Ben and I are packed and ready to go (we hope). Fortunately, in a previous life we did some backpacking, so we are accustomed to traveling light. Below, for those who are interested, is our trip itinerary. It is hard to believe that, tomorrow at this time, we will be someplace over the Atlantic Ocean on a 17-hour flight (or in that neighborhood). Though I am excited to travel and looking forward to praying in the Holy Land, I am reminded that there are so many prayers needed for the people in our neighborhoods.
It seems the words sometimes come more easily when we pray for people in pain that are worlds apart from us. We learned today that a Wartburg Seminary student died in Haiti as a result of the earthquakes, and one of my former roommates was close with him. My family, as members age, seems to be learning how to walk all over again. In these situations, the only words I can find are, "God, help." I suppose the best part is that the truest petition, when you strip it to its core, boils down to, "God, help." Here, we acknowledge not only our faith, but from whence our faith comes in what is likely the shortest - though most heartfelt - prayer.
1 comment:
Wow! That looks like a great trip. Years ago when I was on a submarine, we pulled in to Haifa for about a week. During that time I went on a couple of day-trips to Jerusalem and Bethlehem one day, and Nazareth and Northern Galilee on another. It was amazing!
Enjoy!
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