Europe and back

Well, I'm writing this safe in Harrisonburg. It has been an incredible journey, and it feels good to be back (although it's a bit of a rough transition with jet lag and reverse culture shock).

I wanted to share briefly about the last two weeks in Europe. It has been time of following the Jesus Movement through the Mediterranean. We went to Greece, spending a few days in Athens, learning about Paul's ministry there, connecting between the two worlds he was a part of--Jews back in Israel, and Pagans and Hellenistic Jews of Greece and the Med. We had a free day, where I went with 9 others to a Greek island (Aegina), and we rented 4-wheelers and spent the day exploring and basking in the beauty of the island. It was definitely a highlight.

From there, we went to Italy, spending 4 days in Rome, looking at the huge churches, the Vatican, and different things representing the vast Roman empire as well as Paul's work in that city. It was interesting to see some of the most grand and expensive and huge churches that were dedicated to Peter and Paul...is that what they really were intending with spreading the church and Gospel? Coming from the Sea of Galilee to the institutionalized church of the Western world was a stark contrast, filled with questions and challenges.

We ended the trip with 4 days of free travel in Italy, and I went with 5 others to Capri for two days, an island just off the coast from Naples and the Sorrento Peninsula (about 2 hours south of Rome). It was a beautiful island, with vistas of mountains and rocky cliffs off into the clear blue ocean. We hiked around some, and generally enjoyed the time there. We spent the rest of the time on the Peninsula in Sorrento and Amalfi, with gorgeous coastlines of towns built onto the cliff faces. It was a great, mostly relaxing way to end the trip.

This experience has far exceeded my expectations, full of growth in so many areas. It has truly been a life-changing experience, and one that I will continue to unpack over time. I've appreciated all your prayers and support through this journey and for being willing to journey with me in this small way through the blog. I hope to reconnect with you all in the near future, and appreciate your grace and patience as this readjustment process can be difficult at times.

May you feel God's peace even in times that seem to be lacking peace, and may you experience God's love in new ways.

Peace. Salaam. Shalom.