Standing before the Treasury in Petra, one of the most unforgettable moments of our journey.
Our group at Petra
From the Sea of Galilee in Israel, we headed to the Jordan border, where we met our Jordanian driver and our guide, Rami, both from Nebo Tours, as our Israeli team was not permitted to continue with us into Jordan. We then stayed overnight in Wadi Musa near Petra and visited Petra the next day.
After trekking through the narrow Siq, we caught our first glimpse of the Treasury, a pink sandstone hewn marvel. As it came into view, there was a sense of awe that is difficult to describe. Seeing it in person, and knowing the history and craftsmanship behind it, made it even more meaningful. Our group then found a high stone ledge where we sat together and spent time in worship, followed by a message about the very place we were in. It was one of the most meaningful moments of the trip and stayed with many of us.
Walking through the Siq, the narrow canyon that leads to Petra’s Treasury.
We then traveled to the southern Jordan border and back into Israel, where we were reunited with our Israeli guide, Lior, and our driver, Maher, and continued on to Jerusalem.
We were visiting Masada, King Herod’s mountain fortress, when everything started to change.
Because I had registered our trip in STEP, the U.S. Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, I received a security alert email. It read:
“Updated to reflect the authorized departure of non-emergency U.S. government personnel and family members of U.S. government personnel to leave Israel.
On February 27, 2026, the Department of State authorized the departure of non-emergency U.S. government personnel and family members of U.S. government personnel from Mission Israel due to safety risks.”
While this directive did not apply to our group as U.S. tourists, it immediately put us on edge.
Shortly after, we became aware of reports that Ambassador Mike Huckabee had indicated U.S. Embassy staff may want to consider leaving that same day, February 27, while commercial flights were still available, underscoring the risk that flights could become unavailable.
At that point, we knew we needed to act. Pastor Vic made the decision to shorten our trip and requested that I move our flights home as soon as possible.
We soon realized contacting our air consolidator would be challenging due to the time difference between Jerusalem and California, along with the need to rebook a large group quickly.
As we left Masada, we chose to skip the Dead Sea and head back to Jerusalem. On the drive back to Jerusalem, Pastor Vic and Lior decided it would be meaningful to end the trip in a special way.
We stopped at the Mount of Olives, overlooking the Temple Mount, where we had a time of worship followed by a short message. We then walked down the Palm Sunday path into Jerusalem, following the same route Jesus took.
As we passed the Garden of Gethsemane, we found the private prayer area empty. Without an appointment, we were given 45 peaceful minutes there, which felt like an unexpected gift.
That night at dinner, I heard from our air consolidator that we were able to secure new flights for the following day at 11:30 a.m.
On the morning of February 27, we headed to TLV airport. Isaac, who had greeted us upon arrival through the TLV Smiles program, met us there. Dan Eshed, Director of Immanuel Tours, and our guide, Lior, were also with us.
Isaac from the TLV Smiles program, who took such great care of us from arrival through departure.
With our guide Lior from Immanuel Tours, whose leadership and care made all the difference throughout our journey.
On the morning of February 27, we headed to TLV airport. Isaac, who had greeted us upon arrival through the TLV Smiles program, met us there. Dan Eshed, Director of Immanuel Tours, and our guide, Lior, were also with us.
Around 8:45 a.m., as our group stood in line for passport control, sirens suddenly began to sound. An announcement was made to leave all luggage behind and proceed immediately to the bomb shelter.
We looked at each other briefly, then followed instructions without hesitation.
About three minutes later, an all-clear was given, and we returned to collect our belongings.
Within about five minutes of returning to our luggage, an announcement was made that Israeli airspace was closed.
In that moment, everything changed.
As we waited for our bus to return, we were incredibly well cared for by Dan, Lior, and Isaac. Everything was handled quickly and calmly. During that time, a few of us began singing “Good Good Father” by Chris Tomlin, and the words felt especially comforting, reminding us of God’s love even in that moment. Within about ten minutes, our bus had returned, and we were already on our way back to the hotel we had just left.
When we arrived, we were reassigned our previous rooms, which made the transition seamless during an otherwise stressful situation.
I have always known that who you partner with matters, but in this circumstance, it was proven. Because we had chosen an amazing partner in Immanuel Tours, we were supported every step of the way and never felt alone in navigating such an unexpected situation.
What followed were five days none of us could have prepared for.
Thank you for sharing. Only had glimpses before.