Jet lag is not any fun! Yesterday was our first full day back and I walked around like I had a 100 pound sack on my back. Israel is 7 hours ahead of us so there’s some adjusting to the time difference. It seems like it hits me a lot more when I get home than when I am over there.  I am so thankful to be home, but I already look forward to going back. Read more..

It is hard to say “goodbye” to a person or place you love.  So it is hard to say goodbye to this land that I have come to love very much. But, today is our last day in Israel. Today we will finish our pilgrimage by experiencing a Worship Communion Service at the Garden Tomb. There’s nothing like it!

Today is bitter sweet. I am sad to be going home…yet I am glad to be going home. This has been a wonderful educational, inspirational, and spiritual experience, but I am ready to get back home to the people I love. I am reminded this morning that while I love to visit different places and experience different cultures, it is the people back home who make home special! I am ready to see my children, grandchildren, and the rest of my family. I am ready to be with my LIFE group friends again. And, I am ready to be with my family and friends who make up The Orchard Community Church!

I pray that I will have the opportunity to return to this beautiful place and bring many family members and friends with me! Pray about joining me next time!

Blessings and see you soon!  Shalom! Read more..

It has to be one of the most unique experiences one can enjoy! Today we had the opportunity to swim (float) in the Dead Sea.\\ Read more..

This is my fourth trip to Israel. On each of my previous visits I had an “ah-ha” moment, but each time it has been in a differnt place. The special moment on my first trip was coming over the Mount of Olives for the first time and seeing the walls of Jerusalem. That was some 30 years ago, but I still remember it well. The second trip’s special moment came in the Garden of Gethsemane and on the third it was swimming in the Dead Sea. I have been wondering what would provide the special moment on this pilgrimage. Read more..

I did something today that I have not done in all my previous visits to the Holy Land. Read more..

It still amazes me how often people tell me that they are afraid to travel to Israel. Read more..

I remember singing songs about the “chilly waters of the Jordan.” Read more..

Sometimes we have to be reminded that God’s Story is so much bigger than ours. Read more..

We arrived at our hotel in Tiberias last night very late. It didn’t take long for everyone to find the shower and the bed! Read more..

What promised to be a long flight just got longer. Unexpectedly we are sitting on the ground in Newfoundland. Read more..

Well the day has finally come. We have been planning this trip for a year now. Finally, we are off to the Holy Land! This will be my fourth trip to Israel and I am as excited as if it were my first. Read more..