After the shipwreck in 1873, Anna survived but lost all four daughters. Horatio came to comfort her, and together they decided they needed a new beginning — a place where they could heal, serve God, and help others.
They believed God was calling them to Jerusalem, the Holy City.
Here is how they traveled there.
✨ 1. Leaving America (Chicago)
The Spaffords packed their belongings and left Chicago.
They were not running away — they were following a calling.
They traveled by train to the East Coast, where the big ocean ships were.
✨ 2. Crossing the Atlantic Ocean by 🛳Ship
There were no airplanes in the 1800s.
So they boarded a steamship and sailed across the Atlantic Ocean.
This time, the journey was safe.
They traveled with:
- Horatio (father)
- Anna (mother)
- Bertha (their new baby girl, born after the shipwreck)
- Later, Grace was born in Jerusalem
They were together as a family.
✨ 3. Traveling Across Europe by Train
When they reached Europe, they didn’t stop.
They took trains through countries like:
- France
- Italy
- Switzerland
Traveling in the 1800s was slow and bumpy, but they kept going.
They believed God was leading them step by step.
✨ 4. Sailing the Mediterranean Sea
From Europe, they boarded another ship — this time a smaller one — and sailed across the Mediterranean Sea.
Their destination was the port of Jaffa (today called Jaffa/Tel Aviv).
This was the main doorway into the Holy Land.
✨ 5. Arriving in Jaffa (Israel)
When they arrived in Jaffa, they didn’t have cars or buses.
Instead, they traveled by:
- horse‑carriage
- wagon
- sometimes walking
The roads were dusty, rocky, and uneven.
But they kept going.
✨ 6. The Final Journey to Jerusalem
The road from Jaffa to Jerusalem climbs uphill.
It was long and tiring, especially with a baby.
But when they finally reached Jerusalem, they felt peace.
They believed:
“This is where God wants us.”
✨ 7. Life in Jerusalem — The American Colony
Once they settled, they created something beautiful:
🌿 The American Colony
A place where they:
- fed the hungry
- cared for the sick
- helped orphans
- comforted the hurting
- served people of all religions and backgrounds
Bertha and Grace grew up helping their parents.
They became known for kindness, gentleness, and compassion.
✨ 8. Bertha’s Book About Their Life
When Bertha grew up, she wrote a book about everything:
📘 “Our Jerusalem: An American Family in the Holy City”
It tells the whole story:
- the shipwreck
- the move to Jerusalem
- the American Colony
- her parents’ faith
- her childhood in the Holy Land
Her book is how we know so much today.
🌿 Why Their Journey Matters
The Spaffords didn’t just move to Jerusalem.
They brought hope with them.
Their journey shows:
- God can bring healing after heartbreak
- New beginnings can grow from deep sorrow
- Serving others brings peace
- Faith can guide a family across oceans and deserts
Their story is part of why “It Is Well with My Soul” still touches hearts today.
Why did they move to Jerusalem?
After losing so many children, the Spaffords wanted:
- a fresh start
- a place to serve God
- a place to help the poor, sick, and orphans
- a peaceful life away from the sadness in America
They believed God was calling them to Jerusalem.
written by Bell
