Sunday, 6/29/14
Airport it is – only
one small hiccup for our group getting to our destination this morning – Bede’s
wake-up call didn’t work. But we made it! (And she wasn’t too frazzled!)
It’s good to be going
home, but it will be difficult to leave all of these wonderful people in our
group. Yes, most of us live in Chicago, but it just won’t be the same when we
get back…
One of the things that
surprised me the most was how long our trip actually felt – usually trips seem
to fly by, but this one didn’t. Michael pointed out that while we were staying
at the Scots Hotel that each day seemed like 2 – excursions during the day and
time by the pool/dinner at night. (So relaxing!)
One of the things I
liked the best was how you could just pick up a conversation with anyone – on
the tour, in the pool, on the bus, at dinner… Everyone was just so lovely and
open. This trip was truly a pleasure.
There is a lot for me
to think about in the coming weeks (and for the rest of my life). My heart will
never be the same…
For one thing, I think
the Gospels will be more alive and meaningful when I hear them at Mass or Bible
study. To imagine/visualize the Sea of Galilee or walking from Gethsemane to
Caiphas’s house – wow! To also remember where we were celebrating Mass together
here in the Holy Land when I hear specific readings will be special too.
Hearing the Easter readings in the Crusader chapel at the Holy Sepulchre and
the Beatitudes outside on the mount – memories for a lifetime…
I think my favorite
thing, though, will be the Christmas carols – I will never hear/sing those the
same again. The words have taken on new meaning, if only I remember to listen…
Back to airport
reality: everyone seems to be finally waking up. (And considering we all started
our day at 3 a.m., that is pretty impressive.)
I don’t think anyone
stayed up too late last night. Personally, I shared in wine and conversation
with Mary, Marisa, Kim, Sylvia, Katie, and Megan. (And we were upstairs by 9 or
so…)
I’m pretty sure we’ll
be boarding soon. Here we go…
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