Meet the Pilgrims - Daniel

I am traveling to Israel because not only is it going to be tons of fun, it will also be very interesting, educational, and life changing. We will be exploring the Holy Land, and associating with Palestinian youth. This trip is an International Humanitarian strive for justice and peace between Christians, Palestinians, Jews, ands Arabs. I would be honored to strengthen this relationship by going on this trip. This is a wonderful opportunity for me to learn more about our Savior. Learning more about Jesus is also a great way for me to grow as a Christian.

I am most excited about two things. I think most interesting to me is to see how Western culture and technologies have influenced other parts of the world. The other interest is just seeing the Holy Land and visiting places where the bible stories took place.

Meet the Pilgrims - Shelby

I'm Shelby, and I go to St. John the Baptist in West Seattle.  I'm going to Israel this summer to learn more about the faith that I have had since I was a child.  I am really looking forward to visiting sites such as Masada, the Dead Sea, the Dome of the Rock, and visiting Jerusalem and Tel Aviv.  During my freshman year, my history teacher was a fanatic about Masada, so I had heard a lot about it and started wanting to see the actual location, and now I have my chance!  I'm so looking forward to this trip.

Meet the Pilgrims - Flora

I am going on this trip because I think that it will strengthen my belief in God as well as give me an amazing opportunity to see and learn abut a new part of our world and the culture that exists there.  I am most excited about climbing Masada and visiting the Dead Sea, but also for walking the Stations of the Cross and getting to be where Jesus once lived.  I can't wait and I think it will be so much fun! - Flora

Youth Pilgrimage Retreat - Whidbey Island

This past weekend, the pilgrims were treated to a warm welcome by the wonderful people of St. Augustine's In-the-Woods Episcopal Church in Freeland on Whidbey Island.  This was the first time that all 8 youth and 3 chaperones were gathered together in the same place.  It was a wonderful time of getting to know each other, enjoy each other, and begin to trust each other.

As part of our getting to know each other - pilgrims Flora Muglia and Shelby  Bautista led us in some ice breaker games.  Thanks Ladies!   Members of the group also reported on some research they had done, investigating aspects of life in Israel and Palestine such as art, music, sports,  and food.  We also each talked about the things we fear the most about this journey, and what we are most looking forward to during this trip.

In the evening - we were welcomed by the Idso family to a wonderful cook-out at the home near Freeland.  We wandered along the beach, and enjoyed the amazing scenery of Whidbey.  The youth stayed in homes of members of St. Augustine's that evening.

In the morning - we all gathered at the church for Holy Eucharist.  We were also present for the Adult Forum.   St. Augustine's welcomed two Israeli graduate students who were there to tell there stories.  (Unfortunately, the pilgrims missed out on the similar talk by two Palestinian students two weeks prior.)