Back in La Jolla

on March 08, 2011 by Walt Dilg

Back in La Jolla

Except for Barbara who headed off to be with her cousin, we are all back now in La Jolla.  Strange how the hillsides we so rememniscent of the Holy Land as we looked out our plane windows as the flight was landing in San Diego.  Perhaps the emerging of a longing, again, to go back - that you've never seen enough - you've never experienced enough - you just want more. 

Jordan was a surprise to most all of us.  An Arab state that felt secure and safe to us travelers, and that boasted of a religious tolerance not found in many other Moslem dominated nations of the middle east.  Israel felt more tense, more on edge than Jordan, yet Israel also felt like home for some reason.  Some might say it's because of our long-standing alliance that has bonded us through good or ill in this last half of the 20th century.  Yet for me it ran deeper - touching on the whole reason we made this pilgrimage - our roots, our spiritual and cultural roots are inbedded here.  It's the doorway back - and for many of us as we reflect on our journey, we have discovered it is the doorway forward.

It will be fascinating to hear the tales that will be told of this trip.  How people will frame their experience, make sense of the Spirit's moving, the Spirit's using this trip to their benefit as God would see fit.   I doubt anyone is untouched, unchanged.  What a blessing.  Thanks be to God.