As told by Elise Hanley

First off - How ever did I get here?

A couple of months ago, I was summoned up to Gayle Robinson’s office, Chief Financial Officer of Marble Collegiate Church. My immediate thought: I am so about to be laid off.

I ascended to the 7th floor of our office building with my heart pounding, trying to think of if or what severance package I may receive, and how long I could live off unemployment. Gayle was on the phone, but motioned me to sit down in her office and close the door. While she was probably only on the phone for 2 minutes tops, it felt like an hour. My face must have showed my shock and fear, for Gayle finally cupped her hand over the receiver and mouthed to me, “It’s OK!”

When she got off the phone, she informed me that I, along with Miriam Chaudoir, had been selected from the staff to go on the March 2010 Pilgrimage to the Holy Land. They had almost 80 people going, and thought that Sr. Carol and Dr. Brown could use assistance on the trip. I am still in as much disbelief now, as I write this from Tel Aviv, as I was that day. For a girl who has barely traveled, this is the greatest journey on which I have ever been, and I feel incredibly blessed to be here. And to go with Sr. Carol. And what better time to walk in Jesus’ footsteps towards Jerusalem than during Lent?

We have a wonderful group of attendees from the Marble Community and beyond. We’ve all come by different means – many have skimped and saved and sacrificed to come on this trip, purported to be Sr. Carol’s last. And now we’re here!