Heidi Borter meeting Abuna and presenting him with a personal letter which coincided with a memorial gift honoring her parents, Rev. John and Carol Borter, to the Pilgrims of Ibillin. Abuna then comments on the value of the contributions of Pilgrims of Ibillin to Mar Elias Educational Institutions. [Read Heidi’s full post.]

Click here to make a donation to Pilgrims of Ibillin.

Arrivals at Ben Gurion Airport, Tel Aviv.

We are in Palestine: twelve of us met up in New York Friday and flew overnight to Tel Aviv. Had a good flight, easy entry into the country, speedy bus trip during the sunset hour to Bethlehem, and a warm welcome at the Holy Land Hotel. We got our first glimpse of check points and the Separation wall (and its Banksy art), and our first taste of warm Palestinian hospitality. Our hotel is FULL tonight, as are most local hotels. All the other guests seem to be from Eastern Europe.

Smiling faces… we have arrived!

Weary Pilgrims enjoying our first meal at the Holy Land Hotel, Bethlehem, West Bank.

Wonderful first dinner together with Usama, our tour planner and friend. Tomorrow, worship at Christmas Lutheran Church in Bethlehem, then a walking tour to Manger Square for our first restaurant meal. We will visit the Nativity Church, Milk Grotto, Shepherd’s Field, and Herodion. The first day is finished, and it was good.

Weary Pilgrims enjoying our first meal at the Holy Land Hotel, Bethlehem, West Bank.