Something brought you here. Fate. Destiny. A horse.

Wondering how I got here? -----> ------> ------>

On top of Tel Azekah, with Danielle and Suzy. Behind us
 is the valley of Elah, where David slew Goliath.

That would be on a bus. [Not a horse.] Which broke down for approximately 20 minutes at our second to last stop. The most exciting part was when we "borrowed" the other classes bus to see our last stop. But we only got 30 seconds down the road before our bus got fixed, so the other class never realized their bus was hijacked. Bummer. 

Our field trip this week was to the Shephelah, a series of mountains that served as a natural defensive border for the Israelites to defend themselves against the Philistines. The Shephelah is located between the coastal plains and Judean Hills. Our first stop was at Beth Shemesh, a fortified city in ancient times which means "house of the sun." The area surrounding this hill is where Samson grew up. 

Looking out from Beth Shemesh.

While we were busy learning about Samson and the geography of the area, Brother Harper's two sons started throwing rocks down the hill. I think we know who had the most fun at that site.

Observe the perfect release of the rock.
Next Olympic sport, anyone??

Another site we went to was Lachish, an archeological dig that archeologists say best fits with biblical texts. Three major battles occurred here: the conquest under the leadership of Joshua, a battle of the Israelites versus the Assyrians, and the Babylonian campaign. 

Me, Danielle, and AnnaLeah at Lachish. 

Our last stop was my favorite. We visited Tel Maresha where there are a bunch of underground caves. I thought it would be nice nice and cool underground, but it was surprisingly humid.

This is the Columbarium Cave, a place for raising doves.
There were over 2000 niches carved in the walls. 

One of the shafts of light in the caves.
(Me, Suzy, and Danielle). 

Me and Suzy turning the ancient olive press. 

At this same site we walked over to the bell caves. The area reminded of southern Utah, except whiter. The caves were very tall and really cool to walk around in. 

Sining hymns in one of the caves.

Danielle and me.

That is all.