Our pilgrimage ends, our journey continues

We are back safely in our homes across the country, but still adjusting to the time change and "life as usual." But for we 35 pilgrims, life will never again be "as usual." We have walked where Jesus walked and have seen with our own eyes the roads, the cities, the rivers, the seas and the sights that He experienced. Thanks to Pastor Bill and Lyn, to Khalil and Na-El, to our new friends we met along the way and one another, we are changed people. Above all, we give praise and thanks to God for a journey that went beyond expectations and will empower us to be peacemakers in our communities.

Here we are, at our last meal together in Israel, commissioned to live the life of those whom Jesus calls "blessed" in the Sermon on the Mount. Many of us hope to gather again on Saturday, May 4, at 2 p.m., on the Calvin College campus for the CALL film presentation on Israel and then at a local home to share anew what we learned together. If you have the opportunity to go on such a pilgrimage as we did, we encourage you to do so. Our "pilgrim's club" welcomes new members!

The place:

 

 The food:

The pilgrims:

May grace and peace abound in the Holy Land and in each one of us.
~ Mike Van Denend, Executive Director, Calvin Alumni Association