Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Monday, May 26, 2008
May 26
We apologize for the lack of postings over the past few days. Internet access has not been easy to find and our days have been very full. Unfortunately, our current internet connection will not allow for photos to be uploaded so we will add additional photos when we return.
We have reached our final spot - - Jerusalem. We have visited many places in Israel before arriving here. Some of the highlights include Masada, Qumran (the location of the Dead Sea Scrolls) and Jerico on our journey through the desert. We emerged from the desert and spent a couple of days in Galilee. We visited holy sites throughout the area including the location of the Sermon on the Mount, Nazareth, and a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee where we shared communion. Yesterday we worshiped at St George’s Episcopal Cathedral on Sunday morning before visiting the sites around Jerusalem including the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.
Today we toured Bethlehem and the Church of the Nativity. Our stops included a meeting the Pastor Mitri Raheb of the Evangelical Lutheran Christmas Church. We learned about the ministries of the church including a K-12 school and college as well as social programs to help the Palestinians build hope in their difficult environment.
We have one full day left before the journey ends. Once we return, we will post more detailed entries and reflections including photos. Thanks for following our spiritual journey and continue to monitor for more information.
We have reached our final spot - - Jerusalem. We have visited many places in Israel before arriving here. Some of the highlights include Masada, Qumran (the location of the Dead Sea Scrolls) and Jerico on our journey through the desert. We emerged from the desert and spent a couple of days in Galilee. We visited holy sites throughout the area including the location of the Sermon on the Mount, Nazareth, and a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee where we shared communion. Yesterday we worshiped at St George’s Episcopal Cathedral on Sunday morning before visiting the sites around Jerusalem including the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.
Today we toured Bethlehem and the Church of the Nativity. Our stops included a meeting the Pastor Mitri Raheb of the Evangelical Lutheran Christmas Church. We learned about the ministries of the church including a K-12 school and college as well as social programs to help the Palestinians build hope in their difficult environment.
We have one full day left before the journey ends. Once we return, we will post more detailed entries and reflections including photos. Thanks for following our spiritual journey and continue to monitor for more information.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Israel
After a full day of travel, our group has arrived in Israel! We are in a hotel near the dead sea, and will journey up the coast tomorrow on our way to Tiberius. During this trip we will get to swim in the sea, and see Jericho among other sites.
Thus far, our group has seen immense wonders. We have been blown away by experiencing the remains of cultures long since past and how evidences of two or more cultures are found in one location. Yesterday, we wandered through the ancient city of Petra, gazing in wonder at the tombs that had been carved out. We also witnessed Roman roads and ruins among the city of ancient tombs. In case you aren't familiar with Petra, the 'treasury' of Petra, a carved out tomb near the entrance of the city, is featured in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.
Again, I apologize we haven't been able to write much. We've been busy enough only to really contact family and friends with general information, even less to write long reflections on our trip. I imagine these will come in time, especially when we've been able to relax and reflect on our experiences.
God has been keeping us safe and continually in wonder in our trip thus far. I know you will all hear plenty of stories of how God has worked in this world and continues to work in our group and the cultures we have come into contact with.
Again we appreciate your thoughts and prayers!
Thus far, our group has seen immense wonders. We have been blown away by experiencing the remains of cultures long since past and how evidences of two or more cultures are found in one location. Yesterday, we wandered through the ancient city of Petra, gazing in wonder at the tombs that had been carved out. We also witnessed Roman roads and ruins among the city of ancient tombs. In case you aren't familiar with Petra, the 'treasury' of Petra, a carved out tomb near the entrance of the city, is featured in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.
Again, I apologize we haven't been able to write much. We've been busy enough only to really contact family and friends with general information, even less to write long reflections on our trip. I imagine these will come in time, especially when we've been able to relax and reflect on our experiences.
God has been keeping us safe and continually in wonder in our trip thus far. I know you will all hear plenty of stories of how God has worked in this world and continues to work in our group and the cultures we have come into contact with.
Again we appreciate your thoughts and prayers!
Sunday, May 18, 2008
The group in Jordan
Our group has been keeping busy over the past couple of days! Yesterday, we flew into Amman, Jordan, for a few days here. We visited some awesome Roman Ruins and met with a couple of people from the Associated Press to talk about Religion and politics in the Middle East for a great panel discussion. Tomorrow we take a bus down to see Petra for a couple days before moving on to Israel!
We have not had much time to post on this site, as we are constantly on the move! Thank you for your patience and prayers! Keep an eye out for more posts in the future.
We have not had much time to post on this site, as we are constantly on the move! Thank you for your patience and prayers! Keep an eye out for more posts in the future.
Friday, May 16, 2008
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