So who exactly are we?
I wanted to have a page that describes a bit about who we are, but that is not an easy question to answer.
We are a group of 36 rostered and lay persons who were drawn to this journey for one reason or another (more about that in a minute!). This trip is connected to the Book of Faith Initiative, an initiative to encourage members of the ELCA to dig into scripture and explore the Bible. This journey is an opportunity to not only learn about the Holy Land by visiting its places and people but to sing, to have devotions, and to engage scripture in amazing locations. I feel that each of us on this journey has some sort of yearning to connect more deeply with our book of faith, the Bible, and the various places accounted for in its pages.
My hope is that this blog is not only an opportunity for you to travel with us through entries, pictures, and scripture but perhaps think about what helps you connect to the book of faith, the Bible, and what you would like to explore within it's pages.
I cannot speak as to why each of my fellow travelers have embarked on this journey. Below are my own thoughts for setting aside two weeks to travel to the Holy Land. I hope as the time for our trip draws closer and this blog begins to account our travels this page may also be a spot for fellow travelers to share a bit about themselves as well....
Thoughts From the Travelers....
Jeanette, senior seminarian from MN (group "scribe" and blogger)
"I have wanted to go to the Holy Land for a long time, I can't exactly pin down why. To see the famous places, to experience the landscape I have only known through my studies, to hop out of two weeks of class? Just kidding on the last one, I am really, I do love school. I am curious about these places and how visiting them will affect my experience of scripture. As a student, I feel there is no better time than now and am looking forward to a float in the Dead Sea!"
Paul, church and orchestral musician, husband to a theologian, a father and grandpa from MN
"The easy answer to why I am joining this pilgrimage is that Diane, one of our leaders, is also my spouse. But that is merely my good fortune. This will be my second trip to the Holy Land, and the first one left me enchanted, loving the land, impressed with Israel as a country, inspired by the spirit of the Palestinians, mourning for the divisions that plague the people's of all faiths there, and eager to experience more of the mystery and art and faith of this holy land. I'm Paul Jacobson, a church and orchestral musician, husband to a theologian, father of 3 and grandpapa of 4. Won't we all have a great experience!!"
John Hess,
"A trip to the Mid-East has never been a priority for me and the unrest in Egypt underscores my anxieties about visiting Israel and Jordan. However, I met Diane Jacobson in July 2010 and became engaged in her Bible study. She breathes life into scripture with commitment and scholarship. I decided that she would be a person who could make my trip to the Holy Land meaningful. I look forward to many discoveries and opportunities to challenge my faith, to expand my understanding, and to share experiences of heaven on earth."
Barbara Price,
" 'I lift up my eyes to the hills--from where will my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.' (Psalm 21:1). The entire Psalm is comforting and uplifting for me.
I have wanted to make this "pilgrimage" for many years and am so thrilled that I will be sharing it with friends from Peace and the new friends I have yet to meet. When I see with my eyes the places I have learned about since childhood, I anticipate emotions that will be hard to verbalize. My prayer is that each and every one of us will return home filled with good memories of the people who have shared our journey and the places we have seen and, most importantly, that the roots of our faith will have grown even deeper (that's the gardener in me speaking!). I am so grateful for this opportunity."
Scott Benson,
Scott writes that his reasons for joining this journey are "to learn and grow" and he looks forward to the experience of being in the Holy Land!
Deb Meyers,
“ 'Blessed are those whose strength is in you (LORD), whose hearts are set on pilgrimage.' -Psalm 84:5
I am looking forward to this pilgrimage, hoping to grow in faith and gain greater insight when I read the Bible. I want to get a feel for the land, the historical places, the people, and the culture. I want to set my eyes on the Jordan River where Jesus was baptized and feel the breeze on the Sea of Galilee where Jesus and the disciples sailed. This adventure will be quite different from the ones my husband and I usually go on (camping, backpacking/kayaking in wilderness areas), but I am looking forward to all the learning opportunities and journeying with others who have a heart for growing in faith and deepening their relationship with God."
