The 2012 Israeli Delegation“I almost can’t describe how influenced I have been by the trip to Israel… I went on the trip thinking I would take one step further in my spiritual journey, but since becoming a witness of the Holy Land, I have taken a gigantic leap. The communities centered around not only the three main religions (Christianity, Judaism, and Islam) themselves, but the different sects, displayed how religious tolerance and coexistence is possible. Since then I have taken multiple steps and am continuing to walk down the unpaved path of my spiritual journey. The first step on this trip for me was learning the basics of the institutional and cultural aspects of the religions I faced. Within the confines of a school building, and without the confines of a spiritual institution, I only ever learned about biases or facts concerning a religion. These Israeli communities showed me how those who practice the religion are influenced by it in every aspect of their lives, such as: touching the mezuzah as they walked through a door, eating a Sabbath dinner with their family, and listening to the call to prayer ringing from the Mosque. I witnessed the life that came with these religions.” ~Caitlin Wagner
Interested in going to Israel in 2013? Check out the travelog written by Dylan Penny. “I have walked where Jesus has walked in the Via Dolorosa, I have walked the steps to the site where Muhammad ascended into heaven, I climbed the slopes of Masada, and so much more – I have lived history. I have made friends that will last a lifetime, laughed with the men and women that will lead their country in the future. I feel this trip by GSWLA, meeting people and visiting history, is the only true way to understand the way a government and a people think. This trip allows you to establish international contacts and start yourself towards a global career in any field. I now have a greater understanding of the world than before this trip in more ways than one. If you want to learn more about the world, make long-lasting friends, and have the experience of a lifetime, go on this trip to the Holy Land. ~Matthew Eberwein |