PILGRIMAGE TIPS
 
From years of assisting thousands of Christians making pilgrimage to Jerusalem, here are some suggestions for those planning for the journey.
 
~   Prepare your mind for what can be an overwhelming amount of information.  Read historical and Biblical books.  Bring with you a timeline to use as a reference for the thousands of years of history you will encounter.  Also read at least some introductory literature on culture and politics to help you process the overall experience and give you a foundation from which to ask questions, learn and be respectful. 
 
~   Go with an awareness that ancient, sacred sites co-exist with the modern.  Holy places may look, feel and sound different than you expect.  Millions have visited, in many cases for hundreds of years, and these sites are often surrounded by commerce, such as souvenir selling.  Instead of being disappointed, embrace and honor the pilgrims that have come before you and appreciate how they likely helped preserve this holy place for you, the modern day pilgrim. 
 
~   Prepare your heart for the journey.  Understand your intentions while at the same time be open for unexpected meaningful experiences; they are often the most divine.  You may also find the sacred not only in the places but also the people of the Holy Land so take time to talk with locals. 
 
~   Make an effort to meet and talk with local Christians.  Perhaps the easiest way to do this is by attending a regular worship service and staying afterwards for the fellowship time.   
 
~   Journal your experience starting with your preparation time at home.  Begin by writing about purpose and expectations to help you clarify your intentions.  Try to find time for quiet reflection each day to write about what you did, saw and felt.  The writing process will deepen your experience and help you share your stories with others back at home.
 
~   If you are planning this journey as a once-in-a-lifetime experience, don’t be surprised when soon after coming home you feel a longing to return.  For the pilgrim to Jerusalem, this happens often.

 
Copyright 2006, CrossingBorders, Inc.