Fall-Winter Update Part 1
Sunrise from the Mount of Olives, Jerusalem
In December I returned to Atlanta after three rich, wondrous months in the Middle East. Over the last few years, I have been cultivating skills and knowledge to become increasingly equipped to serve in whatever capacity I feel called to in the region. After this last trip I find myself drenched in delight and amazement seeing those efforts "paying off" in the ways I dreamed and more.
Uncle Bob and I in the century-old Khan al-Khalili bazaar in Cairo. Photo Cred: Aunt Wendy
Last September I had the great pleasure of co-leading a trip to Egypt, Jordan, Israel and Palestine with dear friends; my aunt and uncle, family friends and high school friends in tow! It affirmed I love the work, it is exhausting, and I want to continue the work. It also confirmed the powerful, positive impact of incorporating self-care practices and rhythms into my life to help me be grounded, at ease, healthy, balanced, and whole wherever I find myself. You can do this, too!
After I parted ways with my group, I spent two additional months in the Holy Land, based primarily in Jerusalem and Bethlehem. I was elated to see how my Arabic skills truly had the impact I dreamed of: more immediate, deeper connections with local people. Doors opened for me to attend two weddings in Bethlehem and help a Bethlehemite family with their olive harvest (talk about hard work!). The most significant and unexpected experience was developing friendships with two Palestinian Christian sisters and their mom from Gaza. They were caring for their mom who was receiving radiation treatment for brain cancer at the hospital located on the compound of our guest house on the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem. Because of the way I had scheduled my trip, I had the flexibility and opportunity to be regularly available to them, offering my presence and my pastoral skills. It was some of the most fulfilling time of my life. I would sit with them in the hospital, we’d drink tea together, I’d massage their mom’s hands, pray for them, and listen to them. The whole experience felt like the reason I was meant to be at that guest house.
“Kenzy” www.life-illuminated-travel.org/children-of-bethlehem
As soon as I returned to Atlanta I was off again to Pittsburgh for four days to exhibit “Children of Bethlehem” and host three speaking engagements and a screening of “Imprisoning A Generation” in connection with the show. I experienced hospitality as warm and welcoming as Palestinians’ and was encouraged by the openness of people who came to learn. I was thrilled to notice my own growth and confidence, as well.
Epiphany Sunday (January 6, in the Western church) I was in Washington D.C., preaching at 8th Day Faith Community, one of my longest and most devoted communities of support. I also installed an exhibition of eight of the twenty-one portraits of my multimedia project “Children of Bethlehem” in the Festival Center, where their church gathers. Additionally, I contributed a photograph to a new group show “Art is Not Optional” at The Jerusalem Fund, which hosted my first exhibition of “Through The Checkpoint”.
As I write, I am headed to Thailand and Myanmar, contracted by a Christian non-profit to serve in the capacity of multimedia storyteller and spiritual director for two weeks! I will be documenting the stories of their staff members and potential partners in the region. Keep an eye out for photos and stories to come soon. And, if you or your organization are ever looking for a storyteller please keep me in mind!
It is my great joy to share all of this news with you and especially to celebrate signs of affirmation of this eclectic, meaningful work of spiritual formation and arts. I am excited to see how Life Illuminated evolves and keep you posted along the journey! I am continually touched by your support and deeply grateful. Thank you for all of your prayers, hugs, love, and the many of you who personally asked me for this update. It reveals to me the genuine care and loving support of you all, and just feels so good. Every kind word and simple, genuine question “How are you?” make all the difference. Because of you I am able to carry out my work with greater confidence, courage, and radiance, seeing the fullness of it unfold in the most marvelous ways. Thank you.
With much joy and gratitude,
Katie
Current Exhibitions
“Children of Bethlehem”, Collection
Festival Center, 1640 Columbia Rd NW, Washington, DC 20009
Children of Bethlehem, Solo Exhibition
January 5-April, 2020
Past Exhibitions
“Star Street”, Framed Print
The Jerusalem Fund Gallery Al-Quds, 2425 Virginia Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20037
Art Is Not Optional, Group Exhibition
January 25-February 28, 2020; Opening Event January 25th 5-8 pm
Grateful to my aunt who captured a few gems of me IN FRONT of the camera. This is a favorite, photographing a young Jordanian on his donkey in front of the Crusader castle, Shobak—his friends, our guide, and guard in tow.
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