Wow... it has been ages! Hello everybody! Just to let you know, I am alive and well. The reason I have not been able to update, unfortunately, is mostly due to the tremendous academic load that has been placed upon us. With half the semester' s papers complete, I set out tomorrow for Istanbul, Turkey, a jumping point for one month of travel across the Middle East. Our group travels from Turkey, through Syria and Jordan, to Israel and Palestine, and back to Egypt. I'm looking forward especially towards this first leg in Turkey. If you have heard news about Iraq recently, you might also have heard Turkey's increasing frustration with the state of affairs. I hope to be able to delve into some of the big issues here.
Of course, two weeks in Jerusalem will be phenomenal as well. I find myself at this point responded to what lies ahead of me the same way I responded the day I heard of my acceptance to the program. I can barely believe that I, a 20 (almost 21) year old punk (as my mother would say) who surely does not understand, and cannot possibly understand, the deep significance and historical richness of what I am about to encounter. My prayer is that God will humble my heart, and open my eyes to a world I have no idea about. A world that is full of injustice and justice, love and hatred, sorrow and joy: all real emotions that play a real role in the conflict of Israel and Palestine today.
On my journey, I hope to communicate in some way, via connection at internet cafes. This, I certainly cannot guarantee! I think you've become quite used to my lazy posting anyways. I'm really sorry that I cannot post more frequently. I promise a raincheck valid upon my return!
Salaam,
Tony
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2 comments:
Tony,
I cannot believe the journey you are about to embark on. And I cannot wait to hear of your adventures upon your return. You have such an adventure before you. Savor each experience, take memorable photos and lots of notes so that you will return a walking, talking history book to all of us here in the USA anxious to hear it all. Love to you,
Michele (Mom)
Yo Tony,
I've never considered you a punk, dude, so I don't know where you got that from! But I'm anxious to hear all about all of your adventures. Stay safe, stay healthy, and we're really proud of you.
And love you always. Mama
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