I’m back and well rested. Because I had a bout with Covid-19, many have questions: How are you feeling? How was your trip? Did you take lots of pictures? Are you glad to be back?
First, I feel fine. When I felt Covid symptoms, I used the test kit I brought with me and tested positive. The ship’s doctor put me on Paxlovid and after one day, my symptoms went away. But I was quarantined the remainder of the trip. That afforded me the time to get some badly needed rest. I no longer need to wear a mask after Friday October 4th, so you will see my smiling face.
Yes, I am glad to be back and looking forward to celebrating Mass and preaching this weekend. It is good to be in my own bed and taking walks on solid ground rather than on the deck of a ship. On my first day home, I still felt as if I was moving on a ship!
I learned a long time ago to enjoy what I am experiencing with my eyes and my heart, rather than through the lens of a camera. When I look at my pictures of the Great Wall I realize that I held the camara in front of me the whole time, and really didn’t see the Wall. I vowed then to take everything in with the eyes of my heart.
The favorite parts of my trip were meeting new people from Greece and Turkey. It was interesting to hear their opinions on how the rest of the world is impacted by our decision for the next president and that many people are praying for a wise electorate in America.
I loved Turkey, Izmir, and Istanbul. I went to Izmir in 1985 to visit the ancient ruins of Ephesus. I was amazed at all the excavations that have been done the last 30+ years since my first visit. You may remember, St. Paul wrote a letter to the Ephesians, encouraging them in their faith in Jesus Christ.
The real highlight of my journey was having the chance to visit Hagia Sophia and The Blue Mosque in Istanbul. I had never been to Istanbul and always wanted to visit these two sights. I was not disappointed. The museum at Hagia Sophia was an animated journey through the history of the site built as a Greek Orthodox Cathedral, then to a Roman Catholic Cathedral during the Crusades. Currently, it is a Mosque. What a history, and what an opportunity to visit such a historical site.
Sr. Terry had the dream trip of her life and was a real trooper. Having wheelchair assistance for her was a bonus for me as we glided through customs and had priority boarding throughout the journey!
I’m back and happy to be with you all! A big thanks to Fr. Jim Lyons and the staff for taking care of things while I was gone!