Day 2

Bob’s Sabbatical

Day 2, September 1, 2009

 

Today was something of a
transition day.  Not much sleep last
night, so I took it kind of slow.  I did
get the itinerary for the St. Paul course that starts on Friday in Ankara.  I spent some time putting specifics into my
calendar as a way to “get in the mood.” 
I am also re-reading the book of Acts.

I am on the ‘full board’ plan
here, meaning 3 meals a day.  I am the
only one getting lunch – everyone else (75 people?) are parts of tour groups
who take off on buses every morning.  Ate
lunch by myself in the large (un-airconditioned – though they volunteered to
turn it on for me – I declined) dining room.

Tabgha is actually on the west
side of the Sea of Galilee (I have been telling folks it was on the north
shore.  We are a few km’s north of
Tiberius.  This afternoon I went for a
walk on the Sea of Galilee (full of faith, you know) – ended up swimming
instead (just like the apostle Peter).  I
thought about taking my camera to chronicle the event, and glad I had the good
sense to leave it in the room. The bottom is rocky (not all smooth as in the
picture).  The water is clear, warm and
it was a most refreshing dip.

Speaking of pictures.  I will try to post a few at the end of each
blog.  I will also try to post more
pictures each day on the photo album part of the blog (look along the right
side, about the third topic down- “Photo Albums, Sabbatical.” My problem is
that all I seem to be able to do is add to the pile each day, so I may create a
new album each day.  Stay tuned.

It is almost 7:00 pm here (11:00
am in Franklin).  I just returned from
Vespers at the Church of the Heptapegon (7 Springs) which is about a 10 minute
walk from here.  It is run by German
Benedictine monks from Dormition Abby in Jerusalem.  The service was chanted, in German, with 5
monks and about 20 visitors in a circle around the Baptismal font. My college
German of over 40 years ago failed me.  I
mumbled along, and managed to keep up, for the most part, but I am glad they
did not ask me to lead anything!  I did
pray “Fur St.
Paul’s, Franklin,” during the prayers of the people.  The rock under the Altar is claimed to be the
rock Jesus put the bread and fish on before feeding 5000 people.

 In ca. 350 the first
Church on the site placed the Altar over the rock.  In ca. 480 a Byzantine Church was built, and
added mosaics around the rock and the Altar.  
The Church closed and was forgotten for centuries.  In 1932 a German team lead by Fr. Mader
excavated the Church and found the mosaics, many in good shape.  The order is working on expanding the
monastery.  They have a wonderful orchard
of olive trees, mangos and other plants I could not identify. 

Dinner tonight, typical German –
overcooked meat, great gravy, potatoes. 
Almost full moon tonight (Sarah likes sundown pics,) This is all I could
get.


 Maybe tomorrow the moon
will be full.

Peace,

  Bob