COMMENTS FROM BIBLE TOUR TRAVELERS

These emails contain a number of comments from the travelers. The reader can scroll down to find those sections of comments.

Email sent which included comments from travelers on the “Holy Land II” tour, Oct 26 – Nov 8, 2009: 

 Dear Friends –

 Just a month ago we returned from our 13^th tour of Israel – our very first “Holy Land II,” designed primarily for those who’d been to Israel before (although a number of our travelers were visiting Israel for the first time).  This new itinerary took us the length of Israel from Dan to Beersheba, into Egypt, and to new sites in Jerusalem and the Galilee, as well as to some of our beloved “old” experiences (sunrise – and full moonrise - on the Sea of Galilee, Bethsaida where the two of us had worked on the archaeological dig, the Garden of Gethsemane, and much more.  As always, we traveled with our beloved, and brilliant, Israeli guide, Mishi Neubach.

 Two of the new adventures challenged us to climb new heights and maneuver the dark depths of this holy land!  On the 3^rd morning of the trip the majority of us met in the lobby of the hotel near St. Catherine’s Monastery in the Sinai Desert at 1:30 a.m., bundled up against the chilly night air, with flashlights in hands (and/or on heads).   A bus took us the short trip to the base of Mt. Sinai, where we mounted camels for the first 2/3 of the way up the mountain.  Not allowed to use our flashlights (it would spook the camels we were told), we rode up the fairly steep path, along with hundreds of other “pilgrims” walking and riding in the black night.  Many of us were uncomfortable on the hard seats, so we prayed, hummed hymns, imagined ourselves as Moses climbing the mountain or as one of the Magi riding a camel to Canaan from the East.  

 As we were far from any city lights, the night sky was pitch black – we couldn’t even see the top of the mountain.  One amazing sight was the many little dots of light snaking up the mountain ahead of and above us – the flashlights of those who were walking (some walked the whole way, but everyone had to walk and climb the last 1/3 of the 4-hour trek).   Some of us had the experience of trying to figure out just how high the mountain WAS, as the lights just went up and up and up – and suddenly realized that the dots of flashlights blended right into the brilliance of the stars, with no horizon line of division.  “As in heaven, so on earth, God is omnipotent, supreme.” 

After leaving the camels, most of us did make it up the incredibly steep rocky “steps” to the top by about 5:40, where we waited as the horizon became evident in soft pinks and then grew ever brighter until that magnificent moment when the blinding orb peeked over the crags in the distance, lighting the jagged mountains around us – and a new day dawned.  

Later in our tour, in Jerusalem, we again experienced a trek in the dark.  This time we were in the depths below the city – walking for 45 minutes through the narrow, ancient tunnel dug in King Hezekiah’s time to ensure a protected water supply brought from springs outside the city walls.   Of course in Hezekiah’s time no one walked in the tunnel – but we were wading in cold spring water sometimes up to our knees!  Definitely an unusual adventure!

 Of course, these “height and depth” experiences were just a tiny part of the whole tour, but definitely memorable! 

 As on other tours, we had a Farewell Dinner at the end, and many of the travelers shared their thoughts at that time.  We took notes while they talked, and they’ve given permission for us to share excerpts from their comments.  These we’ve printed below.  Some folks shared more than once – and some added new comments after they returned home.   All the travelers gave their consent for us to print their names at the end. 

Excerpts from comments from travelers at the end of their “Holy Land II”  tour, Oct 26 – Nov 8, 2009:

This trip made quite an impression on me. Walking, riding and climbing in the desolation of Sinai along with Olene’s in-depth Bible stories gave me a much broader appreciation of Moses and the children of Israel.  And to have that experience at the beginning of the tour set the stage for what followed. It also gave me a hint of why the deliverance from Egypt is at the top of the list of what the Jewish people are grateful for.  We were given a taste of the atmosphere where Jesus lived – the oppressive Roman and pagan mentality as well as the physical landscapes of the southern desert to the northern wet lands. Also I must mention the group of friends I met. What a privilege to experience two weeks of Bible study in the very places where it all happened with a unique group of like-minded folks. Everything, even the morning readings were specially selected just for us.  I’m most grateful.

 While I had no preconceived ideas, I kind of expected this trip to bring some sort of a revelation or renewed inspiration about my religious experience.  What surprised me was Mishi’s sharing of his experience with his religion. I realized there are thousands around the world who are praying for Israel.  I’ve gained a better understanding about how to pray for this country.  I’d previously attended a Passover seder, so I especially loved having Mishi share with us the Shabbat blessing that one Friday night dinner -  the beginning of the Jewish Sabbath. 

 Olene and Nancy helped fill in the Bible part of this trip so well.  Their humor was great, too!  From Mishi I gained new insights about Judaism.  I enjoyed the emphasis on the continuous story of God’s infinite availability and complete good down through the centuries.

 I now have a better understanding of the Bible.  I love the way Mishi wove the thread and built on each person in the Bible.  I’ve gained a really good feeling of how this all fits together.  And one other thing:  Every time I thought I didn’t want to do something and thought I would stay back, I was always glad I’d gone ahead and joined in.  I was always pleasantly surprised! 

I enjoyed the surprise opportunity to meet Mishi’s wife, and to see the softer side of Mishi!  I came here for the first time with Nancy & Olene in 2000, and found that trip so helpful.  That’s why I came back for the second time.   It was a more advanced presentation, and I’m still going forward!  My husband has been having lots of business visitors from Israel.  I now can connect even more with them.  I’m bringing back a menorah and some books to help further this connection! 

I so appreciate all the new things I got to see that weren’t on my first Holy Land tour with Nancy and Olene.   I appreciate the wonderful ways everyone on the tour has contributed to my trip – there was so much support in many things.   Two examples are how Mishi helped me get to the top of Mt. Sinai!  And when I was in a difficult part earlier in that journey in the dark, I heard one of you humming “From sense to Soul my pathway lies before me.”  What can I say?!!!

 Everything each one of you has said is true!   I have felt so comfortable with everyone.   I travel a lot, and that isn’t always true on all trips.  I can hardly wait to get back to my many Jewish friends – I’ll be able to express myself much better as a Christian now.  I’m taking a course called “Underneath the Cities,” and this trip (visiting so many excavations of ancient cities) is adding so much to that.  I loved walking through the water in Hezekiah’s ancient tunnel, because I know that my friends who’ve been to Israel haven’t done that!  I really loved every bit of the tour and got so many ideas to help me progress in my own personal work.   This goes so well with the annual Bible Seminars at Asilomar!

 I enjoyed my 2^nd time here with Nancy and Olene (it was actually my 3^rd time in Israel).  There are new sparks from things biblical!

 What a joy to share with each of you the privilege of exploring Bible history and its meaning on this trip to the Holy Land with its unique history, amazing spiritual beauty and challenges!  We have all shared our victories at Sinai so now I give you my deep appreciation for each supporting prayer as I regained my footing in the hotel lobby in Jerusalem, and for your tender receptivity the next morning as this marvelous demonstration of love/Love enabled my continued exploration of Israel.  The temple wall of your loving thoughts could not have been a better fortress in time of need. 

