“Perhaps travel cannot prevent bigotry, but by demonstrating that all peoples cry, laugh, eat, worry, and die, it can introduce the idea that if we try and understand each other, we may even become friends.” - Maya Angelou
Travel is often a great joy. It can increase our understanding of the world and enhance our perspective of life in general. Traveling with others can amplify these experiences in exciting ways. One value of group travel is the strong bond that develops from the experience. The shared memorable moments are indeed gifts and are often reminisced about for years to come. A pilgrimage journey is a meaningful, moving experience that also magnifies the benefits of travel. Last Friday evening, eleven Ascension parishioners and I embarked on a ten-day pilgrimage to the Holy Land. Our group includes Jane Burress, Joan Romanosky and Dan Cotton, Suzan Fenner, Judith and Andrew Marshall, Janie McDermott, Judy Morris, Jane and Doug Taber, and my son Noah. We've had wonderful experiences and look forward to sharing them with you in person. Being here is unique and truly a blessing. The sacred sites hold a richness of ancient Christianity unlike anything else a believer can encounter on earth. Additionally, many of us have a life-long connection to the Holy Land through the stories of scripture. Walking in the places of the Bible adds another dimension to our faith journeys. Pilgrimage can also be expensive and time-consuming. We are seeking ways to help the rest of the parish engage with our experiences this week. Individually, we’re posting pictures and reflections on our social media channels. I am also posting video updates each night, including an overview of the day's activities and sites and a narrated slideshow with some photos. You can view these on our YouTube channel HERE. May God continue to connect us through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Blessings -
