We’re sitting at the breakfast table overlooking the Sea of Galilee; what a beautiful site!  Breakfast was simple and enjoyed by a multitude from around the world.  Again, it’s overwhelming to think that everyone of these individuals claims Jerusalem as their own.

We departed Atlanta International Airport for Tel Aviv.  The flight was full, the food was fine and the flight staff was congenial.  Having said this,  the flight was however uncharacteristic of other flights.  Allow me to explain…

In a matter of hours, our pilgrimage to the Holy Land will commence.  Approximately 40 of us will be traveling together - stewards from our Parish and the Annunciation Church in Sacramento, as well as Orthodox Christians from the Bay Area, Hawaii, New Mexico, Mexico and Korea. Some are cradle Orthodox, while others have more recently discovered the Faith (God-willing, we’ll be celebrating a baptism for one of our pilgrims in the Jordan).  The diversity of our group will truly add a unique dynamic and a further blessing to our travels.