My Pilgrimage, My Journey Home

We are pilgrims on a journey. 

We are travelers on the road. 

We are here to help each other walk the mile and bear the load…

We are hoping that:

If you enter here as a tourist, you would exit as a pilgrim.

If you enter here as a pilgrim, you would exit as a holier one.

June 29, 2014

Today marks the end of our pilgrimage. “Welcome home,” Youssef told us when we landed in Tel-Aviv over a week ago. Well, now we’re leaving our “home” we found in the Holy Land to head back home to Chicago.

I firmly believe that every trip changes you – the people you meet, the places you visit, the experiences you have- but this trip has changed me in ways I cannot even explain – and maybe in ways I do not even know yet.

I have visited places where Jesus lived – where he walked and prayed. Now we’ve walked and prayed there too. It sounds silly but when we stood in the Jordan River, we touched the same water as Jesus did… 2,000 years later. We stood in Gethsemane with olive trees that were alive at the time of Jesus (the “silent witnesses” of that night). We prayed the “Our Father” and the “Magnificat” in their original locations.

After renewing our baptismal vows at the Jordan River

The "silent witnesses" - olive trees in the Garden of Gethsemane

The tourist traps and sights were overwhelming (and annoying) at times, but the beauty of the sites – and the presence of the masses far exceeded my expectations for the trip.

I wrote special intentions for the Wailing Wall, and I offered up many prayers at the sites. I know God will answer them… in his own time… and in his own way…

~ ~ ~

And this trip… How did I come to be here at this moment? Well, that takes a lot of connecting the dots and going back in time…

That moment – that experience that felt like a failure – triggered a series of events (like Dominoes) that helped me to this moment in time – right now at an airport in Tel-Aviv.

Because I did not test out of Spanish, I enrolled in my first Spanish class. My teacher saw a talent and passion in me that I couldn’t even see myself. Because of that passion, I studied in Costa Rica and grew to love the Latin American culture. Because of this love, I wanted to serve a Latino community when I applied to Ace. When I graduated ACE, I sought out a similar school to my school from Kansas City (OLU). I found St. Ann which brought me to Chicago… and brought me to the vibrant St. Clement community… The rest, my friends, is history…

~ ~ ~

Landed Chicago… Welcome home… Continued prayers for the safety of those in the Middle East, especially during these times of unrest…

June 28, 2014 (continued)

If I ever complain about heat back home again, I hope someone slaps me… Really!

We started today at the Mount of Olives and continued our journey down to the Garden of Gethsemane. We visited (I honestly can’t remember the order without looking at my notes- or pictures- it’s all a blur) the Church of Dominus Flevit (where Jesus wept over Jerusalem), the Upper Room (site of the Last Supper), the church of St. Peter’s Denial, and the Church of All Nations (where we celebrated Mass today)- right next to the garden. The descent was very steep and it was the “Palm Sunday Path.” (Apparently it’s broadcast from Jerusalem every Palm Sunday… I’ll have to check that out this upcoming year…)

Church of All Nations (Garden of Gethsemane)

Garden of Gethsemane

Mass was beautiful, as always. The church was dark (thanks to the alabaster windows), and the altar was situated on the Rock of Agony. Once I got past the tourists taking pictures, I was able to focus on the Holy Thursday readings (and Father’s lovely homily).

Inside the Church of All Nations

Some of the aforementioned sites were after Mass, and then we had lunch at a lovely place called Petra. The dish was called Makloubah – meaning “upside down.” Chicken, vegetables, and rice are all cooked in a huge pot before getting turned upside down and served. The vegetables, yogurt, and pita mixed in well too! After lunch, we stopped at the Israel museum that had a model of Jerusalem and copies of the Dead Sea Scrolls. We also had an ice cream break – I definitely did not need more food at that point, but it was refreshing and delicious – definitely a good life choice!

Model of Jerusalem at the time of Jesus (scale 1:50)

Now I’m back in my room – clean and resting – and pretty much all packed (mom would be proud). Dinner awaits us soon… and then my bed will be calling my name… The 3AM wakeup call tomorrow will come too soon.

What a wonderful trip! I know that I’ll continue to appreciate it even more after I get home. I’ve learned a lot, but there’s so much more – we’ve only really scratched the surface… I’m looking forward to typing up notes and sifting through pictures.

Safe travels home to Chicago tomorrow, I hope and pray…

June 28, 2014

Last day today… I can’t believe the trip is coming to a close. I feel like we’ve been here a long time, but everything is all jumbled in my head- and it seemed to pass quickly. I am so thankful for the kindness and insight and generosity of everyone on the trip. It has really been a special pilgrimage.

