Blog

Name: Justin Raine
Age: 20
Nationality: Canadian
Occupation: Student
Section Walked: Nazareth to Capernaum

Why did you come to walk the Jesus Trail?
I didn’t know about the trail before I arrived at the Fauzi Azar Inn.  I’m Christian and have heard that the hiking in the Galilee is great.  Between those two things I didn’t have to think too long about doing the trail.

What was a highlight of the trail for you?
The various landscapes were breathtaking.  In British Columbia, where I live, we have the rocky mountains which are great as well, but I found the mountains here to be much different and a great place to hike.  The Arbel National Park was amazing as well.

What advice would you give to other hikers?
Probably two things:

1. The portion of the trail that goes through the Arbel National Park costs 20 shekels.  Not a lot of money, but if you do need to make sure to have money on you for that.
2. Watch out for the bulls!

What did you learn from this experience that will you will carry home with you?
It was my first multi-day hike so pretty much everything was new to me.  I tented it as well which added a new and interesting dynamic.

Would you recommend walking the Jesus Trail to others?
Definitely.

Name: Katy and Jan (and baby due in five months)
Age: 31
Nationality: UK and Holland
Occupation: Doctor, writer
Section Walked: Nazareth to Cana

Why did you come to walk the Jesus Trail?
We were staying at the Fauzi Azar Inn and noticed the sign for the trail.  We are walkers, and think that in any country, walking is the best way to get a feel of things in a city, town, village, or the middle of nowhere!  The trail between Nazareth and Cana was fascinating, because we went past the relative modernity of the town, complete with rubbish and satellite dishes, and into the ancient land.

What was a highlight of the trail for you?
Amongst the olive groves and fields, we felt completely removed from the hustle and bustle of modern life and mankind.  Very tranquil.  The view of Cana from Mash’had was beautiful, and sitting in the shade of the Zippori trees was a gorgeous break.

Katy is a Christian, but loved hearing the call to pray ring out from the mosque in the Arab village we walked through.  We loved watching kids playing, men sitting talking, and were invited in for a drink multiple times.  When we said salaam, people responded with shalom.  A lovely respect for cultures and faiths.

What advice would you give to other hikers?
Start early, take your time, don’t rush, and accept hospitality.

What did you learn from this experience that will you will carry home with you?
– Israel is a part of the greater Mediterranean region- the landscapes are the same.
– You don´t find faith by walking a trail or visiting a certain site.  It is inside of you.

Would you recommend walking the Jesus Trail to others?
Definitely.  It is a great way to experience the land.

Name: Carolyn Harrell
Age: 65
Nationality: USA
Occupation: Various sections

Why did you come to walk the Jesus Trail?
I love coming to Israel because of the Bible.  My friend found the trail on the Internet and it really inspired my spirit.  I want to know all about Jesus and also to get the real, more personal relationship with the Lord.  Seeing the real places makes it personal.

What was a highlight of the trail for you?
Walking the Valley of the Doves (day 3) was my highlight.  I felt as if it were just me and God walking the valley.  I experienced deep peace and unexplainable joy.  I can’t describe it, you just have to experience it for yourself.

What advice would you give to other hikers?
Carry a stick.  Don’t be embarrassed.  It really helps with balance and stability.  Definitely bring a stick, hat and water.

What did you learn from this experience that will you will carry home with you?
Everybody walked in the time of Jesus, and I have taken many steps in this journey.  Walking the steps that Jesus walked has made a real personal imprint within my spirit that has given me inner cleansing and depth of restoration within me personally.

The experience tied together my purpose for being in Israel.  This place is really where I feel at home.  The people in Nazareth feel like family.  It changed my outlook on Arab people as I experienced hospitality. Walking helped me really know the people of the land.

Would you recommend walking the Jesus Trail to others?
Absolutely.  I think everyone should come and walk it.  It is really a spiritual and transformative experience.

Name: Craig & Mariella Lorge
Age: 29, 29
Nationality: American, Chilean
Occupation: School counselor, student
Section Walked: Nazareth to Capernaum

Why did you come to walk the Jesus Trail?
To see the area where Jesus lived, walked, and taught. We read the Bible and supplemental materials (from Ray Vanderlaan/That the World May Know). Our hope is that we will better understand the ways of Jesus after seeing the land and culture that he dwelled in.

What was a highlight of the trail for you?
The beautiful landscape and hospitality of the locals running the B&B’s.  Israeli, the chef at Arbel, good cooking. Suad’s wonderful hospitality. Finding a tortoise along the path. Walking for hours and not seeing a single person on the path.

What advice would you give to other hikers?
Follow the markers. Leave behind technology. Don’t rush–soak in the landscape. Study while you walk the trail. Read the guidebook. Talk to locals and eat local cuisine.

What did you learn from this experience that will you will carry home with you?|
I have a better understanding of the physical locations of villages and towns of Jesus’ day. It has made the Bible and Christ’s message much more tangible and real. The “Holy Land” is not necessarily located in Israel and Christ is not necessarily more alive here. He is living in and around those of us who let him in our lives and flow through us.

Would you recommend walking the Jesus Trail to others?
A must-do for anyone wanting to get off the beaten path and see the Holy Land from a more earthy, rugged, and real perspective.

Absolutely! It was really a great experience–it makes the Bible and Jesus in particular come alive in a really unique way. The people are warm and welcoming, totally contrasting what the media likes to portray. Thank you for making this possible!