We began our day at the Jordan River Baptism facility. We use "facility" because it is most likely that Jesus' baptism was farther south in the Judean area. At the same time God can show up even when our geography is challenged.
Hearing one of the group tell her story and affirm the baptism she received as a child brought more than a few wet eyes and warmed hearts.
We then travelled to Nazareth and began our time there at the Orthodox Church of Annunciation with a reading again of the appearance of the Angel to Mary.
From the church we walked through the market - for no extra charge we got to see a truck driver squeeze between parked cars and a rock wall with no more than 2 or 3 inches clearance - a phenomenal exhibition of driving! Ok, after clapping for the driver we got to the coffee and spice store...
On the way to the bus a spontaneous time of ballooning breaks out on a sidewalk in Nazareth!
Once on the bus we went to Nazareth Village (www.nazarethvillage.com) for a fantastic middle-eastern meal (our server happened to be a student from Trinity Western University in British Columbia but sadly she didn't know "Bob in Toronto") followed by a tour of grounds that include actual first century archaeological finds and accurate recreations of first century life.
The icing on a great day was a visit to Galilee Bible College. Following the Study Tour Cardio Workout (climbing multiple sets of stairs) we arrived at the Chapel and met some staff and students from Galilee Bible College (www.gbcollege.org). Dr. Yohanna Katanacho, Director of the school explained his vision to serve Arab Speaking Christian Leaders through both bachelors level courses and a Masters level course in Leadership. The significant difference is that the curriculum is directly based on the situation pastors in the middle east face. For instance, over the past 100 years there has been a war every ten years or so...as such a pastor must be trained to be a peacemaker. Great snacks (this guy had a wonderful chocolate filled croissant) and individual conversations with new friends ensued. Oh, the balloon guy got to make a few more swords and other fun items for Dr. Katanacho's three boys.
There is a growing sense that the opportunity for partnership with Christian friends, both those who are Palestinians living as citizens of Israel and those living in the Palestinian Authority cannot be ignored. Not only do we have things to offer but we have much we can learn from these brothers and sisters.
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