We’ve been planning to take this trip for months now, and even though we usually like to set up our own arrangements, this particular excursion will be best done with a group. The Middle East can be a scary region to visit right now, and as I write this post on Labor Day exactly 14 days before the planned departure, I’m soberly thinking of the news that Hezbollah fired missiles into northern Israel within the past 24 hours. They were retaliating against Israel for killing two of its commanders in last week’s Israeli air strike into Syria. The confrontation was intense but over within an hour. We continue to pray for peace, and especially now with our journey imminent!

Cherry Creek Presbyterian in Denver has almost 70 people signed up for the pilgrimage, and it will be pastor/leader Brad Strait’s tenth trip to Israel. We have appreciated all the meetings in preparation, and the deep-dives into history lessons have been especially enlightening.

I’ve never “practiced” packing two weeks before heading on an overseas trip. But in this case, I think it may be wise so that I have enough leftover space for purchases. John researched and ordered two duffel bags that each have a hard case on the bottom. They are surprisingly roomy, but I will need to show restraint and edit the luggage. I’m hoping to be as good with editing “stuff” as I usually am with words….