To the dear Christian Science nurses on our tour - your steadfast presence, strength, and commitment give true witness to the wonders of our nursing field wherever we are.   To Nancy and Olene, well done! Your careful organization and preparation on our behalf liberated us to revel each day in the lessons that only “being there” could provide.   Ah! To Mishi, deep admiration for your perception and explanations of your people’s fight, past and present, for one God - a battle each of us must engage.  And now we do so  better equipped and forewarned.  One last little note with a smile:  This “cat” will always try to be a better follower, even though not inclined to be herded! 

The trip was great, and gave me real appreciation of our First Tenet, re:  the inspired word of the Bible.  Example: Galilee is really a lake, not a sea; but that makes no real difference.  Mishi is one of the greatest tour guides I have ever been with.  His knowledge of the Bible, Israel, and the United States - along with his professionalism and attitude - were great!  And our traveling group was very congenial – which added to the satisfaction of the tour.

 I’ve traveled with Nancy & Olene before – and as always, I’ve gained new insights into the Bible which not only make that book more transparent, but give me new ideas to apply in my own life.  For instance, I stood in the ruins of ancient Chorazin and Bethsaida, hearing of Jesus’ cursing of these cities (along with Capernaum) because they saw his healings but didn’t change their ways and accept the Truth. I determined to be much more aware of, and willing to respond to, every evidence of the Christ in my own life.   And there’s nothing to compare with watching the sunrise over the Sea of Galilee with a dear group of people dedicated to following Jesus’ footsteps!  We heard a poem written from the viewpoint of a disciple at that original “morning meal.”  The poem ends with the idea that we can no longer just sit here basking in the beauty of the first morning light, thinking about the Christ.  The whole world is waiting for us.  We have healing work to do – with the Christ ever present!  I am just deeply grateful for this trip which is a new dawn in my spiritual growth.

I came away with a real appreciation of the Bible as history - although I still have a long way to go.  In this respect, I am reading the Harper Collins Concise ATLAS OF THE BIBLE and THE SOURCE, by James Michener.  I also found it very interesting to see the Middle East, as it is such a focus in our modern international scene. 

This trip has continued to unfold for me after my return home.  I have pictures, maps, memories and retelling my experiences to friends and family, and all of this combines to further unfold the impact of this journey for me.  I'm seeing more of the Bible come to life through having seen the countryside, I notice and respond more to news of Israel and her people, and I continue to have a very tender feeling for every member of our group, remembering how each one contributed in a unique way to the whole experience. 

I continue to be blessed by our Holy Land trip in so many ways, on so many levels!  It was a meaningful learning experience for me which continues to provide much food for thought.   So, during this special Thanksgiving week when we take time to express gratitude for the good in our lives, in the lives of those we love, and throughout the world around us, I want to thank each of you for all you did to bring it about, and for all you do to foster communication, understanding, and appreciation, between individuals and cultures.

List of travelers on Holy Land II tour – Oct/Nov, 2009

Eleanor Bigbie  -  Ferndale, WA

Bob Bilhorn  -  Chicago, IL

Tina Bilhorn  -  Princeton, NJ

Olivia Boone  -  Dallas, TX

Olene Carroll  -  Clayton, CA

Nancy Fischer  -  Allen, TX

Michael Humphreys  -  Pacific Beach, CA

Gloria Onyuru  -  Ankara, Turkey

Joanne Otto  -  Ballwin, MO

Deane & Barbara Schenewark, CS – Yachats, OR 

Meredith Steinhauser  -  Menlo Park, CA

Diane Wanger  -  Delray Beach, FL

Nancy Willett  -  Camarillo, CA

Tim Westbay  -  Sedona, AZ

Excerpts from Impromptu Comments at and after the Farewell Dinner – HOLY LAND TOUR - March/April 2009 

First, from our Israeli guide, Mishi Neubach –  I do love teaching more than entertaining!   I’ve developed a deep interest in Christianity, and I love sharing the biblical knowledge of both Old and New Testaments.   This tour takes you on a spiritual journey, and my greatest desire is that it enables travelers to enrich their lives.   But - what you’ve experienced these two weeks is not a one-man job!   I sincerely believe that the combination in these Christian Science tours of the teaching of Olene and Nancy, together with Fadi in Jordan and me in Israel is a combination that really works well.   I feel these ladies’ teaching is excellent.  So you’ve indeed had a class on wheels!   I really enjoy the Christian Science groups.  Even your small group asked more good questions in a day than most of my other groups ask on a whole tour!   And this is true of every tour Nancy & Olene have brought here.  You are all great students – and a lot of fun! 

Then, the impromptu comments from the travelers:

I think I’ve come the farthest!  I will confess that when I would read the newspaper and come across anything about Israel or the Middle East, I wouldn’t read it!   It was so confusing that I just wouldn’t deal with it.  That has so totally changed!  I now have a deep desire to dig further.  Two highlights for me were the Testimony Meeting and singing “Easter Gladness” in the Garden Tomb.  And I’ve loved having a real teacher for a guide!

 The inspiration that all 4 (Mishi, Fadi, Olene & Nancy) gave us is what means the most to me.  I’m not the intellectual student that so many of you are.  But I’ve loved putting it all together.  I feel I’m in a whole new world, and I thank all of you who have been so helpful to me. 

For ages I’ve always said Christianity is just a branch of Judaism.  It’s been helpful to hear from Mishi what things meant to Jesus and his listeners as Jews – to learn where Jesus was coming from as a Jew.

 I loved that Jewish aspect, too, and learning the table blessing in Hebrew!  

Olene’s & Nancy’s pericopes [Bible stories] have been so wonderful.  I now really want to do some research and dig much deeper into Bible stories myself.

 I’m looking forward to getting back to church and telling everyone what this was like – the Pool of Bethesda, John the Baptist cave, and on and on.  This will benefit not only me, but all whom I share with. 

I learned so much!  I didn’t know why there were pigs in the Bible, when the Jews saw them as unclean.  Then I saw for myself that the people on the other side of the lake were Gentiles, and thus pigs weren’t a problem for them!  

I loved our little van – we were so close together and really got to know each other … really special.  I love being over 60 and still being treated as a student, sometimes even being scolded when I didn’t pay attention!  This was like the 2-week course I could take at Principia.  That’s why I always had my notebook with me!  Mishi was like a brother.  I loved learning how the Christ appeared in the Old Testament.  I loved the personal relationships gained – companionship that I’ve needed in my life.  Am I the only one thinking about returning for Holy Land II in October? Why don’t we have a reunion on top of Mt. Horeb?   This has been a life-changing experience for me.  I thank Nancy, Olene, Mishi & Fadi.   You all opened up your tents and made my whole world open up. 

I’m grateful for a healing I’ve had.  I wasn’t sure I could make this trip.  I talked with Nancy about it, and then went ahead.  I’m so grateful that this trip has let me be normal.

 I appreciate everyone’s loving support!   I’ve been so enriched by what the 4 of you taught us.  I’d been to Israel before but had the layers of history mixed up.  You helped me sort this all out.  I’m SO grateful!

 I’ve been on 4 tours with you girls now.  I’ve even been on this same trip before!  Everything is just so good always.  It’s like “Tell me where you’re going, and I want to be with you!”  In fact, when I get home, I’m ready to sign up for the “Holy Land II” tour in October!  

 I can’t tell you enough how much I loved this whole tour and everything you two ladies shared.  I am definitely planning to go on the October tour.

