We're Here ~ Still Smiling!

Hello All,

We have reached the Holy Land! Everyone is safely and comfortably settled into St. George's Guesthouse in Jerusalem. Most of us slept on the flight from Paris, but those who kept their eyes open were treated to an incredible sight as we broke free of the clouds shrouding the city.  A pure white tundra greeted us, rolling far as the eye could see.

Above the Clouds

by Paulina Muratore

Class of 2013, International Relations

Boston University

That wasn't the only spectacular sight - viewing the Alps from far above was just as beautiful. After four hours, we descended back into the clouds to land at Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv.

 Landing in Tel Aviv

by Paulina Muratore

After yawning and shuffling our way through customs, we met one of our guides, Naim. Naim is Palestinian, an Arab-Christian, and an old friend of the Tobins. He went under for heart surgery only a few weeks ago, but still had the energy to make the trip out to greet us! He gave us a quick brief of what we are to experience for the next week and a half, and we began the hour-long bus ride to Jerusalem.

 On the Bus

by MacLean Cadman

Naim was kind enough to point out the sites to us, including several former Palestinian villages along the way, and the American consulate and the Old City once we reached Jerusalem.

Upon settling into St. George's, we had a nice dinner - courtesy of the guesthouse staff - and moved to the chapel for a quick Compline service before everyone went off to do their own thing - namely, either sleep or wait till the New Year for a glass of champagne.

 Welcome to Jerusalem

by Paulina Muratore

Tomorrow, it's to Bethlehem, visiting a vineyard and the Tent of Nations. We'll be planting olive trees in the afternoon, so for those of you who made contributions, thank you! We'll have our next post up soon. Happy New Year to all, and God bless!

~ MacLean Cadman

Class of 2012, Communications

Boston College

Smile at the Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv

by MacLean Cadman

Safe Arrival in Paris

Dear Friends,

We have arrived safely in Paris after an easy flight from Boston. It's cold here and still very dark despite being almost 8 am--the French seem to like the moody nighttime a great deal. Because we flew into the city in fog, we couldn't see much, which was a minor disappointment. However, all of the duty-free shops in the Charles de Gaulle airport have thrilled and amazed us.  Plus, we're all wired after the strong French coffee we enjoyed on the plane with our festive breakfast.

We board our plane to Tel Aviv in about an hour and will have a few more hours in the air until we are in Israel. Once on the ground there, we will travel by bus to Jerusalem, where we'll be staying for the next few days and nights. We will post another entry once in Israel, so check in later in the day. This evening, we will celebrate the New Year in the heart of Jerusalem. Simply unbelievable! 

May you enjoy this last day of 2010!

Peace,

~ Shan Overton

PhD student, Theology and Education

Boston College

Walk With Us, Pray With Us

Welcome to the blog for the Diocese of Massachusetts' College Pilgrims!

We are a group of students, clergy, and staff from Boston University, Harvard, MIT, Northeastern University, Brown, and Boston College, and we are leaving on Thursday for the Holy Land. This blog is a record of what we have seen and heard; it is our effort to share our witness of the truth and beauty we encounter on the journey.

As we prepare to depart Boston on Thursday and arrive in Jerusalem on Friday, we offer the following prayer from the Book of Common Prayer:

For the Human Family

O God, you made us in your own image and redeemed us through Jesus your Son: Look with compassion on the whole human family; take away the arrogance and hatred which infect our hearts; break down the walls that separate us; unite us in bonds of love; and work through our struggle and confusion to accomplish your purposes on earth; that, in your good time, all nations and races may serve you in harmony around your heavenly throne; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.


Walk together with us as we make this pilgrimage by reading our daily blog and praying for us and for all of God's beloved children living in the Holy Land.

~ Shan Overton

PhD student, Theology & Education

Boston College

~ The Rev. Judith Stuart
University Chaplain
Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts