The group of folks from our church who went to Israel this year returned yesterday. Today, I ran into Chris, our senior pastor who led the trip, and Cynthia -- one of my fellow pilgrims from last year who returned this year. Besides Chris, I think she was the only one to go back this year.

The glow was still on their faces. Chris mentioned he already feels a bit "homesick" for this far away country that he loves. I can relate. It's been more than a year since I went and I really cannot wait to return.

Violence or not. Government scandals or not. There is something about seeing the world that Christ Himself saw and walked.