 Olene & Nancy, thank you from the bottom of my heart for your pericopes and all the preparation behind them.  It's a given that the substance of the trip is the combination of the physical and spiritual travel.  And how I love your way of organizing the tour with energy, humor & joy!  This trip is truly the beginning of something big for me.  My word-of-mouth testimonies when I return will be paragraphs-of-mouth, as I have lots of good to share with lots of people!  

 Comments written to the Travel Agent after the tour –

The trip was letter (and "spirit") perfect!  Our accommodations were all excellent - and our "morning meal" on the shores of the Galilean Sea was a most appropriate event to set the tone for the whole "pilgrimage" to follow.   Mishi, as always, is a caring and accommodating guide and friend.  It's so helpful to have him review both where we've been and where we're going!  He does this in his own inimitable style, understanding our newness to the scenes and events he has just explained while appreciating our eagerness to grasp as much as we can.  

 As I learned on my Turkey tour, both Nancy and Olene shepherd us so gently and thoughtfully, watching over us like a shepherd watches over his flock—an ever-presence, but an unobtrusive one.  Mishi tactfully takes care of the strays!  

 I am reading the book of Mark as an assignment right now and find it a delight to be able to place parts of it in actual settings and/or to better understand the context of what is being related.   The trip was an enriching experience.  I’m so grateful to Nancy and Olene for putting it together! 

 As soon as I returned home, I went to the Reading Room and bought the books written by Nancy and Olene (and Mary Jo Beebe) on Jesus' Healings and New Testament Healings as well as the Bible Time Line to help sort out all the new history I learned that has made the Bible come alive.  I can't imagine a better spiritual rejuvenation than a trip with these guides and teachers.

 Thank you for putting together a WONDERFUL trip to Israel and Jordan.  I have learned so much!  I don't think there would be a thing that could be changed...and I believe everyone felt the same way.  Lots of love, help, and caring were exhibited among the group.  The places we visited were amazing!  Not a place should/could be cut from future trips there.  With love and gratitude for helping me be one of the "lucky" ones that went!

 List of travelers on the Holy Land Tour – March/April, 2009

Jean Bell                      Balgownie, Australia

Olene Carroll                Clayton, CA

Eddie Castaing             New Orleans, LA

Jewell Collins               Harrison, ME

Katherine Davis            Tacoma, WA

Maralee Duncan            Carson, WA

Nancy Fischer              Allen, TX

Fran Keatinge               Oceanside, CA

Barbara Kennedy          Sacramento, CA

Margy McKelvie            Kirkwood, MO

EMAIL SENT ON 12/1/08 re HOLY LAND TOUR

 Dear Friends –

 Several weeks ago Olene and I, and 24 other travelers, returned from a wonderful tour of the Holy Land.  This was our 21^st Bible tour – our 12^th to Israel/Jordan.  And again it was so clear that on each tour, God invites the guests!  AND – these guests each accepted the invitation when it came to their thought!  This group, as had been true of every tour, had a beautiful blend of “brother birds” – to soar and sing and bend together on the same branch!   (And this time, we literally sang together, as one of the travelers brought along his guitar!)

 Besides all the wonderful Bible sites – which so illumine every part of the Bible, each trip has its own uniqueness and special experiences.  This particular time, due to a quirk in logistics, we had the opportunity to spend a night in a Jordanian Bedouin campground in Wadi Rum – a desert area in southern Jordan!   We had private tents with beds, real bathroom facilities in the campground, a wonderful meal prepared on outdoor grills, a 2-hour ride through the most unusual terrain (where most of “Lawrence of Arabia” was filmed), evening entertainment, and the most incredible night sky seen only when one is miles and miles away from any towns!

 There were many other “serendipities” on this tour – dinner in the home of a Christian Scientist who works for the American Embassy in Amman, Jordan, a little concert after our Wednesday Evening Meeting in Jerusalem by a Jewish rabbi who is now a class-taught Christian Scientist, a talk by Ilene Prusher who heads the Jerusalem bureau of The Christian Science Monitor (she spoke to us just days after we’d all received the news of all the exciting changes coming in the Monitor!), and so many more special moments of discovery, insight, love, support, healing.

 On the final evening before leaving for the airport, we had a “Farewell Dinner.”  During dessert, the travelers began to share some of their thoughts about the tour.  

 Nancy took some notes, and transcribed them as well as she could!   The travelers have given their permission for her to share these with you – and to print their names at the end of the email.  The comments are in random order (not attached to the names).  Some people have more than one comment.  The Israeli guide that has been with us on all 12 of our tours, Mishi Neubach, was present at the dinner, as was our longtime driver, Toby.  So, you’ll read many comments from the travelers directed to them.  Our long-time Jordanian guide, Fadi Haddad, was not there – the thank-you’s and kudos to him were said as we left him the week before in Jordan.

 If you’d like to talk with any of the travelers listed below, just contact Nancy Fischer and she’ll put you in touch!

   Before we share the comments from the Farewell Dinner, here’s an email we received several days after returning home.  We’ve put it here to give you a little “overview” of what you can expect on any of our Bible tours:

 What a life-changing trip!  In talking with others, I find we are all amazed at the ground we covered and the insights we gained.  In that regard, I don’t think I properly thanked you, Nancy and Olene, during the trip for your groundbreaking work and attention to detail.  Our trip was like nothing I’ve ever been on before.  We all benefitted from your connections, experience, hard work, clear thinking and months of preparation.  So here is my heartfelt thanks to you both.

 The pericopes [Bible stories shared by Nancy & Olene] deserve special comment.  Time and again the spiritual import and religious significance was illuminated by the stories behind the monuments.  Time and again, the drawings, photos, overlays and maps illustrated the exact value of the site and its relation to the Bible and the people at the time.  I think I may have taken them for granted, but on reflection, I don’t remember a trip in my life from which I gained such insight.  The pericopes showed a tremendous amount of research, profound thinking, and generosity of spirit. 

 Thank you, Olene, for your investment in our understanding and the care you took in unfolding the experience for us.  Nancy, your enthusiasm, sense of humor and spirituality shined through again and again.  The guides, the rooms, the buses, the tours, the tickets, the talks, the maps, the meals, the singing, the experiences, were so well coordinated, you made it look easy.   I will be recommending the trip to everyone I can think of and will carry fond memories with me forever. 

 Now, here are excerpts from impromptu comments at the Farewell Dinner after the Holy Land Tour, October 26 – November 8, 2008:

 First from our Israeli guide, Mishi:  I’ve learned that Christian Scientists ask so many questions!  They show such an interest and desire to learn, and are willing to open their minds and go further with their knowledge.  For me, this is great – I love the intellectual challenge!  I develop each tour according to the questions and interest.  It is a real experience for me!  Also, the way everyone helps each other is really great.  Everything really works right on these tours.

 Now, from the travelers:

This was my 2^nd tour with Nancy & Olene, and again it was so wonderful!  I’m so grateful to see more of the Bible, and to gain a better understanding of the beginning of Christianity here.

