Back to our other home…

Our view from the plane as we landed in Minneapolis....

My first post from the Holy Land was entitled “Welcome Home”. This was in reference to the words of our guide, Yousef, who shared with us that the Holy Land is, in a way, home to all Christians. Yesterday, thirty-four pilgrims returned to their homes in the U.S. but this does not mean that our journey is over. Yes, we have pictures and treasures to share with our loved ones but we also have stories of what we have seen, experienced and learned and these will continue long after the jet-lag has worn off. I cannot speak for the rest of my group, but this trip was a pilgrimage for me. Aside from jet-lag, inwardly I feel renewed and refreshed, excited to share what I have experienced. So many aspects of scripture are now visually imprinted in my mind. I have visual images that will come to mind when I say prayers for peace in the world. There is no way this trip could not impact my life in ministry. In the next coming weeks I hope to add a bit more to this blog (pictures and more thoughts as things arise). But until then, here are some images from our last day in Jerusalem…

A very crowded market near the Damascus gate. The strawberries looked delicious!

Our final worship together at Church of the Redeemer in Jerusalem

Climbing the 200 plus-some steps of the bell tower at Church of the Redeemer

When I created my blog, having never have been to the Holy Land, I drew a photo from online.

Now I have seen the city from the top of the bell tower and this picture was taken with my very own camera. The tower provides one of the best views of Jerusalem, a shared city and a memorable end to our time in the Holy Land.