Work and Play

Day 18. The end of an era. We must say goodbye to a key member of our pilgrimage. A steady source of insider info and historical perspective, Fr. Baima parted ways with us today to begin his journey back to Chicago. He taught a class called “Ecumenism and Interreligious Dialogue” during our first two weeks, helping us understand the perspectives and teachings of non-Catholic Christian communities and non-Christian religions such as Judaism and Islam. We all feel a new excitement to seek conversion towards a united faith with all our brothers and sisters on this earth. Thank you, Fr. Baima, and safe travels back to our cold and snowy homeland. We will think of you when we are catching some rays in the desert.

After Fr. Baima’s farewell classes, we had a free afternoon. Some of us took the opportunity to visit the L’Arche community in Bethlehem, Ma’an Lil-Hayat (say that three times fast!). L’Arche is an international organization founded by John Vanier which supports people with intellectual disabilities through shared community life and work. In the Bethlehem, the L’Arche community spends their working days crafting Nativity scenes made entirely out of local sheep wool.  The mangers are really cool, and made amidst a beautiful environment of love, smiles, and lots of laughter. We are blessed to have worked with them for a little bit!

           

Finally, a health update. Lots of guys are counting their steps. Some of us have begun to count the number of olives we are eating. It’s not clear which count will be higher by the end of our pilgrimage, but we are certainly growing in physical health as we grow closer to Christ in these holy days. And for this we know that God is good!