 I’m so grateful to Olene and Nancy for their constant giving that provides an opportunity of a lifetime.  This trip is something I’ve wanted to do for so long.  I have felt there was a piece missing in my life!   I have now found that foundation and that root that I have hungered for.  It’s nourished me. However, I see now that I have just had an hors d'oeuvre and I long for more Bible adventures!   Thank you, Mishi, for sharing your vast knowledge, and for all the years of experience and study that have given you such a marvelous understanding of your country, its people, and its history.  You enlarged my borders and touched my heart.  I so admire your patience.  You are the first person I’ve met who can herd cats!

 I, too, have wanted to come on this tour for a long time.  I was so grateful to have read a book about how important the land is to the Gospels.  Since being here, I’ve seen analogies to life.  For instance, I’ve learned this is a great land – but you have to work it!  Also, being sent out to the desert/wilderness forces one to learn the right way from the wrong.  It always takes effort – but in the end it is rewarding.  I appreciate the many things I’ve learned these 2 weeks that apply to life.

 This trip fulfilled a 30-year desire!  I now know why God waited 30 years to give me this gift – because this tour was absolutely the perfect one for me!

 I’ve been on quite a few bus tours – I’m a big believer in these tours and understand that the management of a tour is vitally important.  With a well-managed tour, we benefit from the expertise of those leading the tour, and everything comes together!  Most of us came really steeped in Bible and history, and yet we added greatly to our knowledge – and corrected misconceptions.  We recall things we learned years ago and say, Oh, that’s what this means!  I so appreciate everyone’s input,  I appreciate Mishi and Fadi – how knowledgeable they are, and how freely they shared!  This all helps us be better citizens of the world!

 There are 3 things I’m grateful for:  (1) There’s a story that if you ask 6 blind men standing around an elephant to describe it, you’ll get 6 different descriptions.  If the Middle East is an elephant, then the media describes just the tail!   Through this tour I’ve gotten to see the rest!  The media portray crisis as ever-present here in the Middle East.  I didn’t see that at all.

(2)  Mishi explained so clearly the roots of Christianity coming out of Judaism.  I grew up in an area with many Jewish friends, and always saw Judaism as separate from us.  Now I see the connection with the root!

(3)  I found love everywhere!   I didn’t know how Americans would be accepted.  Yet I saw not a single hostile stare.  No one expressed anything but love – in Israel and in Jordan.   

As a First Reader, I’ve especially loved seeing the Bible settings.   Now when reading about Jesus, for instance, I will always see the beautiful hills around Galilee!

 At the first meal, I sat by someone who said a tour expands your family base.  At this last meal I now know what that means!  I feel I could call anyone on this tour and just catch up on the “family news”! I know that the closeness that I’ve developed is truly God’s love.

 I’ve known that my roots are here.  I just didn’t know how deep they were!  My best friend and I had a string of miracles that led to this trip.  I never thought it would be possible for me to do this.   But when this friend, who is responsible for my being here and my only connection to Christian Science, had to leave on the 2^nd day of the tour, I wondered who would be my friend.  Since that day, this trip has been incredible!  Around every corner there was a miracle!  I feel so blessed – each of you has become a dear friend.   All that I learned on the tour has been wonderful – but the greatest jewel and treasure I found was all of you. 

Thank you all for helping me.  I had a physical challenge and didn’t know if I could even do this trip.  But every step of the way there was someone to help.  Thank you all.   I’ve loved this trip – and I love you!   

Being on this trip has made the stories in the Bible come alive.  I learned so much!  What is so special is to start to learn your stories, my new friends – from Mishi’s point of view or anyone’s.  My story is going to continue to unfold, and I’m so grateful for the impetus this trip has given!

 For a long time I’m going to be digesting all these things I’ve taken in.  I’m so grateful (a) to God for getting me here, (b) to a lot of people who have shared their understanding of the Bible that spurred my interest, and (c) for experiences that prepared me – like being SS Supt, etc.  Being here with Mishi helps us really understand our roots.  I’m grateful for a book Nancy & Olene recommended: “The Gifts of the Jews” – as it helped me appreciate what these people have shared.  I’m grateful for each individual in the Bible for playing their part.  I’m mostly grateful to God who gives us countless opportunities – but we have to listen and follow! 

This trip has been a lifelong dream.  I will never read the Bible the same again!   I’m grateful for so many things at this moment – to Mishi who’s a walking encyclopedia, to Nancy and Olene for their sharing, and to all of you!

 When I came, I brought a love of the Bible and a desire to see Bible locations.  I wanted to visualize things and understand proximities – coastline towns in Galilee, the Temple, etc.  But – I also realized I had a prejudice against Jews, which I didn’t want!  I desired to confront and address this.  I’ve gained so much!  I now have a deep desire to continue the conversation with God, begun 4000 years ago, of which we are the beneficiaries.  Jews are truly monotheists, and I can now see the dedication of these people through the centuries, often at great cost to themselves.  Seeing Mishi’s deep understanding of that conversation, I have definitely addressed my prejudice and am going home with a new view of Judaism.

This tour was so different from what I’d expected.  It wasn’t just a guide pointing out things to look at, but a real spiritual journey!

  “God helps those who help themselves.”  I have a new view of this saying by seeing how the Jews took a desert wasteland and turned it into this productive land.  I’ve loved being here and seeing this!  It teaches me a lesson on not despairing over the things that happen in my own life.  Maybe I can do a little better myself!

 I really thank Nancy & Olene!  I’ve never been on a trip that was so loving.  My roommate and I couldn’t have done this without the help of everyone – including Toby!  I’ve learned so much and am so grateful.

 I was a somewhat reluctant participant in this tour!  A year ago my wife started prodding me about it.  I wasn’t that interested, but she kept after it.   And I’m grateful she did.  I’d wondered how we could really know just where Jesus walked in the various Bible stories.  But today, at the Garden Tomb, it all came together for me and I realized this really could be the actual place.  Many things I’ve wondered about have been cleared up.  I’ve always been a history buff – so I loved learned so much in this area.  And I really appreciated Toby’s driving skills!   AND the trip has also been great fun!

My head’s been filled to the brim!  I have a lot of work to do to come to deep conclusions about the knowledge I’ve gained.  I’ve been one of the quiet guys on the tour.  But I’ve taken advantage of seeing God’s love shining through all of you.  That has been a faith-renewer for me.  My cup runneth over.

 I’ve done a lot of traveling.  I love how much you learn and how it helps appreciate what we have in our own country!   Though I only knew one person on this tour when I came, the great fun of the group has been so wonderful.  As I’ve seen and learned things, it’s brought the Jews & Christians together in my mind.  Understanding others is so vital in our world!  Nancy and Olene have done such a great job of bringing us together – I loved the readings every morning, and all the Bible stories.  The whole mosaic made up of all of us is beautiful!

 There was such a sense of welcome I found.  I’d faced great resistance to my coming.  Just days before the tour began, our dog ran away (but he was found!), a family member had a physical challenge (which was resolved!).  And our dog & cat had quite a conflict (also working out).  I thought about that conflict and the Middle East.  I could see that our group being here brings a bit of leaven. 

 Once here on the trip, I got a better sense of the humanity of the people here.   I saw people openly worshipping and realized that religion is welcomed and celebrated here!   I’m also grateful for the sense of supply that made this trip possible.  I had help from others, and fellow church members have been so supportive.  I’m just so grateful for the ideas and guidance from the great “stewards” on our tour! 