Today we will visit the Garden of Gethsemane, Mount Zion, and a few other churches. I am looking forward to Mass at the Church of All Nations (as the Masses have easily become the highlight of the trip).

Dear God,

Thank you… Please help me to soak up these last few moments and to continue to reflect on these things- pondering them in my heart- when I get back home. I love you and want to grow closer to you every day.

Amen.

June 27, 2014 (continued)

I don’t know if you can make such a beautiful day any more beautiful, but starting with a tour of St. Anne’s church made my heart explode (in a good way). I snapped a few pictures- and more importantly- said a few prayers for my students and coworkers (tears flowing)…

Saint Anne Church

Saint Anne and Mary

Then we made our way through the Via Dolorosa. Luckily it was not terribly crowded (until the end) until we reached the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. We celebrated Mass (one of the most beautiful masses I have ever attended) in the Crusader chapel. We read the Easter readings (I was blessed to read the first reading!), and Fr. Ken’s homily was about God dawning on us in our darkness. While in the church we also visited the Stone of Unction (where Jesus’ body was prepared for burial), the empty tomb, the bedrock from where Jesus was buried, and a few other special places- this church was massive!

Mass in the Crusader chapel of the Holy Sepulchre church

Next we went to lunch – gyro or falafel sandwiches (of course!) and visited the Wailing Wall. I put my intentions in the wall, said a prayer, and quickly found refuge in the shade. At this point we were all fading fast… Free time was next though, so a small group of us set off in search of ice cream… It turned out to be no easy task, but it was worth it!

After a brief respite and a shower, I met up with Fr. Ken in the hotel lobby for Reconciliation. I had wanted to go before the trip, but I didn’t get around to it, so he kindly agreed to hear my confession here. I must say I have never been to confession in a hotel lobby before… and I probably won’t again… but it was pretty incredible to have that opportunity here in Jerusalem. Afterwards we sat and talked until it was time to board the bus again.

Next, we headed back to Bethlehem for our farewell dinner (even though we still have things to see tomorrow). We went to a Bedouin tent restaurant with an absolutely breathtaking view. I loved talking about everyone’s thoughts on our trip. The food wasn’t bad either… It’s a good thing I adore hummus and pita!

Farewell dinner at Bedouin tent restaurant

We were all pretty exhausted when we got back to the hotel, so I think everyone pretty much stayed in… One more day tomorrow!

June 27, 2014

“Down the Via Dolorosa, the way of suffering…” That’s today- time in the Old City to visit the Way of the Cross (mass in the Crusader chapel of the Holy Sepulchre) and also the Wailing Wall (with some free time after lunch).

Today we will walk the excruciating path where Jesus was led to die… There will be tons of people, and I don’t want to get caught up in that… I want my heart to be with Jesus, thinking about his sacrifice. I want to be in the moment at each of these places.

God,

Thank you for the greatest gift of all- the gift of your son. By walking his way today, help me to gain a deeper appreciation for and understanding of that Good Friday day.

Amen.

Via Dolorosa

June 26, 2014 (continued)

Fr. James Martin said (in his Pilgrimage book) that he had never been so hot has he had been in the Holy Land. “Too hot! Much too hot!” as my family would say (inside joke- ask them about the Japanese steak house experience… hehe). Today we ventured out into the desert, and I must say I have rarely welcomed a nice, cool shower with as much joy and enthusiasm as I did today.

Being out there, seeing the lack of trees and animals and water really took some Bible images and stories to a whole new level. The Israelites wandered in the desert for forty years… Jesus was tempted by the devil after forty days… and we barely lasted forty minutes. Whoa! My sunscreen and water bottles became my best friends today… Whew!

After exploring Masada in the morning (my first time in a cable car!), we stopped at the beach (a tourist trap if I ever saw one!) to take a dip in the Dead Sea (and also get lunch). The water was so salty… we could sit up and float! Also, the fresh cuts from the sharp rocks stung pretty badly… We couldn’t stay in long, as the water apparently raises people’s blood pressure (and I needed to get out of the sun).

Cable car up to Masada

Dead Sea (view from bus)

On the way back to Jerusalem, we stopped at Qumran (where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found) and Jericho (think Zacchaeus – and also Joshua from the Old Testament). We stopped at a souvenir shop there. I didn’t buy any more trinkets, but I did purchase some dried dates and figs.

Qumran - where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found

We made a quick turn around with showers at the hotel so that we could eat dinner early and find a place to watch the USA soccer match. By luck (or I’d like to think- with God’s helping hand) we found our group who had left early to go watch the game and watched the second half with them. We lost to Germany, but we still will advance!

