We boarded the bus this morning with the bittersweet knowledge that our time in Israel and Palestine was coming to an end. But first: salt, cable cars, camels, and more!
Like people in the Bible often did, we began our morning by journeying "down" from Jerusalem, and finally we discovered why this particular preposition is so apt. Our ears popping with the sudden change in pressure, we traveled from a considerable height above sea level to the lowest point on earth in around 30 minutes.
We stopped, the glare of the Dead Sea on the horizon, at the site of Qumran, the caves where Essene communities lived at the time of Jesus, and where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered not long ago. From there, we reached the beach for the Dead Sea, where a number of us experienced the famed buoyancy of the lake's almost 30% salt and mineral content. Sitting in the lake was somewhat like sitting in a liquid lounge chair -- the closest humans may ever get to being boats. We returned to the bus, salty and satisfied.
We next traveled to Jericho, the oasis in the desert -- the lowest and possibly the oldest continuously inhabited city still in existence. We rode cable cars halfway up the Mount of Temptation, so named because it is the landmark identified in the gospels as one of the sites of Jesus' temptation by the devil. The sky gave into the temptation to rain on our way back down the mountain, so we hustled through the gift shops (temptation mostly avoided!) and on to lunch in Jericho.
After lunch we returned to Jerusalem via Bethany, the town where Lazarus, Mary and Martha lived. We visited the church located on the traditional site of the house and Lazarus' tomb. And speaking of seemingly impossible raisings, a number of the group tried a camel -- an experience that blurs the lines between vertical and horizontal, especially in the ascent and dismount.
We returned to the hotel for some much appreciated free time. Some of us visited the Israeli Museum to catch a glimpse of the famous Dead Sea Scrolls themselves; others ventured into the Old City to explore the market, and some chose to relax or pack.
We reunited for dinner and welcomed as our guest Bishop Younan from the ELCJHL. After dinner he shared impassioned words with us about the need for justice and peace in the Holy Land, the vital importance of the Christian community in peacemaking, and the ways that Lutherans here are continuing to work ecumenically and with interfaith partners, including Muslim and Jewish religious leaders, to find nonviolent and constructive ways forward. Most important to the work of peace, the bishop said, is the church's educational ministry to children and youth. The bishop urged us, when confused by all we're experiencing, to consider it "holy confusion" and to keep listening, learning, witnessing, and praying for the people of Palestine and Israel.
As our group packs for our departure from Jerusalem tomorrow (probably as we speak), my time as a contributor to this Journal also comes to a close. Pastor Gabi and I will be leaving the group tomorrow and beginning a long-awaited vacation with family in Galilee. I have truly enjoyed sharing some of our trip with all of you following this Journal. I leave you with the encouragement to find out more about the places we have been, particularly within the Palestinian territories. There are more stories to be told, and hearing them will change you, as it has changed me. My hope is that the situation will also be changed by these stories of hope and faith, until peace with justice is the only story we hear from the Holy Land.
Peace be with you,
Pastor Meghan Aelabouni
Pastor Meghan,
Thank you so very much for your thoughtful commentary on your trip to the Holy Land. You have indeed related your experience to all of us that have followed your travels. Enjoy your time with your family and be refreshed and energized with the Spirit so that you can continue your ministry with our Congregation from a new perspective and with the joy that comes from new experience and enlightenment, May God bless you and be with you in your travel home.
The Peace of Christ be with you,
Amen
Posted by: Jeff Larson | 11/18/2009 at 12:05 AM