I am so grateful to you ladies for what you have given us and others before us and others in front of us, both in preparing us for the trip and in your loving care on the trip.  Olene, your research and insight, so freely given and with so little fanfare, is a profound contribution.  Nancy, your teacherly organization and visuals, along with Olene's, were so fantastic and such a rich compliment to Mishi's mission.  You are both so selfless.  And, your energy abounds!  

A huge thank you to Nancy & Olene!  Did you ever see a cross look on either of them?  This has been such a wonderful tour with so much love and joy and harmony – every day and with every single person in the group!  Toby is phenomenal in his ability to maneuver the bus.  Mishi, I’ve heard it said that Jesus was a Jewish carpenter.  Many Christians say, “Yes, but.”  You’ve taken away the “Yes, but.”  You’ve explained his Jewishness.  Also many of the general Christian traditions I’ve held all my life are undergoing a transformation – like now seeing Jesus’ cross as being eye level, the manger being hewn rock, etc.  For me, this pushed my thought away from physical things – caves, tombs – to the spiritual activity that’s going on.  I also see better the “interfaith” aspect.  I realize I don’t have a monopoly on good.  Others are also growing in understanding of healing in their own way.  At this point, we all may feel we have “info overload” – but as we go forward, we’ll research and pray and grow, embracing the whole world in the way Jesus taught. 

E-MAIL SENT re: TURKEY ON 6/4/08

 Dear Friends –

Two weeks ago we returned from our 3^rd tour of Turkey (our 20^th Bible tour since 1995) – and what a beautiful and enlightening trip it was!   There were 25 of us, including our superb Turkish guide, Tulu Ciftci, and our delightful and efficient travel agent, Bev Robb.   

We followed all the footsteps of the Apostle Paul in ancient Asia Minor (even romping around unexcavated sites of Derbe, Colossae and Troas) visited the sites of 6 of the 7 churches addressed in the beginning of the book of Revelation, took pictures in an old “caravansaray” (camel caravan “motel” on the famed Silk Road), laughed and played games with schoolchildren on their field trips, shopped in Istanbul’s famed Grand Bazaar and Spice Market (as well as many other exotic spots along the way), and ate delicious Turkish cuisine – including lamb, eggplant, doner kebabs, baklava, and one of our favorites: cheese & meat pide (pronounced pee-day). 

One of the most precious things about traveling with a group of Christian Scientists is the opportunity we have to pray together.  Among the beautiful experiences on this trip was that of supporting prayerfully the relatives of one of our travelers who were kidnapped by terrorists in Beirut.   Within two hours of our traveler’s receiving the news of this occurrence and sharing this with everyone on the trip, another call arrived saying the two men were released and were in a safe place, although in hiding.  After our return home, we learned that these men had been able to go back to their home in Beirut and resume their normal activities.   

Turkey is a beautiful country, rich with history and culture – and incredibly friendly people!   It was not at all unusual to be invited in for apple tea by a farm wife, or have a teenager – or a school group of 7-year-olds - stop you so they could practice their English!   A rush of feelings swept over us as we sat together after our “farewell dinner” and shared our thoughts about the tour – sadness to say good-by, but leaving each other and this country with joyous memories, and a much deeper and broader understanding of the work of St. Paul and other early Christians. 

While we reminisced, notes were taken of some of the impromptu comments made by the travelers.  All of them have given their permission to share excerpts from their comments, and to list their names at the end.  The comments are offered in no particular order.   If you’d like to ask any of them about their trip, let me know, and I’ll have them contact you!  

Excerpts from Comments by travelers on our tour of Turkey – May 1-16, 2008

First, from Tulu Ciftci, who has guided all of our Turkey trips – “From the very beginning I’ve enjoyed guiding your groups.  I have continued to improve myself with your pericopes [Bible stories] and just with being with all of you.  Your positiveness and lovingness on this trip was so wonderful.  When I started this particular tour, it was not an easy time in my life, but I feel so much better now.  Your compassion toward people, your love toward everything and everyone was so helpful to me.  Thank you!   I am not guiding whole country tours much any more now that I am teaching guides at the university.  But I do guide for Nancy and Olene!   As I said, I was in a challenging time in my life, but I felt the support from each of you.  I now feel connected with life again!” 

Next, from Gloria Onyuru, an American who has lived in Turkey for 40 years - “This is my 3^rd time on this tour with Nancy and Olene, and I always cry at this Farewell Dinner!   This trip has meant so much to me.  I hope you continue to hold Turkey and Turks in your hearts.  I love my expanding sense of church.  Even though I am ‘connected’ via the internet, I have so loved having each of you here.  I especially thank you for the very specific prayers shared on this trip.”

 Now, from all our other travelers, some with more than one comment: My deep interest in the Bible has brought me to 3 of Nancy and Olene’s tours [Israel, Greece and Turkey].  I was surprised to find how much I loved THIS country!  The people, land and history, together with Tulu’s gracious, continuous joy & affectionate embrace of us, plus her vast knowledge, have all been wonderful! 

* I’ve traveled a lot in my life, but I had no idea how much Turkey would surprise us!  I love this country and have especially appreciated the fine taste of the people – in architecture, art, use of color and design, etc.  I’ve loved the whole experience! 

* I’d been with Nancy and Olene in Greece and the Holy Land, so I had high expectations from these former tours.  And these expectations have certainly been met on this tour!  While preparing for Turkey, I still hadn’t had a sense of just what it would be like.  But I see that you can’t help falling in love with Turkey – the lushness of the land, the delightful people, the women with their deep love of family and love of life!  There’s a smile on every corner.   And to see the history!   What a wonderful crescendo – just wonderful!    

* Interestingly, none of my friends questioned my wanting to go to Turkey.  It seemed they all either knew someone who’d been here, or they themselves had gone – and everyone had loved it!   I was so looking forward to this trip.  And Tulu, you made it just perfect! 

* We, too, were on Nancy & Olene’s Greece trip, so we felt we just had to finish Paul’s journeys!  (Everyone here should think seriously about going to Greece with them.)   We loved this Turkey tour.  We knew nothing about Turkey, but I know a lot now!   Many friends want to know about this, so we’ll be doing a lot of sharing back home. 

* I was pleased to see the unexcavated sites like Derbe, and was surprised at how many haven’t been unearthed yet.  It was amazing – and fun to discover all the shards right on top of the ground on the tell. It was especially inspirational to visit the Crisler Library right after seeing Ephesus and finding out about the good work they are doing there.

*  agree with all the wonderful things said so far!   What a joy this trip has been.  I was especially impressed with the creativity and variety of things to buy!   We were always finding new items at the shops around the country.   What meant the most to me were the encounters with the people – the smiling college girls I sat with one day, and all the children who loved us taking their pictures.  It was a special joy to have Gloria with us! 

* Speaking of children, I was impressed with their joy – always so happy and radiant.  It was a highlight to see them at museums, etc.  Before I left home, reading through the book of Acts, I was struck by when Paul went to Pisidian Antioch and was driven out.  He went on to Iconium and was attacked again.  But he didn’t back up – but kept going forward.  At Lystra after the wonderful healing, they wanted to make him a god – and then he was attacked violently.   But he was healed and went right on to Derbe.  And then – amazingly – he went right back to those earlier places and found his new students continuing.   It’s all so clear now, and I am so impressed by Paul’s courage.  I loved the assignments we were given to read each night – and then we’d visit the places!  It was all just so encouraging to me in my own life. 

