No sooner have I survived Easter—say, is that candle wax in my hair?—and here I am, packing my bags and making a little trip.
Actually, it’s more of a trek.
I’m headed to the Middle East. Jordan, to be exact.
When my boss asked me to go, I thought for a moment. “Will I get to ride a camel?,” I asked.
He sighed.
“Yes, you’ll get to ride a camel.”
He didn’t have to ask me twice. “I’m in.”
Yeah, this will go well…
Here’s the deal.
I’ve been invited by the Jordan Tourist Board to join bloggers and journalists on a 10-day trip that will tour places like Bethany, Mt. Nebo, Amman and Petra—with some intriguing side trips to experience Orthodox Easter (yes, I’ll get to sample another Easter Vigil) and see first-hand some projects CNEWA supports, notably at the Italian Hospital in Amman. It’s a great chance to see, hear and absorb Christianity in another corner of the world, one that is predominantly Muslim, during this holy time of year. (I also hope I’ll pick up some great homily material along with a trinket or two.)
I depart Thursday night, and will be gone 10 days. I hope to post as often as I can, especially lots of pictures, as I see with my own eyes the red rocks of Petra, the murky waters of the Jordan where Christ was baptized, and the vast expanse Moses saw from Mt. Nebo. I hope I may also get to meet some of the extraordinary people who are doing some extraordinary work, serving the large and growing refugee population in Jordan.
And, of course, I’ll be posting the obligatory picture of me on a camel.
Keep me in your prayers—and know that all of you will be in mine!
Stay tuned.
And today we celebrate...