I forgot to include this in yesterday's post...

MIDDLE EAST CROSS CULTURAL SEMINAR
Itinerary, Spring 2008


JANUARY 7 – 11 ORIENTATION AT EMU

JANUARY 11 – 12 TRAVEL to EGYPT
11 Depart from EMU to Dulles 12:45 pm
Depart Dulles for Frankfurt 5:55 pm, Lufthansa 419
12 Arrive Frankfurt 7:35 am, depart Frankfurt 9:55 am, Lufthansa 582
Arrive Cairo 2:55 pm

JANUARY 12 – 23 EGYPT
Program arranged by MCC/Egyptian host, pyramids, Islamic Cairo, Orthodox Cairo, MCC, train trip to Luxor – Valley of the Kings (tombs, temples, Nile River boat ride, etc.)

JANUARY 23 – 27 JORDAN
Program will include a day in Petra, the famous Nabatian city carved in stone, 2 days with Bedoins (camels, overnight in desert in Bedoin tent) and several renowned biblical and archeological sites (Mt. Nebo, Madabah).

JANUARY 28 – APRIL 9 ISRAEL
Program includes language study, archeology, geography, history with Jerusalem University College, Judaism and Islam, Kibbutz stay, Nazareth Village.

APRIL 9 – 13 ATHENS, GREECE
Plans include, independent and group exploration of ancient /biblical sites, culture and Greek Orthodox community. Visit to Corinth.
11 Leave Athens. Travel to Patros for ship to Bari, Italy. Depart Patros 6:00 pm
12 Arrive Bari at 8:30 am - travel to Rome by bus and check into hotel for 4 nights.

APRIL 14 – 22 ROME, ITALY
Individual and group exploration of Rome, ancient and biblical sites, Roman Catholic church, culture. Final debriefing, conclusion of study program, completing assignments, and all final exams. Prepare chapel presentation.

APRIL 22 TRAVEL to USA (the times may change slightly for this flight)
Depart Rome 11:00 am Lufthansa 3857
Arrive Frankfurt 12:35 pm, depart Frankfurt 3:05 pm Lufthansa 414
Arrive Dulles 6:15 pm

Less than three weeks.

I can't believe it. I'm so ready for next semester, but at the same time, I'm loving it here so much that it will be a little sad to leave.

I also have absolutely no motivation to do anything academic anymore. I'd consider making a to-do list for the rest of the semester, but it might throw me into depression. So I think about the many other things to look forward to...that list is much more exciting:) Some examples....
-Campus semi-formal
-Christmas party for the boys hosted by the girls
-My future suitemates gathering in Lancaster during break
-Hockey team Christmas party
-Christmas!
And, of course...the MIDDLE EAST! (The most exciting news on that front...as of yesterday, one of my best friends is also going!)

The future is bright, to say the least. Papers and exams won't be fun, but it's easy to look past them...maybe that's not good?

On another note, out of my excitement for next semester and my inability to wait patiently for it, I'm beginning to make a list of people to send mass email updates to. If you'd like to be included on this list, please let me know...

Sometimes life can be pretty overwhelming.



Like when you have a suicidal friend, a 15-page paper looming over your head, and personal hurts that are minor compared to what you see in others around you, but still rear their ugly heads at inopportune moments. Among other things (like the decision of what to do with the rest of your life...).

Yet in this midst of all this, there is peace. In yesterday's sermon on John 15, the pastor said, "God is never so close to the vine as he is when he is pruning it." Truth.

This too shall pass.

(Thanksgiving is coming.)