* One of my favorite things was the caravansaray – that sense of history as we pictured the camel caravans going through the land.  I bought a woven piece there because I loved the little man in his tiny shop back in the corner.  He was so sweet and gentle, and just wanted to show me what he had – no hard sell!  I must also add about the trip that I’ve never had a guide who expressed so much love.   Tulu just lives love! 

*  I did quite a bit of reading before the trip – to say the least!   I’m grateful for the direction we got from Nancy & Olene with the suggested readings to help us prepare.  The Crescent and Star helped me love the country before I got here.  Now that I’ve experienced everything, I love it so much more!   I’d never before felt what it would be like to be an apostle.  Nancy & Olene’s pericopes [Bible sharings] and the film at the Crisler Library at Ephesus, helped this dawn on me. 

* I’m not a real “social” person, tending to be happy in my own quiet world of family.  But I woke up early this morning, the last day of the tour, with a feeling of melancholy, realizing that I have experienced something very special with a group of wonderful people, and that I am truly going to miss them.  I’ve been so touched by the quality of people here – and I’m sure it’s true of all who are attracted to Nancy & Olene’s tours.  (And this includes Tulu!)   I realized this sense of parting, and I thought of Paul.   Paul did a lot of parting, many times knowing he wouldn’t be with that group ever again.  Yet Paul journeyed on!   This is a beautiful lesson. 

*  I want to thank Nancy and Olene for arranging this wonderful tour—my third Biblical tour with them, after Israel & Greece. Tesserae (small bits of material such as stone, tile, or glass) are used to create mosaics.  My first tour of Turkey in 2002 focused on ancient ruins and sites related to classical mythology. I like to think of the ideas and facts I learned then as informational tesserae that began my Turkish mosaic.   On this tour, we stopped by cities where Paul preached and visited six of the seven churches in Revelation.  Now that these Biblical tesserae have been added, I feel I have a more complete mosaic of this historical part of Asia Minor.  

* I used to teach New Testament at the college level.   So I was always teaching about Paul - 1/3 of the NT is Paul!  I’d traveled in Greece in the past, but I needed to know Turkey to fill out the picture.   It wasn’t a goal in my life to be here, but I’m so grateful I came!   I’ve increased my appreciation for what Paul did.  To start out way over east in Syrian Antioch and to travel such distances was incredible!  He was walking – and I could hardly make it by bus!  And for him to go from Lystra to Derbe after being stoned – and then returning … amazing!   I continued to be in awe as I would re-read II Corinthians 11:24-28, where Paul tells of all the things that happened to him – beatings, stoning, shipwrecks, dangers innumerable.  We can learn so much from this when we think we’re having problems! 

* Tulu, Nancy, Olene & Bev have been so organized and so cheerful – I’ve felt like a pampered princess!  There was such a flexibility in the whole group.  And Turkey – what a delight to be here!   It was also a humbling experience as an American.   We see our country as great, and it is.  But it’s a joy to see how much has been done here!   The pride in the things they do and make is a delight.  One day I was taking pictures of a farmer in a small village.  The wife came outside and invited me into the humble kitchen.  She saw my appreciation and was so proud and openly sharing.  It has been refreshing to be here and to feel so welcome as an American. 

* I have always wanted to go to Turkey.  I’d looked at different tours, but never went.  I see now that THIS was the right time and the right tour.  Everything has just unfolded perfectly.  I’ve been on many tours.  So I appreciate the great cohesiveness when all the travelers are Christian Scientists.  This has been spectacular!   I’ve gained great spiritual insights and feel a wonderful fulfillment.  

* This trip has been fulfilling and enriching for me too!   I feel like I have 1000 new friends.  I had some challenges before the trip, so it has been a special pleasure to be here with all of you who are endeavoring to express the Christ.  Even when I wasn’t as “obedient” to the group because I was off drawing, I was met with love.  I appreciate Nancy & Olene’s sharing.  I appreciate Tulu’s childlikeness.  I appreciate everyone on this tour.  You are willing people, willing to unite without human will!  I feel so blessed.

* I feel privileged to have learned from the scholarship that went into this tour.   This trip has put together, for the first time, so much of what I’ve studied all my life.  I love all that Tulu has given to us and enjoyed seeing her in action.  Her order and organization made everything go so smoothly.  

* I am so grateful!  Windows opened up that I never planned.  I never even thought of Turkey until one of you mentioned it to me.  I never thought deeply before about the workings of history and the growth of Christianity.  This is my first experience of traveling with a group of Christian Scientists.  I appreciate it so much.  How beautiful are your souls!  I have never felt such love at a time that seemed very dark for me.  Being with you all and having your support is a feeling I haven’t had for a long time.  Thank you all for that! 

* I’m from a small Christian Science Society.  That made it even more special to be with a group of wonderful Christian Scientists.  I’ve learned so much from Nancy, Olene, and Tulu.  You all just keep giving and giving and giving.  It seems impossible that anyone could give so much! 

* This whole trip – what a beautiful example of God unfolding good!   I’d never thought of doing this before.  And I’ll never read Paul the same again! 

* Big ditto to everything said!  A friend called to ask if I’d go to Turkey with her.  I said “Yes,” hung up, and wondered what I’d done!  Turkey was just a far-off land, and I knew nothing.  But as I prepared, I began to warm up to it.  Nancy, Olene, Tulu and Bev – and all you travelers – have made this experience so memorable.  I am SO grateful! 

* I’ve thought a lot on this trip.  I’ve always loved Paul.  Mary Baker Eddy speaks kindly of Saul, too – she appreciated the man and his growth.  The very qualities that made him a great persecutor also made him a great Christian.  On this trip, I’ve loved realizing that Paul was from THIS land – this is where he developed a lot of these qualities – strength, ability, dedication, determination, intelligence, passion.  I’ve enjoyed discovering these qualities still present here! 

* I hadn’t thought of coming to Turkey, but was wanting to go to Israel with Nancy & Olene.  However, the timing of this trip was better for me – and how grateful I am to be here!  The sharings of Tulu, Nancy & Olene have stirred me to do a lot more research about Paul when I get home! 

* Tulu, you express such grace.  We see that in everything you do!   You have such love and such a wealth of knowledge.  I’m so grateful for that.   Gloria, having you with us was wonderful – you shared so much of your experience living in Turkey.  Nancy and Olene, I’ve traveled with you before.  As always, your pericopes were phenomenal – I learned so much.  And the readings that started off each morning were so blessing.  Everything has been wonderful.  What a joy to be part of this! 

