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On our last evening we had a farewell dinner on the rooftop restaurant of our hotel, the Notre Dame Centre. We had a joyous evening together where gifts were given to those who had worked hard to make it such a special pilgrimage.
Photo of our St Joseph's parish group:
On our last day we visited Jericho as we travelled back to Amman in Jordan. We visited Fr George at a Melkite Church in Amman that a previous NZ pilgrimage group visited in 3 years ago. This parish opened their doors to Iraqi refugees from Mosul. It was moving to hear about their experience, their situation and the difference Fr George's parish had made in their life. The previous pilgrimage group had donated funds and we were shown how they had been used by building amenities, including a playground and shrine to Our Lady. Two of the families we met have been waiting for 4 years and have just been accepted to start a new life in Australia. We shared lunch together. This experience really put a human face on the refugee situation. If you would like to donate to this parish please contact Lauren on laurenbutler76@gmail.com and I can provide bank account details from Tim.
We had a Pentecost vigil Mass in a parish church in Amman. We shared a cup of tea with some of the parishioners and bought rosaries handmade by Iraqi refugees.
We said our goodbyes as pilgrims went different ways as some continued their journey with the rest of us returning to New Zealand safely on Monday afternoon.
I hope to bring you small testimonials from pilgrims of their highlights and best photos - because a pilgrimage is a journey to the heart and touches us all differently.
We would like to thank Colleen from Harvest Journeys, Fr John and Tim Goulding for making our trip a fantastic journey of faith that will remain with us forever.
Go forth, glorifying the Lord by your life. Thanks be to God.