It was a hot day, but the evening walk back was very refreshing… Onward to tomorrow…

June 26, 2014

Today, we are going to spend our day in the desert. It is going to be hot (big understatement, I’m sure!). Jesus spent a lot of time alone in the desert- that was where he was tempted… When we go through rough times, sometimes we are said to have our own “desert experiences”- when we feel alone and without God.

God,

Thank you for your presence in my life. When I feel lost and deserted like I am in the desert, help me to stay strong in faith, know you are with me, and call on you for help.

Amen.

June 25, 2014 (continued)

Today is the 25^th of June – exactly six months until Christmas. What a day to visit Bethlehem and celebrate midnight mass (readings) at the Church of the Nativity! Happy half-birthday, Jesus!

Church of the Nativity

This morning actually started with a visit to the birthplace of John the Baptist and the Church of the Visitation. Each site had a special prayer in many languages of the world- the Benedictus and the Magnificat. We prayed each of these prayers aloud together at the sites. One other tiny piece I really liked was a statue of Mary and Elizabeth (right outside of the church). Both women are pregnant, and their expressions make them seem very real and down to earth… kind of like they were saying “Hey! I’m pregnant too!”

Visitation Statue

Later we visited the Holocaust Museum- the Hall of Remembrance and the Children’s Memorial sections. I still could not fathom any act of hatred growing to such epic proportions as I gazed upon the eternal flame and (later) walked through the pitch black darkness (except for the candles remembering the lives of the innocent children) and listening to the names of the children who were killed… Absolutely horrifying and sickening- and very sad.

We boarded the bus (getting out of the parking space was no small victory!) and headed beyond the wall to Bethlehem. It was not exactly how I envisioned it, as the tourism industry has really taken root there. After some souvenir shopping (and a lot of haggling from street vendors), we ate lunch at “The Christmas Tree” restaurant (I’m not kidding about the name – there was even a Christmas tree upstairs)- mmm! Falafel! And Kathy treated our group to a plate of baklava (one of my absolute favorite desserts).

Afterwards when we entered the Church of the Nativity (the oldest church in the world!), there was construction going on as part of a restoration project. There were also a lot of people, though not as many as I expected after reading Fr. James Martin’s book (Jesus, a Pilgrimage). We were able to touch the fourteen-point star that is said to mark the spot of Jesus’ birth. We also celebrated (midnight) Mass in a cave chapel dedicated to St. Jerome, who translated the Bible into Latin. (We were squeezed in pretty tight quarters…)

Christmas Tree restaurant

Star marking the place of Jesus' birth

On the way back to the hotel, we made one final stop at the church of the Shepherds’ Field, which commemorates the place where the angels visited the shepherds to announce Jesus’ birth. A part of me really wanted to sing “While Shepherds Watched” or “Shepherds’ Pipe Carol”, but I held back…

Shepherds' Field

I showered, ate a snack, and then had a decent nap when we got back to the King Solomon Hotel. A long day + heat + being dehydrated + emotional and mental overload = pure exhaustion (and pure joy)… Dinner (and possibly some exploring) tonight…

June 25, 2014

Today promises to hold a lot of beauty. The sun is already shining, and everyone is already smiling. We are heading to John the Baptist’s birthplace and then to Bethlehem.

Lots of prayers will come today. I am holding in my heart Morgan, Kelsey, Melissa, and their babies. We will see where Jesus was born. I do not even know what to expect. My goal is to block out the tourism as best I can…

Dear God,

You came to Mary and she delivered your son Jesus into the world. Watch over in a special way my friends who are expecting. Keep them safe and bless them in your love.

Amen.

June 24, 2014 (continued)

This morning, our wake-up call was at 6:30. (I admit, I will not miss that phone ringing!) We left our bags outside our rooms and gathered for breakfast. We filled up on vegetables and fruits (and more) as we didn’t know what to expect at the next hotel. After breakfast, we clustered under what little shade could be found in the parking lot and waited to claim our luggage and board the bus. “Goodbye Scots Hotel!” several fellow travelers exclaimed as we pulled out of the driveway. “We’ll miss you!” We most certainly will… a five-star hotel with delicious food, an exquisite view, and impeccable service will be hard to beat…

Most of today was spent aboard a bus… which was probably a good thing, considering how many places we have visited the past few days. It also helped us stay cool. (Thank goodness for air conditioning!)

