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!