a new hobby of collecting things with suns on them, so I was very happy with that purchase!   

Holy Land map made of mosaic tiles, seen in the St. George church in Madaba

After Madaba, we headed to Machaerus. This fortress was rebuilt by Herod the Great to defend from the Nabateans of the south. The place is most well known as the place where John the Baptist was imprisoned by Herod Antipus, and eventually beheaded. Aside from being memorable for such a cruel event, this place was pretty cool! We sang "We Thank Thee o God For a Prophet" in commemoration of the life of John the Baptist.

In the background is the little mountain we hiked up to get to Machaerus

column remains

If you thought this day sounded cool, just wait until DAY 2: PETRA!!!!