Our first stop was at Stella Maris (“Star of the Sea”) on Mount Carmel. Up until today, I don’t know that I ever truly believed that my name was a derivative of a Marian title… Today, I did. We celebrated Mass in a chapel there. I think any group could sound beautiful (amazing acoustics), but this morning our group sounded particularly lovely… perhaps it was the voices coupled with a few of my favorite hymns. (It was also the feast of John the Baptist.) After Mass, we drove up the mountains to look down on the gardens of the Baha’i shrine. Even though Aunt Kathy practices the faith, I am ashamed to admit that I know nothing about it. I did learn that there are 19 days in each of the calendar months- and there were 19 gardens too.

Stella Maris = Star of the Sea (on Mount Carmel)

looking up toward the Baha'i house of worship

Baha'i gardens

Then it was back to the bus to a Franciscan monastery to commemorate when Elijah killed the false prophets of Baal. We could also look out and see the entire country of Israel, including Meggido (of fame from the book of Revelation- Armageddon).

Next was lunch- and it felt like the first authentic lunch we had- falafel with salads stuffed in a pita… and some fried pita sprinkled with sugar crystals for dessert topped the meal off.

We climbed back on the bus another time to head to Caesarea… I am not a history buff, and I probably will remember precious little of what Youssef, but it was beautiful. We saw the aqueducts right by the beach. Then we saw some ruins and watched a documentary.

Aqueducts

Ruins at Caesarea 

Fellow teacher and I at Caesarea

Caesarea by the Sea

And now we’re on the bus for a final time… this time heading towards Jerusalem to our next hotel. Tomorrow we will visit Bethlehem… I can’t wait!

June 24, 2014

We are leaving Tiberias and heading to Jerusalem today… onward and upward… more adventures to be had.

This has been a journey of the soul… and a journey with our bodies.

God,

Be with us today as we travel to Jerusalem. We are walking with you as we journey back in history. Thank you for the graces and the gifts of all of the individuals on this trip. I am very blessed to be here.

Amen.

June 23, 2014 (continued)

Now we’re heading back after our second full day of our pilgrimage. We saw Mount Tabor, Cana, and Nazareth.

up the mountain to the Church of the Transfiguration

It’s funny- each place is moving and holds a special place in my heart, but certain ‘events’ have moved me to tears. Yesterday, it was when I sat in the chapel at the Primacy of Peter when I prayed for the ACE teachers and my friends in the seminary… Today it was at Cana with the renewal of marriage vows and at Mass after Communion while praying for my students. At other times, I have stood in awe, like when I walked up to the church of the Annunciation while talking to Dani (a friend on the trip): “And then I just had a little bit of – (looking up) – Oh my goodness!” She laughed and said jokingly, “You had a little bit of oh my goodness?”

The food has continued to be abundant and delicious. Lunch, in fact, just kept coming… Who knew the overflowing pasta plate was merely an appetizer?

We celebrated Mass today in the Church of the Annunciation. Mary said ‘yes’ to God, and Fr. Ken challenged us to say ‘yes’ to God in our lives- to be God bearers.

I have really enjoyed listening to people’s stories on this trip. Peggy won the trip at St. Clement’s Anchor Ball (auction)… fourteen years ago. Jane wrote a prayer for a child at the Wailing Wall about thirty years ago… now she is on the trip with her daughter, Katie. Edda met her husband (now deceased) at St. Clement. He spoke German too (she is from Austria). Sheila shared stories of teaching with me, and today she told me about volunteering for weddings at Old St. Pat’s. Kristin and Michael met on a study abroad trip to Spain in college. I absolutely adore these stories- everyone’s stories- and it makes me want to ask each person, “What is your story?”

I will admit that today was the first time I worried about our safety. While en route up Mt. Tabor (in taxis) we encountered young men with guns dressed in military uniforms… It was the shouting in Hebrew at our taxi driver that freaked me out a little (OK, a lot). There were more of them at the top of the mountain- apparently it’s a training post.

Most of the signs in the area are written in Hebrew, and I’m frustrated that I do not know the language- at all. If I were in Italy or a Spanish-speaking country, I could understand (at least a little). Luckily, pictures help- and I really don’t have to navigate. I guess I really just like to be able to communicate with people.

Church of the Transfiguration on Mount Tabor 

Renewal of wedding vows at Cana 

Church of the Annunciation 

The Holy Family

I’m exhausted sitting here on the bus. The late nights combined with early mornings, the brutal heat, and the food, have nearly knocked me out. It’s a good exhaustion though. I am blessed by the people, the sites, and the accommodations- everything about this trip.

Toda, God! Shalom!

