By Barbara Exley

PLACE. We can go to a place or we can place something somewhere. Both of these meanings apply to our pilgrimage to Palestine/Israel. This word “place” has ruminated in my mind and in my heart these past 10 days. Our group of pilgrims from around the US has traveled to many places in this place called the Holy Land. We have seen people and places with our eyes; heard stories with our ears and our hearts; learned more than our minds can process while we are still here in this place. I think it will take time back in the places we call home to analyze, process and know where to place this experience in our hearts, minds and lives. I always need a quiet place to reflect on all God shows me as he sends me to places that most others fear to go, be those places here or Iran, Iraq, Syria, Lebanon. But these places are all holy as are all the places where those created in the image of God dwell.

Nabila Espanioly, Founder & Director of Al Tufula

Yesterday, our group went to 2 places. The 1st is a national park (like the national park that is Abuna Chacour’s home village of Biram) that was also a former Palestinian village, Saffouri, now called Zippori. Changing the name doesn’t change the place or the place’s origins and history. Being there, like being in Biram, caused me great sorrow. The 2nd place we went was Nazareth. Yes, as in Jesus of Nazareth! Though I’ve been there 3 other times going to that place is still overwhelming – to walk the places I’ve read of in Scripture my entire life (true of all of this place called Palestine/Israel). I remembered the words of Nathaniel: “can anything good come from Nazareth?” when he was told the Messiah had been found there. But yesterday, I found much good in Nazareth at the Mary of Nazareth International Center AND at the AL-Tufula Center. The International Center exists to bring peace and hope to this place.  It was also the place we ate a delicious lunch in a very serene place/ The AL-Tufula Center provides early childhood care/curriculum/education along with empowerment of women. The founder and head is a woman of great vision and courage and hope in a place where little of that can sometimes be found, Nabila Espanioly!

Olive Tree planting just below the Mariam Bawardi school building on the Mar Elias Campus.

Today we’ve stayed put in the place called Mar Elias Educational Institute (MEEI). After breakfast we planted 5 olive trees that were donated to MEEI by Jane and Ted Settle. Mid-mornig we were able to visit classes in the elementary and middle school.  Some of our group went to the libraries, also getting to read stories to the children. Our scheduled time ended with a tour of the Church of the Sermon on the Mount known here as the chapel. After lunch some ventured into the town of Ibillin, this place where we’ve laid our heads for 4 nights.

Sunset over Mt. Carmel from Mar Elias Guesthouse Rooftop

One day remains before we begin our journey to the places we each call home. As we’ve begun the mental transition to home and we are packing our belongings, it’s been a joy to see how our group has become a place where we know each other – where we share our hopes/dreams/lives/stories. Ten days ago we were strangers but this place has made us family. We are still in this holy place for a few more hours. This evening is coming to a close. Folks are visiting in various places around the guest house or in their rooms.  I can hear them – it is comforting to know my newest friends are in close proximity. That will soon not be the case. As I place each of them in my heart, they join the others here in Palestine/Israel I know and love. Palestine and her people are ever present in my heart and mind.  The steadfast faith and hope they possess is humbling to witness. There is very little optimism here but hope is! We’ve been showered with unlimited hospitality (should have seen our farewell dessert tonight!) and unconditional acceptance. I see this place now. I see the faces of the people here in my mind. I pray for justice for Palestine/Israel and this entire Middle East.

PLACE. Where is our place in God’s world and plan? Mine has been to show up in difficult places to just be present with the people in those places of persecution, suffering, injustice, difficulty. Some of those places are close to the place I call home and others are in places far away. It is a privilege to come to such places. It is a privilege to be a part of this group of pilgrims. As I leave this place I leave a piece of myself here yet again.

PLACE: I pray for Peace, Love, Acceptance and justice for all people, Compassion and the Energy to stay this course. AMEN

I encourage you all to come to this place and see for yourselves!

Love from Ibillin,
Barbara Exley