These emails contain a number of comments from the travelers. The reader can scroll down to find those sections of comments.
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 21st Bible tour – our 12th 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 2nd 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 2nd 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 3rd tour of Turkey (our 20th 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 3rd 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:
What
a wonderful 15 days we spent in early October on our 5th tour of
Comments
from travelers on our tour of
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
I
can’t begin to say how much this trip has meant! I have always loved
the Bible and ancient history. I’ve always wanted to come on such a
trip, but didn’t know how it could work out. However, I just went
forward, listening to God. I loved the postcard vistas, colorful
markets, and everything that went way beyond what I even imagined!
I’ll make sure ALL my friends hear about Olene and
After actually covering many of the distances that Paul did, I have a much
greater appreciation for the commitment and sacrifice of the man. Also
– I realized Paul didn’t take any lessons on what to do or how to do it.
The Christ was revealed to him – and he set right out to share this.
For me, it cuts right through the arguments of “I don’t know how to do
this… I can’t heal or share…I need a lot of preparation time…
Why me?”
2)
3)
I gained an appreciation of
4)
Nancy, Olene, Bev and Yiannis – how beautifully they showed us the best of
what we each came here to learn! And now we get to go home and
weave the Christly affection that we found in following Paul more fully into
our lives.
This
was the trip of a lifetime for me! I second everything that everyone
has said. I have learned so much about
I’ve
come to
Another insight came when I realized that Paul’s boat trip to
This
trip was awesome in many ways! Walking in Paul’s footsteps at
Philippi, Thessalonica,
I also loved the friendship and camaraderie on our trip! I really
appreciate Nancy & Olene’s putting up with all my e-mail questions
before the trip, and then sharing their knowledge & love of the Bible on
the tour. And Yiannis – so patient and persevering … with humor
too! Lastly, I am so grateful to all of you who prayed for me on my
errant trip in
I’ve
loved
I
am still appreciating and gaining new insights as I reflect on our
magnificent two weeks in
All
the things I’ve learned will be dawning on me for a long time. After
my trip with Nancy & Olene to
How
very grateful I am to everyone for adding such depth and warmth to this
tour. Every where I looked I could see signs of the Shepherd leading us and
using us all and our unique talents in the group to express the
"shepherd qualities," too. This enriched us, our experiences and
the overall level of excellence during the tour. I loved seeing each
one of us take turns at helping one another, uplifting one another in
thought and deed. To me, this only added to the already wonderful atmosphere
of Love that both Nancy and Olene put forth. Their deep love of the Bible
and mankind is very evident. I very much appreciated the metaphysical start
to each day while riding on the bus. The subject matter was always right on
and gave us uplift for the day - no subtle error was allowed to dwell in
this atmosphere of Love and inspiration. As we viewed out the bus window
many flocks of sheep & goats on hillsides with their shepherds leading
them, I was constantly reminded of how well we were guided on every level
during our entire tour. Our Greek guide, Yiannis was a wonderful example of
alertness, kindness, deep knowledge and genuine affection for his subject
matter and his "sheep" - us. I feel very blessed to
have been part of this tour of
What
I appreciated most were: 1) standing on the sites where Paul walked and
preached, and contemplating the meaning of his mission and his
experiences and 2) the camaraderie, compatibility and communication &
compassion within our group. I had a definite sense that, above
and beyond a trip to
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
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
A
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
The first person to share at our dinner was Mishi, one of
Comments from travelers on our tour of
* 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
* Well, this is our 4th tour with Olene and Nancy!
And it’s the 2nd time we’ve been on this
* 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
* 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
* 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
* 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
* Here are my thoughts about each of our “leaders”
– Mishi has such passion! He is to the history & culture of
* In this land filled with ancient artwork, Olene,
* 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
* 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
* 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
* My desire now is to include all these dear people of
List of Travelers on the
Olene Carroll -
Maralee Duncan –
Marcia Durham, CS –
Susan Erwin –
Barb Fife, CSB –
Nancy Fischer -
Martha Francis –
Barbara Gordon –
Rosalind Gutierrez –
Martin & Sarah Hyatt, CSB –
Phil & Julie Roe –
Martin & Mary Skala –
Hap & Annie Stewart –
Tom Stoll –