[Note: Costandy (Costy) Saba was one of the founding teachers at Hope School, Beit Jala, in 1962 and he taught there for 2 years. Today was the first time he returned since then. I asked Beth and Costy to blog about what it was like to see the inspiring school he helped launch. Beth wrote their response. -jcd]

Costy Saba and 11th graders at Hope School

Joan wanted us to keep it brief, but to verbalize the sounds, sights and smells today would fill several pages. I will focus on our trip to Hope School for two reasons. First, when this school was begun in 1962, my husband was one of three teachers to instruct 35 boys who were in Junior High. He was so excited to interact with the students there today, and to see the room in which he taught. We were both moved by the passion of the Director of Development, Laila Nour,  and the enthusiasm of the 11th grade students with whom we engaged. The second reason was that our home congregation has supported this school for the past 6 years. We wanted to be able to report to our church that the money we have given has helped to keep a school in operation in an area of Palestine that desperately needs Hope.

Beth Saba and kindergarteners, Hope School

~ Beth Saba

Just a quick update for friends and family who are following this blog. Everyone arrived safely and on time, and we’re safely and happily settled into the Holy Land Hotel for the next 6 nights in Bethlehem.

Marty and Mary in the Arrivals hallway at TLV

10/18 Orientation for our tour will begin in the morning at Wi’am, the Palestinian Reconciliation Center in Bethlehem.

Our day Wednesday will include meeting with Wi’am leaders, getting an overview from their location next to the Separation Wall, visiting Aida Refugee Camp and the Al Rowwad Cultural Center, lunch and a visit to Hope School Beit Jala, a trip to the Cremisan winery (not only to see the wine and brandy-making but also to see the Separation Wall’s effect on the Cremisan Monastery and nearby area). Then in case we’re still sentient, we get to meet with a Palestinian and Jewish team of speakers from the Parents’ Circle/Bereaved Families program. How’s that for a first day? Stay tuned for blogging reflections from group members as they begin. With thanks for a group that’s already appreciating each other, laughing a lot, and ready to dive in, and for all who will welcome us and share their stories. — jcd

Arrivals at Ben Gurion Airport, Tel Aviv.

We’re excited! Soon 14 of us from all over the US will walk this hallway in Ben Gurion Airport, Tel Aviv, to begin Pilgrims of Ibillin’s October 2017 Living Stones Pilgrimage. Come look over our shoulders: return to this page often between now and October 29th to see what we’re doing and read our reflections!

We will visit key biblical sites in and near Bethlehem, Jerusalem, and the Galilee region, and learn why the Holy Land is known as the Fifth Gospel. Follow us as we also meet Pilgrims of Ibillin’s partners in Ibillin, Bethlehem, Jerusalem, Ramle, Ramallah, and Zababdeh — learning about the people and  organizations in Israel and the West Bank who seek a nonviolent path to peace and justice.

Experience Palestinian hospitality through our eyes and writings, including a home-stay in Zababdeh.

In the ruins of a house in Biram

Get to know students and leaders at the Mar Elias Educational Institutions in Ibillin as we meet them. Join us from afar as we visit with MEEI founder and peace activist Archbishop Elias Chacour.

Visit the destroyed village of Biram where Fr. Chacour was born and lived until 1948.

We will return home equipped to give presentations, so do invite us to share with you when we return! But for now, we invite you to follow us as this pilgrimage unfolds. We will be sharing a story of new friends – Christians, Muslims, Druze, and Jews – who live with hope and work for peace despite great challenges.