A night and day for reflection...

In many ways, it's hard to put a day (or 11) like this to words.

But, as we gathered on a patio overlooking the Jaffa Gate of Old City Jerusalem to reflect on this experience and day, the words, images, stories and gifts of this time are rich, real and present.

This morning was a beautiful, messy, haunting, and hopeful experience of life and death. Starting at the Yad Vashem, the Holocaust Museum, and concluding with communion at the garden tomb. Once again we were greeted with a world of striking contrasts, tensions and paradox: the tragic- "I wish it weren't real" reality of holocaust, the haunting spectacle of a six million person slaughter, the dismantling sight of children's faces and names heard, the hopefilled- "I wish it were real" sight of an empty chamber of rock, the smell and taste of bread and cup, the promise that "He is not here", the very real encounter of a guest who's own journey reflects the movement from death, destruction and despair to promise, grace and hope. What a gift!

This day and these days on this trip have been rich and I (and we) richer for it. As we begin bringing order to our bags in preparation to return home, we pack with us memories, faces, stories, and experiences that we will try to connect to words over the coming hours, days, weeks and lifetimes.