Trip Updates
Below, explore all our special blogs. Our current active blog is Pr. Taran’s Sabbatical project blog. You’ll find older trips here too, such as the Egypt trip from earlier this year!
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Vatican Museum & Tour of St. Peter’s Basilica
Today was another hot one (I have a feeling it’s going to be the whole trip). We got up early to go visit the Vatican Museum(s) which ends with the…
Sun. Worship at St. Peter’s Basilica, wave at the Pope, walking tour of famous sites
Our day started off by going to the Vatican and joining in the throngs for worship in St. Peter’s Basilica on Father’s Day. We then joined the crowded square outside…
The Catacombs, St. Paul Outside the Wall, The Colosseum, and the Roman Forum
Bongiorno! After a long day of travel, we finally made it to our hotel in Rome about 1:30am Saturday. After a short night’s sleep we started our first day, Saturday,…
The Worlds of the Story
I’m not sure who originated the concept, but there are always three worlds/peoples interacting when reading Scripture: The world in front of the text – That’s you and I as…
Who has shaped your story?
“I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that lived first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, lives in you.” – 2…
Narrative – Living Story
Narrative is one of the most impactful ways to tell a story. Think back on your favorite stories. Whether it’s a personal memory, a piece of fiction or non-fiction, a…
Preparing for Pilgrimage – Stepping into the Story
For centuries, pilgrimages were understood as acts of devotion that merited holiness. Sites such as the scala sancta (holy staircase) were believed to carry the power of sanctification. According to…
Tuesday, February 3, 2026
Today was our last day seeing sites. Tomorrow (at 2am) we leave for the airport and begin the long journey home. I’m a little embarrassed say “long” when we just…
Monday, February 2, 2026
Today was mostly a travel day by bus from Petra to Amman. We’re nearing the end of our journey, but along the way we saw two sites important to the…
Sunday, February 1, 2026
Today we visited Petra – one of the 7 Wonders of the World, and one of the most spectacular days on our journey. Yesterday was a travel day so I…
Friday, January 30, 2026
12 of our group left in the middle of the night for home. 31 of us are relaxing on a day off at the beautiful resort in Sharm El Sheikh…
Thursday, January 29, 2026
I skipped blogging yesterday because it was a travel day. We got up at 4am to fly from Aswan to Cairo and then take a “5 hour” bus ride that…