The pilgrimage began early Friday morning at the Rapid City Airport. The first group left at 6:35 AM flying to Minneapolis Saint Paul, New York, Rome, arriving in Tel Aviv shortly after 3:00 PM Israel time or 6:00 AM Rapid City time on Saturday. The other group left at 8:50 AM flying to Denver, New Jersey, arriving in Tel Aviv around 3:30 PM Israel time or 6:30 AM Rapid City time.
Our Guide and Bus Driver met us after we passed through Customs. We proceeded to pick up our luggage, which all arrived with the only exception being Bishop Gruss’. We loaded our luggage, and ourselves, on the bus and began our approximately two-hour drive to Tiberias. On the drive up, our guide Peter presented some basic information to us, trying to keep us awake, which he was mostly successful at, but not entirely.
We arrived at Pilgerhaus, a retreat center located right on the Sea of Galilee. We got checked in, and then had our first meal in Israel. We then met in the chapel for a brief evening prayer service, along with some words by Bishop Gruss. For most of us on this journey, this is our first pilgrimage and our first trip to the Holy Land.
Before going to sleep, I spent a few minutes meditating on where I was and an overwhelming sense of awe came over me. Here I am, next to the Sea of Galilee. Where Jesus lived and walked. Where Jesus performed miracles. Where Jesus taught. I was thinking, “what does God have in store for me?” I didn’t know the answer to that question, but I knew it would be something wonderful and great. And I know I will be a better person, a better Deacon, and a better husband because of this opportunity God has provided me and my wife Nancy, to actually be in the same places his son Jesus lived and taught us about his, and our, Father.
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