Thus They Call It The Promised Land (Part 3): Cana, The Celebration of L-O-V-E

Hi! It supposed to be the fifth or sixth day of the Holyland journey, but somehow I got mixed up when editing the pictures, so these will do for today's post, he-heh. These pictures were taken at various places on the day we left Jerusalem for Galilee. On the say, we made stops at various places, including Nazareth.
This is a picture in front of St. Joseph Church in Nazareth. Now, I have to say, St. Joseph is an example of one excellent man, husband and father. Of course, now we all think he was being so honored beyond everything, to be the worldy father of Our Lord Jesus Christ. But two thousand years ago, let's imagine the struggle he must have faced when he knew his fiance, Mary, was pregnant. He knew Mary was innocent, an angel told him so. But what would people say if he married a woman who's already pregnant? And he had to take care of the mother and the child, provide for them, take care of them, etc. and yet he knew that this mother and child would never really "belong" to him like in other traditional families as the society dictated. From world point of view, what's in it for him? From world point of view, he sacrificed everything, and gained nothing. Of course, from heaven point of view, that was not the case. Joseph brought up Jesus. This husband and father was taking care of the greatest gift for all humankind: The Saviour.
It takes a great courage, a great faith, to take on that kind of responsibility. Joseph was truly a man of faith and honor.

Pater Nostre Church, where the walls were lined with the prayer of Our Father in many different languages.

This is my first glimpse of the Mediterranian Sea with the remains of an ancient Byzantium bridge. Does it mean that if I swam across the waters, I would reach Italy? Haha!

Now, this is the main reason for the Holyland vacation. A daughter's gift for her beloved parents. It's the least I could do to repay a bit for their love all these years. I hope you both enjoy the trip, Mom and Dad!

Dear Friends, please meet my parents.

This picture is so apt, because in the afternoon they would renew their vow of marriage in Cana. Well, this wedding car just so happened was there on the beach, and my romantic Dad had this idea to pose with Mom in front of the car.

Errr.... below you can even see his "will-you-marry-me-again" act. I hope and pray that if I ever get married someday, we would still be romantic and the love remains strong as my parents' for each other! With so many divorces all around the world, my parents make an example of a strong marriage and commitment, with all its hard work, sacrifices, complications, problems, responsibilities, joy, tears, fights, reconciliations, laughters, dull moments, funny moments, everything. It certainly hasn't been easy, but it's all worth it, and that's what makes it so beautiful!

This is Haffa, a beautiful city on the way from Jerusalem to Galilee.

The view was just spectacular!

Hat: from Korea. Sunglasses: Oakley. Striped pink top: unbranded (ITC Mangga Dua). Jeans: old. Turquoise necklace: from Bangkok. Sneakers: Nike. Red bag: from Makati, Philippines. Purple scarf as belt: from Paris.

This is Cana Wedding Church, where Mom and Dad renewed their vow of marriage.

They gave the couple a long-stemmed rose and a certificate! So sweet!

Finally we reached Galilee! This is the hotel where we stayed, with view of the Sea (or lake) of Galilee. Pheew, what a full day!