 List of travelers on the Turkey tour – May 1 – 16, 2008

• Emilie Anderson – Traverse City, MI

• Jeff & Beth Carey, CS – Traverse City, MI

• Olene Carroll – Clayton, CA

• Jewell Collins – Harrison, ME

• Susan Erwin – McKinney, TX

• Barb Fife, CSB – Vancouver, BC Canada

• Nancy Fischer – Allen, TX

• Dorothy Gordon – Boston, MA

• Jayne Hanlin – St. Louis, MO

• Irwin Levitan – St. Louis, MO

• Sally Liff – McLean, VA

• Jeanette Livingston – Amman, Jordan

• Cali McClure, CS – Barrington, IL

• Gloria Onyuru – Ankara, Turkey

• Joanne Otto – St. Louis, MO

• Bruce Portman – Wildwood, MO

• Carolyn Portman – Manchester, MO

• Cathryn Rathsam – Anaheim Hills, CA

• Audrey Shields – Cherry Valley, NY

• Mimi Wenk – Indian Wells, CA

• Jim & Jean Wheeler – Huntington Beach, CA

Dear Friends!   Here’s an excerpt from an email we received from a couple who traveled with us to Greece October 1-15, 2007:

 We gave a 2-hour presentation on our trip to our branch church last Sunday.  At the end of the presentation one of the church members asked why we were not conducting tours. I simply said, “You have to meet Olene and Nancy and that will answer your question.  You may think I was "pumped," but these two gals are really "pumped!”   Thanks again for a great trip.  We have traveled much of the world, but have always looked forward to the trips with you two.  We learn more, and come away with greater understanding of our history and especially the history of Christianity which to me is the most important.  And as always, great folks and great guides are on all your trips!

We LOVE getting letters like that from our travelers!  

What a wonderful 15 days we spent in early October on our 5^th tour of Greece (our 19^th Bible tour)!  Our main focus was to follow St. Paul ’s footsteps through Greece , gaining a deeper understanding of this great man and his work while sharing together how to apply this understanding to our own lives.  But as always, the tour was packed with loads of other sites and activities – as we took in many of the great sites of classical Greece , enjoyed beautiful Greek islands (and Ephesus , Turkey ) on a 4-day cruise, sat in outdoor cafes eating Greek salads, moussaka, spanakopita, fresh seafood, ….

Joining Nancy and me were not only the 24 delightful travelers (whose names are at the end of this e-mail message) but again we had our wonderful Greek guide, Yiannis Ventirosa, sharing his depth of knowledge and his love of his country and its heritage.  Our travel agent, Bev Robb, was also with us, bringing her usual joy to the tour – as well as her professionalism in making sure every detail was taken care of.   Our bus driver (another Yiannis) was so caring of all of us – and we marveled at his driving talents, especially on those mountain roads near Delphi and Meteora!

Incidentally, one of our travelers is a blogger – and she has added some insightful comments on Paul which she gained on the tour.  http://newcloth.blogspot.com  Be sure to scroll down to see a number of her articles and pictures from the trip.

Every tour has its “serendipities”!   One of those on this trip was connected with our day on the Acropolis of Athens.  This was the very day they were beginning to move the 4500 artifacts from the old museum on top of the Acropolis to the new museum at the foot of the mountain.  We saw the 3 huge cranes set up at the top, midway down, and bottom, and saw TV crews on their way to film.  But even more exciting to the movie buffs in our group was the fact that we saw the filming of a scene from a movie due out next year, “My Life in Ruins.”  And right before our eyes, in a bright turquoise dress, was the star, Nia Vardalos (“My Big Fat Greek Wedding”), who is playing the part of an archaeological tour guide.  (This is the first time an American film studio has been allowed to shoot on location at the Acropolis – and we were there!)

After our Farewell Dinner, the travelers shared some of their thoughts about the tour.  All of them gave their permission for Olene and me to print excerpts from their comments and to put their names at the end.  They want us to remind you that these were not pre-planned – so the comments are casually worded, and don’t begin to tell everything that was in their hearts at that moment.  The comments are not shared in any particular order. 

 If you’d like to have any of the travelers contact you to answer your questions, let me know and I’ll put someone in touch with you!   

Comments from travelers on our tour of Greece – Oct. 1- 15, 2007:   

I am so very grateful!  It will take me months before I can process and understand it all.  I had such deep feelings in Philippi when I stood where Paul baptized Lydia .  I am overwhelmed with all the evidence we saw – going back to way before Christ.  I thank each one on this tour for your kindness and friendship.  I felt some trepidation about coming because of a physical challenge that I faced before the tour.  But the last couple of days here I’ve seen much evidence of healing.  This fills me with deep gratitude.  Thanks – and God be praised!

I’ve seen and learned more about Paul than I ever thought I would!  I’m so grateful to get so much information and such understanding insights on Paul’s work.  This is my 3^rd tour with Nancy and Olene – and I’m so grateful for everything.  

Hello Everyone!    

Nancy and I – and 22 other delightful travelers (listed at the end of this email message) – returned last month from another wonderful tour of the Holy Land .  Although it was the 11th time we had taken a group to Israel & Jordan , as always the trip had a freshness and newness to us because of the people in the group!   We have no doubt that God calls each group together – and a new “family” is formed for all involved.  That’s part of the joy of doing a biblical tour … the love of God and the Bible, together with a desire for spiritual growth, starts us all off with a common bond!  

Although tourism is not as vibrant right now as it should be, all the sites, hotels, shops and restaurants were in tip-top shape for us, and the people were eager to welcome and serve us.  As always, we felt as safe and “normal” as we do at home.  We visited a brand new museum in the area of the excavations around the Temple Mount in Jerusalem , were treated to the unearthing of new archaeological discoveries and saw evidence of lots of new construction projects throughout the country.   

A high point for many was the opportunity to visit again one of the schools involved in a project that brings Jewish and Arab children and their families together in cultural sharing.  This time we spent about 2 hours at a Jewish school where the 5th and 6th graders were hosting their counterparts from the Arab school (which we’d seen 2 years ago).  Some of the parents were there too – and we all got involved in helping the children make dolls from scraps of fabric, socks, buttons, sticks….!   They served us sandwiches (a choice of hummus or soft white cheese), olives, and drinks – and we all had a grand time!   How wonderful to know that there are such projects going on – programs emphasizing the basic goodness and kinship of all mankind.  

At our farewell dinner in Israel (and afterward), our travelers shared some of their thoughts about the tour, including comments on our Israeli guide Mishi Neubach, Jordanian guide Fadi Haddad, Travel Agent Bev Robb (who goes with all our tours),  and our bus drivers (Toby in Israel & Salah in Jordan).   The travelers gave us their permission to print these comments and to put their names at the end.  If you’d like to have any of them contact you to answer your questions, let me know and I’ll put someone in touch with you!   

The first person to share at our dinner was Mishi, one of Israel ’s top guides for the past 36 years.  He loves working with our groups, as evidenced by his comments:  “Thank you for being the inquisitive minds that you are!  The challenge for a guide is to work with each group – as a whole and as individuals.  In the usual church groups I guide, there aren’t even half of the deep good questions or a quarter of the interest in the answers as in the Christian Science groups which Nancy and Olene bring.  That demands a different approach from me – it’s invigorating, and I love it!  Working with Nancy and Olene makes Bev’s and my work fun!  So – thank you all for a wonderful 2 weeks.”  

Comments from travelers on our tour of Israel & Jordan – April 30 – May 13, 2007:  

* This trip was the fulfillment of a long-held precious desire, one not without challenges, but oh-so worth the work!   My goal for this tour was spiritual growth, a better understanding of God’s great goodness, a deeper knowledge of the Bible and its teachings, the opportunity to walk in the footsteps of Jesus, his disciples and the prophets.  Tonight, at the end of the tour, my cup is indeed full!  

