New Birth

Ben and I made it home OK, but the 31 hour day left us pretty tired. As I've been reflecting on the whole Israel experience, I realize that my reading and ruminating on Scripture will now take on new dimensions. I'll be more in tune with Middle Eastern culture and the lay of the land. For example, Isaiah's many metaphors have already become more alive for me.

Today, I've begun the next leg of this sabbatical journey, by traveling to the White Violet Center for Eco-Justice at St. Mary of the Woods College in Terre Haute, Indiana. I came a few days early for an Eco-Justice Workshop presentation by Father Diarmuid O'Murchu. This gives me the chance to have some retreat time and to learn more about the work of White Violet. I was graced to see the newest member of the Alpaca herd, Providence Amber, born at 8:30 AM. When I saw her after lunch, about 12:30 PM, she was already ambling about and looking somewhat comfortable in her new world. In meeting some of the other Alpacas, on first impression, I perceive them to be rather calm in nature, living with a sense of pleasant satisfaction. I think that there is an important living in the Promised Land lesson to be learned here.