Michael and I thought this would be just another trip to the baptismal site, but we were in for a surprise. The whole experience was almost just as new to us as it was to Kristy and Lucas.
The guide took us on a completely different path that first led to the Spring of John the Baptist, which I didn't even know existed.
There was even actually water at the baptismal site this time, thanks to the snow and extra moisture the previous weeks.
The River Jordan was the largest I have ever seen it, still just as murky though.
The water here usually only reaches that pole in the upper left corner.
It always surprises me to see how eager people are to jump in and baptize themselves. There was a man that stripped right down to his whitie tighties and hopped right in the freezing water! (Sorry, I wasn't brave enough to take a picture). Kristy and Luke were satisfied with a little hand dip.
We went to Mount Nebo after the Baptismal site and on the way back stopped to help a family with a flat tire.
This picture almost looks like it could be in Idaho, except that if you turned around you would see camels in the distance. :)
Good Samaritan Lucas
The coolest part about this road-side stop was experiencing Arab hospitality. The lady in the black and white shirt immediately went to the car and pulled out a piping hot kettle of tea, poured some in little white and gold porcelain teacups, and offered it to us on a platter. A good Arab is always prepared to be a good host; and apparently having a flat tire in the middle of the desert is no excuse. Kristy and I were amazed at their kindness and courtesy. I am also surprised that people here never get offended when Michael and I refuse tea. When we tell them that it is 'haraam' (which in Arabic literally means forbidden, especially because of religion) in our religion they completely respect and understand us. After we told this to this cute Arab lady, she threw the tea out to the side of the road and quickly put it away, no questions asked, and no offense shown whatsoever.
"Oh hey look Kristy, it's that guy from the airplane!"
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