Holy Land Pilgrimage 2011
Epilogue – “Walking in the dust of the Master...”
Usama our local guide used that phrase on at one of our many stops. It seemed to sum up many of our experiences.
Over the three days since our return I have been asked many questions about our adventure. Some from people of faith others of little or none.
The answers to these FAQs are:
We were always very safe, in fact the Palestinian areas are virtually crime free.
We enjoyed ourselves enormously and made many new friends.
Despite a packed schedule we had time to relax and socialise.
The food everywhere was fantastic (too much so!)
The people we met were tremendously friendly and welcoming.
The Holy Places are remarkably unspoiled and souvenirs and keepsakes were very tasteful.
Accommodation and transport were excellent,
Security was very tight but not oppressively so.
The places we visited were not always as |I had expected them to be.
The Pilgrimage was a unique experience and one that I am grateful to Fr Mark for providing the opportunity for us all. My fellow Pilgrims each contributed to the success of the trip by their good company and fellowship, I regard them all as good friends. I could never repeat this experience but would love to go on Pilgrimage again and would recommend anyone fortunate to have the opportunity to take it, you will not regret it.
Most of all it is vital that we continue to support the Holy Places and our fellow Christians (living stones) dwelling in the Holy Land, otherwise they will cease to be places of worship and become museums.
God Bless
A Pilgrim.
FOOTSTEPS OF JESUS
Finally, the time arrived – the pilgrimage to the Holy Land.
Overjoyed to be there in the places the Lord walked;
Overwhelmed by every experience.
Togetherness at Masses in amazing surroundings;
Solitude in silent prayer and reflection in special places;
Total awe, wonder and splendour!
Eating too much - too often - too strange...
Peter’s Fish on a plate with eyes peering up!
Sleepy sunrises over the Sea of Galilee, savouring every second.
On a journey together to Nazareth, Bethlehem, Jerusalem, Martha’s House, Nablus.
Friends, family, faith, fun, fish – photos of them all...
Jerusalem was jam-packed - all hustle and bustle and noise;
Everything, ‘One dollar!’ - then.....
Serenity on the shores of| the Sea of Galilee.
Unforgettable experiences, each and every one of them.
Sad to go, but we take home treasured memories and new friends – near and far.
Thanks
I would like to thank Father Mark for the most wonderful experience of my life and for everybody else who was on the trip and who also made it such a wonderful time.
Thank you all and God Bless!
Doreen.
I have had the best ten days of my life. Calvary will remain vividly in my memory. The Cross with Jesus above the rock brought tears to my eyes,
The bonus of this trip has been that I now have eleven new friends.
I can’t wait to get home see all the photos and tell everyone who will listen about my trip to the Holy Land.
Hazel