God is Good...Monday (6/23)

Monday, 6/23/14

Last night after dinner we all went around and did introductions – it was wonderful to, first, learn everyone’s name, and, second, to learn a little about each person’s story. One of the most moving things shared was a mom who’s here with her daughter – 30 years ago she traveled to Jerusalem. At the time, she was newly married and unlikely to be able to have children. She offered an intention at the Wailing Wall in Jerusalem, and soon after conceived her daughter. How beautiful!

We also went to Deck’s for a drink post-dinner. That was so lovely with the breeze coming off the water.

More about today’s events later – otherwise, we’ll miss the bus…

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Today we will go to Cana, Nazareth, and the Church of the Annunciation. I wrote down the Magnificat so I could meditate on it later.

(Youssef just distributed whisper-phones to us.)

God is good…all the time.

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Renewal of wedding vows at Cana today – very moving & beautiful. I did not take pictures during that part – I tried to be present in the moment. It seemed to work – I was the most present and the most moved I have felt so far.

(I need to work on balance - notes, pictures, prayer, & being in the moment)

Back at the hotel…

We went to the pool for about an hour. Fr. Ken joined us. I asked him how he became a priest – someone remarked how that was a pretty loaded question, to which I replied it was “deep conversation for deep water.” (couldn’t resist)

Fr. Ken obliged – it was a long story, but it boiled down to him telling us to be careful what we ask for. He was finishing up a silent retreat at which he was sure God would lead him out of it telling him he should not be a priest. Instead, on the last day(!), he asked God what He wanted. Soon after, he saw a manger with a smiling lamb, and he heard “Feed my lambs.” Can’t argue with that, right?

After the pool, it was time to shower and have dinner. I truly enjoyed some great conversation – one woman is such a magnificent story teller. She had us nearly doubled over on the floor laughing at one point. (I’d relay the “sudsing shorts story” here, but I could not do it justice. Sorry!)

Post-dinner we hit up the hotel bar – but don’t worry, we didn’t hit it up too hard…