Further Reflections on our Jerusalem Friends

Here's an excerpt from my journal written during our visit from our Jerusalem friends:

"We introduced ourselves around 3 candles and a lit fire and they commented saying we had a good team. When I was introducing myself the Muslim Sheikh asked if I brought my family with me. I said "no," but then caught on and said "well yes." He believed he brought his family wherever he goes. He introduced himself as being 458 years old and considers himself from Ubeckistan even though he has been living in Jerusalem. He has books written by his ancestors that are about 500 years old. The Jewish Robat Shalom spoke often of release including releasing our certitude and releasing our expectations of change, which is very interesting to me because I associate the word "release" with Sabbath and Jubilee. Both Jew and Muslim talked about planting seeds which is very much the language of Jesus."

Interest in Ecology

Over the past couple of months I have developed a strong interest in ecology. I have had an interest in the wilderness for quite some time now, but recently I have now delved into studying ecology during my spare time. It all began when one of the group leaders listened to my interest in both theology and ecology and recommended a book to me by Sean McDonagh called The Death of Life: The Horror of Extinction that he spotted in the Corrymeela shop. It is a book by a Catholic Missionary Priest who has also done a lot of ecological study and awareness work. The book brought to light the most devastating environmental destruction that is going on in the world and in Ireland particularly as well as touching on the negative effects of a broken relationship between church and scientific communities. I was never one to read the news, but now I am starting to regularly check environmental news on BBC online. I have also led a worship based on McDonagh's book and continue to search for books on environmental topics. I have found one masters program that combines theology and ecology and that is through the University of Toronto. If logistics allow I hope to study there sometime.

Trip to Edinburgh

On Tuesday afternoon Niki and I took voyage to Scotland across the Irish Sea. Once we landed in Stranraer we hopped on a train to Edinburgh. The city is so full of history that it seemed like Niki and I only got a taste. The place itself is beautiful, full of ancient buildings and castles as well as some more natural surrounding hills.
As Niki's face shows above we got turned down at the Edinburgh Castle entrance due to high winds. But this was the only real disappointment. The trip was many firsts for us. The first time to Scotland, the first time riding a train (for me), the first time crossing the Irish Sea etc... In Edinburgh we did a variety of trips including a science center, the woolen mills, local museums, the house of John Knox and a section of the old city underground. It was a good chance to learn more about Scotland and the Scots, although there's still much to explore.