from Jerusalem

[lh...@stgtc.org]

Dear Friends,

Greetings from St. George's College in Jerusalem. There are people here for this course from all over the world - England, New Zealand, Wales, and a group from a parish in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. We are learning a lot from each other

I arrived late on Tuesday. On Wednesday morning, we had lectures on Middle East peace from Israeli citizens, giving their perspective. In the afternoon, we had lectures from Palestinians, giving their perspective. It was very interesting. We need to learn some about "what is," in order to get around and learn about "what was."

On Thursday, we had lectures and field trips, designed to orient us to Jerusalem as a whole. It looks a lot like photos you see in magazines, but there is a lot you don't see in publications.

Today (Friday) we went to Ein Karen (the hill country) to see the place where Mary went to visit her cousin Elizabeth, and where John the Baptist was born. Later, we went through the checkpoint and over the separation wall into the West Bank, in order to go to Bethlehem. I was amazed at the number of people, from so many places, who crowded into every inch, to see where Jesus was born.

Tomorrow we are going to the Dead Sea, and Qumran (where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found).

Every day we have worship, academic lectures, and field trips. Even after reading and studying the Bible a good deal, it is amazing how much more I am learning about Jesus and his ministry in their historical context. I am very thinkful to be here.

You are in my prayers several times daily. I hope all is well with St. George's and with each of you. The Rev. Doug Tucker will celebrate and preach at both services on Sunday. I know you will enjoy it.

Grace and peace,

Lillian+