Author Archives: mjconnor1982

Sometimes there’s a surprise silver lining, as there was for Michael & me in the midst of needing to leave Ecce Homo and Jerusalem two weeks before originally scheduled. A fellow volunteer, Gylan, a seminarian from Malta, was called back to Malta early. Our flights would be March 17 at similar times. We reserved aContinue reading “Home Sweet Home”

Michael & I are scheduled to fly home in less than 24 hours, on March 17 ☘️, inshallah (God willing), rather than the original departure date of March 31. Due to coronavirus restrictions into and in Israel, our Ecce Homo Reservations Office has become, as one worker wryly observed, our Cancelations Office. With so manyContinue reading “Early Return”

Let me (B.J.) start by saying that Mike & I are, thankfully, absolutely fine. We’re scheduled to Skype with St. John’s Lutheran in Salisbury, NC, tomorrow, Sunday March 8, early in the 9:27 a.m. service. (Remember to “spring ahead” tonight for Daylight Saving Time.)  🙂 I wanted to post about St. John’s partner church, ChristmasContinue reading “Corona”

The following video and pictures give a much better idea of springtime in the  Holy Land than any description by us… Wildflowers along hiking paths in Ein Kerem (part of Jerusalem commemorating John the Baptist birthplace and Mary and Elizabeth visitation) Hotel California performed by Hasidic Jewish street musician at Mammilla Mall near Jaffa Gate,Continue reading “Spring Time Pictorial”

Ecce Homo volunteers work 30 hours a week, averaging 5 hours a day for 6 days, with Sundays off. On Saturday nights, Sister Rita, our director, gives us our schedules, which vary from week to week. A large portion of the schedule revolves around meals. The earliest possible assignment is for 6 a.m. — breakfastContinue reading “How We Earn Our Bread & Butter (Or Pita & Hummus, As The Case May Be)”

On Thursday morning, Feb. 6, after my job prepping & serving breakfast for several tables, and Mike’s job drying & putting away dishes, Mike suggested we go for a walk before lunch, because we finally had sunny, warmer weather. Here are our multisensory experiences during the next 1 hour and 23 minutes — less timeContinue reading “Sights, Sounds, Aromas During a 1 Hour 23 Minute Walk”

“People ought to saunter… Do you know the origin of that word ‘saunter?’ It’s a beautiful word. Away back in the Middle Ages people used to go on pilgrimages to the Holy Land, and when people in the villages through which they passed asked were they were going, they would reply, ‘A la sainte terre,’Continue reading “Sauntering”

I (Michael) still enjoy running. At 68, I’ve definitely slowed down and typically stick to 3 – 4 mile distances (5 – 6.5 kilometers for you metric internationals). Even though Herod the Great shaved the top of Mt. Moriah to have a level temple court, I quickly learned that you can’t avoid steep hills whenContinue reading “Running and Fun Facts”

(If you have limited time, skip to Part 2.) Sunday morning, January 26, when I (B.J.) woke up, one of my more exciting thoughts was, “Boiled eggs!” (Monday through Saturday, we have a buffet of corn flakes, granola, plain yogurt, fruit, pita & sliced bread, butter & jams, hummus, vegetables, cheeses, and thinly sliced meatContinue reading ““Come, follow Me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.” Matthew 4:19″

It’s always a blessing when your passion, skills, and purpose align when serving others. You may be physically tired or emotionally drained, but still you know it’s what you’re called to do. You realize you’ve provided value and you have a sense of your true self. It doesn’t have to be a spectacular accomplishment. InContinue reading “Joy of Service”