In late January, Kay and I went for a fun swim in the Dead Sea. “Swim” is not really the right word. We floated around, never daring to put our heads underwater. A sign posted on the beach warned in three languages that if you put your head under the surface or so much as swallowed one drop you should seek immediate medical attention. The Dead Sea, located at the lowest spot on the planet, truly is dead. It is super saturated with salts, other minerals, oils and “who-knows-what-else.”
Along with our bishop, Mary Virginia Taylor, her husband, Rev. Rusty Taylor, and 37 others, we toured Israel and the Palestinian Territory. Despite lots of rain and a nasty fall which I took on a Jerusalem sidewalk, it was a delightful tour. We learned a lot, had powerful experiences in locations important to biblical stories and were blessed with a splendid guide and a warm bunch of South Carolina United Methodists.
Kay and I appreciated your prayers and good wishes for the trip. We are anxious to share some of what we learned and experienced with the congregation and others in the Cheraw area. As soon as we put together a schedule, we will announce it through the bulletin and “The Connection.”
Paul