* I knew a lot about the Bible before I came, but this tour helped me put the Bible into historical perspective.  It enabled me to take the Bible, including its political setting and various aspects, and extend it up to the present time.  

* Nancy and Olene, it was such a pleasure to get to know you both.  Thank you so much for all the love and care and planning that made the tour so harmonious and enjoyable.   

* My husband has been pushing me to take this tour ever since the fall of ’01 when Nancy & Olene’s tour that we’d signed up for was cancelled due to 9-11.  After that, trip dates didn’t work for us, AND I was always apprehensive about the safety of such a tour.  But now I see that the trip has been marvelous – and totally calm and safe!  I am SO happy and grateful that my husband wanted to go and kept after me!  

* Two years ago we traveled to Turkey with Nancy and Olene.  It’s easy to enthuse other people about these tours, because they offer/include everything anyone could possibly want!  Nancy and Olene are so delightful, organized, and knowledgeable, and the tour guides are excellent.   

* Well, this is our 4th tour with Olene and Nancy!   And it’s the 2nd time we’ve been on this Holy Land trip with them. The 2nd time around is so wonderful.  Mishi often uses the phrase, “I want you to understand.”  And that is the key!  I have now an even deeper understanding of this country – and of the Bible.  

* I’m a quilter, and I feel like God has given me the gift of a priceless multi-colored quilt with each block being a special memory of this trip.  The center block is the “one infinite God, good, who unifies men and nations.”  (S&H 340)  Each of you on this trip is an important part.  Our conversations as we walked along the ancient hills, a kind word, a hand up, a pat on the back – such love was expressed at every turn.  Other blocks in my quilt:  Bev’s always loving guidance and shepherding.  Nancy & Olene’s joyful sharing of their love of the Holy Land , their tireless research, their daily pericopes (Bible stories) and good-natured kindness.  Fadi’s quiet and gentle knowledge & presentation of Jordan .  Mishi’s amazing understanding of this complex area, its history, politics, religions – his love of sharing made this experience so rich!  And our drivers – Toby and Salah – both must have Master’s degrees in driving in narrow ways!  AND the wonderful people we saw and interacted with – the children, families, people of different faiths.   What an amazing quilt!  

* I enjoyed the tour tremendously!   We’re accustomed to living in a world of experts, but this tour was truly a multi-disciplinary course taught by experts.  It included Bible history, comparative religion, archaeology, architecture, and so much more.  I appreciate the many links between the Old and New Testaments – it all helps us know where Jesus came from.  

* I was definitely the lost sheep!  When I missed the plane to Israel due to a delayed connecting flight, I held to the fact that this trip was a right idea.  Even while spending the night in the airport, I knew everyone was praying for me – and that knowledge helped and supported me.  This trip fulfilled one of my long-held dreams.  It was marvelous!  You all are my Holy Land family – I love you and am so grateful!  

* We’ve taken many PACE tours with Christian Scientists.  They were all nice tours – but this was the best tour I’ve ever been on.  It was due to the whole team – Mishi, Fadi, Olene, Nancy, Bev, Toby – everybody!  

* I’m so grateful for everyone’s arm!  Each one helped me at some point.  Also, Mishi has given us a solid understanding of the situation in this country – very open and healing.  I now feel that in political discussions I can present points in a more positive way.  

* Having two weeks of a wonderful history professor in the very place we’re learning about is awesome!  We’re not just in a classroom with a map.  It was all such a privilege for me to experience.  I’d been to Israel before, but it was nothing like this!  Plus, I learned that a trip to the Holy Land would not be complete without Jordan .  That part was wonderful too!  

* I agree with everything that’s been said.  I thank each one for the role that you played – Mishi, Olene, Nancy, Bev.  You put so much into your part!  If I just take 10% of what was given, I’ve gotten so much.  I’ll never read the Bible or the Bible Lesson in the same way again.  I love you all!  

* It was truly an outstanding tour and enriching experience -- one not to be missed by anyone who loves the Bible and wants to understand it better.  I am so deeply grateful!  

* Because I traveled with Nancy & Olene to Greece , I knew what to expect:  great hotels, wonderful food, every question answered, every difficulty smoothed. I knew the trip would be such a treat!  Besides this, all I expected from the Holy Land trip was just seeing the land.  But I’m going away with so much more!  I’ve fallen in love with Israel !  It is beautiful, and its people are wonderful.  As I walked in the areas of the hotels, people would come up and talk.  I’d say one phrase, and a whole conversation would start!  Being here, one learns so much more than from a newspaper or guidebook.  My reading of the Bible Lesson – and even reading the daily news – has changed so much!  Thank you, thank you, Mishi, Olene, Nancy , Bev, Fadi, Toby!  

* Here are my thoughts about each of our “leaders” – Mishi has such passion!  He is to the history & culture of Israel what Leonard Bernstein is to music.  Bev brings such care and love to each one on the tour.  Nancy ’s inspirational readings each morning healed me daily – I was sure the readings were selected just for me!  Olene’s clear pericopes (Bible stories with commentary) were so instructive – and her humor provided a wonderful balance.  And Toby – there couldn’t be a more outstanding driver who cared for our comfort and safety!  

* In this land filled with ancient artwork, Olene, Nancy , Bev, Mishi, Toby, together create a world-class mosaic!  In their 12 years of working together, they have perfected every aspect of this tour.  Thanks to the whole group – including Fadi in Jordan – for your good work.  We’ve all learned so much!  

* I would say to anyone who asked me about the tour (and I’ve now had two with Nancy & Olene):  “Viewing our pictures or listening to us tell of our experiences can never really show the value, inspiration and excitement of this trip to the Holy Land .  You must experience it for yourselves.  If you are interested in the Bible lands and history, you need to take this trip!”  

* What a great trip!  Now when I read the Bible I have the added bonus of having a vivid picture of places and customs along with the rich and varied history of Israel .  My keener appreciation for the people now living in this beautiful country will certainly enliven my prayers for the peace they so deserve.  

* So much good has been expressed to us – such generosity, grace.  I’m touched by the lives lived here, for all the good.  I’m going to redirect my own life – and a time each day – to praying for the Middle East .  

* My desire now is to include all these dear people of Israel and Jordan in my daily prayers – to see “one Father with His universal family, held in the gospel of Love.”  (S&H 576)  

List of Travelers on the Holy Land Tour – April 30 – May 13, 2007

Fred & Barbara Brown – Town & Country , MO
Mike Hottenstein & Star Campbell – State College , PA
Olene Carroll - Clayton , CA
Maralee Duncan – Carson , WA
Marcia Durham, CS – Salem , OR
Susan Erwin – McKinney , TX
Barb Fife, CSB – Vancouver , BC Canada
Nancy Fischer - Allen , TX
Martha Francis – Bakersfield , CA
Barbara Gordon – Washington , DC
Rosalind Gutierrez – Chicago , IL
Martin & Sarah Hyatt, CSB – Charleston , SC
Dixie Kenney – Salem , OR
Cali McClure, CS – Barrington , IL
Bev Robb – The Woodlands, TX
Phil & Julie Roe – Redmond , WA
Martin & Mary Skala – Darien , CT
Hap & Annie Stewart – Jacksonville , FL
Tom Stoll – Eugene , OR