1. I also have/had zero interest in going to Jordan, for the same reasons you mention. That lack of interest was solidified when a friend I made on my trip to the Holy Land took the Jordan extension, and it was terrible. Also for the reasons you mentioned! The Catholic leader of the Holy Land portion did not continue on the Jordan portion, and it was just a tour. When I heard you and Mountain discuss your trips to Jordan on his podcast, that got me a little more interested (although not convinced, due to the description of careening through sand dunes), and now this blog post has me really thinking! But I think I will only go led by Mountain!
2. And when I got to the end of the post, and read, "...your people are on the verge....need a retreat...struggling...." I began to cry. THIS IS TRUE!!! Things are getting worse at my school, and I am feeling a little heartsick and fearful about the coming school year. I sent a message to our new principal (who is our old vice-principal, after the principal was fired!!!) pointing out that the faculty retreats were for all intents and purposes done away with three years ago, after about six years of chipping away at them, and that some colleagues and I wanted to express how much we need a retreat to start the year. I offered you! And I and another colleague offered to lead the retreat as well (this used to be my job!). I was told, "We have a very busy day planned for the beginning of the school year, but I will let you know if we need your help."
But back to a hopeful note....I will imagine your descriptions of Jordan during my lectio divina tomorrow on the feast of the Transfiguration!
I’m looking forward to hearing what God has in store for you. You are a blessing.
So grateful for the update!!
1. I also have/had zero interest in going to Jordan, for the same reasons you mention. That lack of interest was solidified when a friend I made on my trip to the Holy Land took the Jordan extension, and it was terrible. Also for the reasons you mentioned! The Catholic leader of the Holy Land portion did not continue on the Jordan portion, and it was just a tour. When I heard you and Mountain discuss your trips to Jordan on his podcast, that got me a little more interested (although not convinced, due to the description of careening through sand dunes), and now this blog post has me really thinking! But I think I will only go led by Mountain!
2. And when I got to the end of the post, and read, "...your people are on the verge....need a retreat...struggling...." I began to cry. THIS IS TRUE!!! Things are getting worse at my school, and I am feeling a little heartsick and fearful about the coming school year. I sent a message to our new principal (who is our old vice-principal, after the principal was fired!!!) pointing out that the faculty retreats were for all intents and purposes done away with three years ago, after about six years of chipping away at them, and that some colleagues and I wanted to express how much we need a retreat to start the year. I offered you! And I and another colleague offered to lead the retreat as well (this used to be my job!). I was told, "We have a very busy day planned for the beginning of the school year, but I will let you know if we need your help."
But back to a hopeful note....I will imagine your descriptions of Jordan during my lectio divina tomorrow on the feast of the Transfiguration!