Photos by Mark Bowen/HOPE
Since the initial planning of a working-pilgrimage of teachers from schools in our archdiocese to the Holy Land, situations in the Middle East have worsened, particularly in Syria and in relation to Iran.
In the midst of a flurry of emails with information, questions and concerns, a few (4) pilgrim-teachers have decided to delay their visit until 2013. But the majority has recommitted themselves to make the trip. The educators, under the auspices of HOPE (Holy Land Outreach to Palestinian Educators) will spend a significant amount of time learning with teachers from Catholic schools in the Holy Land, in addition to visiting the holy sites.
In renewing her decision, one of our pilgrims spoke for herself and another, “We figure we should make our decision based on the reality of today and not on what might or might not happen in the future. We will trust that, if God wants us to go, He’ll provide the safe path for us to travel.”
HOPE leaders and participants have believed, since the beginning of the project, that “it’s God’s project” and “it’s for the children.” It will be an honor for me to be with them as their chaplain.
Photos by Mark Bowen/HOPE
With Open Doors 
…and an honor for us to have you as our chaplain!
YES GOD have a map for everyone of us … If he want u to come to visit us u will do it…… IF not he will u to do it in furue….we r ready here welcoming….. y r welcome to holyland
Yes, HOPE is definitely God’s Project for the benefit of His children. There are now 18 pilgrims who are going to the Holy Land and we are very fortunate to have you as our Shepherd.
Nancy Hemminger
I so wish I could go, even though I teach in a public school! I felt safe when I went in 05. My thoughts go to our brothers and sisters in the holy land at least once a day, still
Mandy – I still vividly remember you standing on the roof of the Franciscan Sisters’ convent overlooking the Aida refugee camp, weeping uncontrollably and pleading, “How can this be!” – Father Rob