June 23, 2014

Today we celebrate Mary’s fiat- her ‘yes’ to you. Somehow, even though she was so young, she understood her role in your divine plan. Often, I have trouble figuring out God’s plan- and saying yes to it. Why is it so hard to trust?

Mary, did you know- really and truly know- how great your son would be?

Mary, Did You Know?

Mary remained faithful throughout her life. We will also celebrate the miracle at Cana, where Jesus turned water into wine. Mary again brought out God’s plan, even though Jesus claimed it wasn’t his time yet.

Sometimes we all need that little push to help us bring out our own talents- for me, that’s been my sister, my ACE roommates, and my coworkers. They bring out the best in me, even when I don’t see it in myself.

Today is a day of ‘Yes’es. Today is a day of love. Today is a day of faith.

Dear God,

Help me to be open to your divine plan. Help me say ‘yes’, as Mary did. I may be young, I may be small, but you can work through anyone. Work through me, God. Please give me courage and help me to see with eyes of faith.

Amen.

June 22, 2014 (continued again)

Wow! We packed so much into the first day… and yet the funny thing is I never felt rushed.

Today’s visits circled around the Sea of Galilee. We saw the Primacy of Peter, Capernaum, Bethsaida, Chorazin, and the Mount of the Beatitudes. We even took a boat on the sea itself.

church at the Primacy of Peter

sticking our toes in the Sea of Galilee

Peter's house in Capernaum

Sea of Galilee 

boat "cruise" on the Sea of Galilee

church at the Mount of Beatitudes 

Mount of Beatitudes

My friend Grace warned against getting caught up in the tourism, and I can see how that might be easy to do. There are many tourists (heck we’re on a tour bus with a tour guide) and photo opportunities and places to purchase souvenirs.

Don’t get me wrong though. There were also many opportunities to reflect. Jesus was here. He was truly here. We walked where he walked; we sat where he sat. We listened to his words.

I appreciate the history of the places and the reasoning behind certain events. I am truly touched by the faith of the disciples.

This trip has also planted the “travel bug” in me. I want to learn about more cultures, see new places. Maybe in a few more years once I’ve saved a little more money… We shall see…

Travel "essentials" for the trip...

June 22, 2014 (continued)

Toda. Bede asked how to say ‘Thank you’ this morning. The staff was very helpful. The food was delicious- I could live off the assortment of tomatoes and fruit. The figs and dates… mmm! I mean, Trader Joe’s has a good selection, but they’ve got nothing on these people.

Toda, God… Toda…

June 22, 2014

Today we will travel to the Sea of Galilee. It was here that Jesus called the disciples, stilled the storm, and caught the fish.

Jesus was here.

Three words, so much power.

God,

Today we will visit where Jesus called his disciples. Help me to be open to your call in my life. He called out ‘Peace’ and calmed the disciples when they lost faith. Thank you for the reminders in my life that tell me you are with me.

Amen.

June 21, 2014

Luckily, falling asleep in strange places has never proven difficult for me. I fell asleep for most of the plane ride… but let’s be honest- it was a plane ride, so the sleep came in shifts- between people needing the bathroom and the attendants calling out for different meals.  I have never seen so much food on a plane- dinner, a snack (chicken sandwich), a bagel breakfast sandwich, and numerous trips down the aisle with the drink cart… I’m feeling full now, but that feeling will come in handy while we wait in customs- and on our three-hour bus ride to the hotel…

our tour bus with our trusty leader Youseff in the front

on our way to Tiberias from Tel-Aviv

June 20, 2014 (continued)

My body doesn’t know what to make of this long flight… or the second dinner… or the insane time difference…

I had just nodded off to sleep when Kelly set my TV for the “Lego Movie.” (That was pretty funny, I have to admit…) I don’t know how she got the screen to work though- I can’t even get it to turn off- so strange! Good thing I didn’t have my heart set on watching anything.

My doodle from the plane

June 20, 2014

Here I go… I am currently sitting in the stillness of my living room. The sun is shining, the birds are chirping. Costa Rica just won their World Cup match (Olé olé-olé-olé Ticos! Ticos!)…

And I’m going to Israel!

I honestly cannot believe it… This day felt like forever-and-a-year away…

While I’m worried about the unrest in the Middle East, I have been reassured by blessings at church and all of the prayers and emails and texts from friends and family members…

I don’t know what to expect on this trip, but I want to go with an open mind and heart. This is a chance of a lifetime… Here I go, armed with a small suitcase, a backpack, lots of travel advice, and forty friends from church!

Here’s a leap of faith, and I’m ready to jump…

one of my journals for my journey