At the end of 2022 I was fortunate enough to receive a Scholarship from DOSCEL to participate in a 15 day Scripture Course at the Centre of Biblical Formation in Jerusalem. 

Over the last couple of weeks I have spoken with each of the year levels at school and shared with them the journey that is ahead of me. I know, from my conversations at the front gate, that many of you have already heard about this and that the children are very excited about what I have the opportunity to do.

On Thursday 22nd June I leave chilly Melbourne to fly to Israel. The weather there will be hot and humid. While I am there I will be staying at the Convent of the Zion Sisters in the Old City of Jerusalem. My studies will be about the Gospel of Mark. We will learn about “the Bible, the people and the land”. I look forward to deepening my understanding of, not only, the scripture but of the land that it took place in. The opportunity to be able to walk where Jesus walked is a phenomenal one and I know that it will permanently change how I perceive the scripture.

Each of the classes are writing prayers for me to place in the Western Wall in the Holy Land. As I have told the children, I am taking their prayers with me so that I can pray for them while on my journey. In turn, I have asked that they pray for me as I travel and walk in the footsteps of Jesus.

I look forward to sharing my experiences with everyone when I return in Term 3.

Please keep me in your prayers.

Thanks
Sue Rickwood