This is a shot from "Il Duomo" in Florence.

This is a painting of Jesus that was significant to me on our journey.
In the Pantheon, this is a old sculpture of Jesus. Note the stone you see is the original from the first century AD.
From Santa Maria in Trastevere, an early depiction of Christ.

Back Home

We are back home safely and are excited about the work that God is doing in Italy and in our lives. I will try to post some pictures and a wrap up post for this journey and all of you who have been praying and following this journey with us.

One week from Tuesday we gather for our final class together and soon after this website will disappear, but stay tuned for the next two weeks as we process the trip through this blog.

Palermo

Wow, friends.

I am lucky to be able to update this while I am away, and it must be short.
The trip is going well, we have experienced more than any of us is able to process at the moment. The country is beautiful, the people hospitable, and the churches are gracious to us.
Please continue to pray for us as our pilgrimage continues.

We love and miss our families. Thanks again for your many prayers!

Final Pre-Trip note

Before we leave tomorrow, I wanted to write a quick note to say thank you for coming this far in the journey with us so far. As with all pilgrimages, there comes a point when the pilgrims have to leave their world behind to enter a new one.

Just because we are away does not mean that the ones we leave behind are forgotten. As you can imagine, our hearts and minds will often if not continually be with our families and closest friends. We hope that similarly, we will not be forgotten by you over the next few weeks, but that your prayers will increase for us. Maybe even become a part of your daily prayer time.

Since we are uncertain of our ability to access the Internet, there is a chance that this could be our last entry until we return. However, check back periodically as it would be a joy to update you from the journey if possible.

Ciao!

The Schedule

Well, we are just a few days away from departure. In some ways I think the holiday weekend fell nicely for those of us who are worried about leaving family behind. One extra day to be together is truly priceless.

All team members are a go for the trip. And asking for your continual prayers. There is much we are going to learn, do and see over the next few weeks; without God's guidance I fear there is much we could miss.

Here is a sketch of our trip, so you can know how to pray each day. In each place, there are cathedrals, churches, missionaries, and other Christian movements that we will be visiting and engaging.

• Tuesday May 26 - Newark to Rome
• Wednesday May 27 - Rome
• Thursday May 28 - Vatican & St. John's Lateran
• Friday May 29 - Florence
• Saturday May 30 - Train to Palermo (12 hours)
• Sunday May 31 - Worship with Sicilian Mennonite community
• Monday June 1 - Palermo
• Tuesday June 2 - Agrigento
• Wednesday June 3 - Cefalu
• Thursday June 4 - Palermo to Rome
• Friday June 5 - Rome to Newark

A Prayer for Pilgrims

This is a prayer from a book we are reading in preparation for our trip. The book is called "The Road to Emmaus: Pilgrimage as a Way of LIFE" by Jim Forest.

As we prepare for this trip, we have been encouraged to meditate on this prayer. I want to invite you to do the same. When you do (once, twice, or more) come back here and share what you think, or maybe even some God is revealing to you through the prayer.


Lord Jesus, you traveled with the two disciples to Emmaus after the resurrection and set their hearts of fire with your grace. Travel also with me and gladden my heart with your presence.

I know, Lord, that I am a pilgrim on earth, seeking citizenship in heaven.

During my journey surround me with your holy angels and keep me safe from seen and unseen dangers.

Grant that I may carry out my plans and fulfill my expectations according to your will.

Help me to see the beauty of creation and to comprehend the wonder of your truth in all things.

For you are the way, the truth, and the life, and to you I give thanks, praise, and glory forever.

Amen.

Graduation

I know this is dedicated to letting you guys know about our trip to Italy, but this past weekend was graduation. We are semi-graduates... semi, because we all still have this trip in front of us.

The good news is... every one of our team members has his/her sights clearly set on this trip. We are committed fully to the preparation of ourselves physically, mentally, and spiritually.

We are 3 weeks away, and we are needing your prayer support to be in full swing if you haven't already begun to do so.



This is a picture of our cohort a graduation. (minus Joe, he was out the door!)