Assalam Aleikum

Greetings from Jerusalem! The sun is very hot here, a pleasant change from Chicago. So far the conference is very good and the city is beyond description. I stand in Jerusalem! Amazing. From the top of my hotel, I look out and see the Mount of Olives, Gethsemane, the Dome of the Rock, the Church of the Holy Sepulchere, and many other fascinating places. The people here are very lovely and kind - we are staying in the Palestinian Quarter and despite the dismal economic situation, the folks smile and laugh. Human beings simply being. Unfortunately, the Archbishop will not be coming this evening to speak. He has sent his assistant to read his speech for him. I hear there was some concern about church politics with the whole Riah/Ateek thing. If you don't know what that is, and are at Seabury, ask our chaplain or Michelle. Tomorrow we have another day of conferences and then Friday we go to Ramallah, ensha'allah. This morning, Newland took Bob and I to St. George's where we sat and had coffee with the Dean, Ross. What a neat guy and it was such a pleasant walk to get there. Aside from the soldiers, which are everywhere and a constant reminder that, despite current appearences, peace is likely a fleeting shadow. I thank you for your continued prayers and look forward to telling everyone more about it upon my return. Blessings of God to you, whose peace passes all understanding.

Shalom,
-R