Many have asked what sites our ministry intern, Anna and I will be visiting during the pilgrimage to the Holy Land, helping me to realize that this pilgrimage is not an individual endeavor, but one that is supported and held by all of us. As I move from site to site, I will bring your intentions with me. I will pray for those who are struggling, for those who are ill, for those who feel weighed down. I will give thanks for our common life together, for the blessings of each person, and for all that we have to be thankful for. As I move from site to site, your prayers for me and for our lives together will mean a great deal. I know the same holds true for Anna as well. Below is a summary of our itinerary. Please think of us as we travel.
Day 1: 1/11 – Arrive in Tel Aviv & transfer to St. George’s Guesthouse, Jerusalem
Day 2: 1/12 – A walk to Damascus Gate & a visit to the see the Dead Sea Scrolls
Day 3: 1/13 – Travel to Herodium with a walk through the Armenian quarter
Day 4: 1/14 – Visit the Western Wall, the pools of Bethesda, & other sites
Day 5: 1/15 – Depart for Bethlehem & the Shepherd’ Field, visit Church of the Nativity
Day 6: 1/16 – Travel to Jericho, hike the Mt. of Temptation, proceed to Nazareth
Day 7: 1/17 – Visit Sepphoris in Galilee, explore Roman/Byzantine excavations
Day 8: 1/18 – Jordan River, St. Peter’s House in Capernaum, Mt. of Beatitude, other sites
Day 9: 1/19 – Travel to Burqin, visit Jacob’s well and the Greek Orthodox Monastery
Day 10: 1/20 – Hike the Wadi Kelt to Herod’s winter palace in Jericho and the Dead Sea
Day 11: 1/21 – Beth-phage, Garden of Gethsemane & site of Caiaphas’ Palace
Day 12: 1/22 – Walking and praying the Way of the Cross, visiting Emmaus Nicopolis
Throughout this sacred walk, I know your prayers go with me. I look forward to sharing my experiences with you when I return.
Lori+