We left last night, delayed quite a long time, but happy to finally take off! Everyone was very tired, but in great spirits as we ate dinner en route. Some drifted off to sleep and some watched movies. After landing in Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv, we located our bags and went outside to meet Iyad Qumri, our guide.

What a joyful spirit! Omar, our driver is a great friend of Iyad’s and laughed right along with us at the many pleasantries and humorous announcements from Iyad. Below is a short video which will take you along with our arrival.

 

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Our group arrived at St. George’s Cathedral Guest House, checked in, and ate a delicious dinner of savory greens, olives, veggies, and minced lamb/beef meat balls in a mushroom-y cream sauce.

Next, we joined our new friends from the Diocese of Western North Carolina and St. James Episcopal Church in Hendersonville for individual introductions and an opening meeting. Everyone is very excited to be here and we shared with each other what we left behind and one things we hope to take with us in this whole experience when we return. It is so nice to be with one another and hear the different aspects of being on the same page. It’s going to be a fantastic trip. And now…to sleep! Zzzzz…

Bus photo of sunset is Israel by Caroline Carson

Source: EDOLA Holy Land Blog| Arrival Day in Jerusalem!