I Volunteered for This?! Life on an Archaeological Dig
We were up again this morning at 3:45. At the dig we were each issued a bucket, a brush, a pick and a trowel
used to gently remove dirt. When we found pottery sherds, we put them in a separate bucket marked with a number indicating the precise area in which we were working. After an individual’s bucket was full of dirt, it was carried to a screening area and the dirt sifted for sherds, bones and tiny artifacts.
Shaked assigned Gene, Paul and me to a spot near the steps of the altar believed to be an ancient storeroom. We
found many pieces of pottery and Paul uncovered a bowl. Gene found some tiny bones.
We are constantly reminded to drink lots of water to prevent dehydration. I brought my sons’ old Boy Scout canteen from home and I make sure I have it slung over my shoulder every morning. I’m drinking lots of water and feeling
fine. I also carry my TWA flight bag to the dig site each day with a few necessities: sun hat, shorts, sun screen and camera. I also bring my passport—theft is uncommon but it does occasionally occur.
June 25
3:15 p.m.
Yesterday most of the group went on a six-mile hike to Sebaste to see the Roman and Israelite ruins. I stayed at
camp and washed pottery sherds with a girl named Michelle who is an archaeology student at Haifa University and who
speaks English. All of the young men and women here speak English, though among themselves they naturally converse
in Hebrew. According to Michelle, all Israeli youngsters are taught English in school. I also learned that Israelis—both
men and women—serve at least two years in the military after high school graduation. Most of the young people in camp
have finished army service and are at least 21 years old.
I took 28 photographs today at the site. Adam gave us a walking tour and lecture on the Biblical history of the
altar. The rest of the day I worked in the storeroom area and uncovered many small sherds. Adam kept telling me to
clean the area with my brush; then he had photographs and measurements taken.
Climbed the horrible hill and rode back to camp for a hot turkey dinner.
Last evening a young man walked into camp and asked if he could join the dig. His name is Hans and he is from
Holland and speaks English and Dutch. He told Adam he couldn’t pay for his room and board but said he would work
hard. Adam let him stay.
June 26
7:15 p.m.
We washed pottery sherds last evening sitting on the gras