Our bags are packed...sort of

 It seems like it has been a long time coming but our day for departure has finally arrived.  We are weighing our suitcases, debating our backpacks and packing our snacks!  Thanks to an invitation from longtime friend Janet Dodge from the Community Presbyterian Church in Danville, California- We are heading to Israel! 

I have done quite a bit of homework for this pilgrimage - and a lot of it has been eye-opening.  I have watched the miniseries The Chosen, read Jesus: A Pilgrimage and Chasing David (okay, full disclosure I skipped to the videos, but time ran out on the reading...I will have to finish it when I get home).  All of these books and lectures were written to tie together the history, geography, religions, politics, and Biblical passages so you will have an idea and appreciation for what you will experience when you visit this region of the world.

You could pick any one of these videos - to get an idea of how fascinating this all is. 

Lesson 1: The Lay of the Land   https://youtu.be/UpIX0h3WmuQ

 

Lesson 2: Don’t Know Much About History: Part 1   https://youtu.be/EqavJui-_og

 

Lesson 3: Don’t Know Much About History: Part 2 https://youtu.be/M6fOQhaAmU0

 

Lesson 4: Archaeology 101  https://youtu.be/YDy39HD7k00

 

Lesson 5: Jerusalem and the Temple Mount   https://youtu.be/WWYPNHqPtMk

 

Lesson 6: Jewish People and Judaism in Israel  https://youtu.be/1W6s4f2tuV4

 

Lesson 7: Christianity in Israel  https://youtu.be/yndngGNL8Io

 

Lesson 8: Islam in Israel  https://youtu.be/3bLVfDCN9zo

I am traveling with my sister Linda from the Branchville Presbyterian Church and my sister-in-law Karen from the Saint Peter and Paul Church in Great Meadows-each on our own individual spiritual journey, lifted by the prayers well-wishes of our friends, families, and churches.

Putting on my departure pants in preparation for a 10 1/2 hour flight direct from EWR to Tel Aviv at 11:00 tonight. We are set to arrive at 4pm their time.  

Stay tuned...

 

 

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