The next chapter in my travels began as it usually does, at O’Hare International Airport. This trip back to the Holy Land is my first as an independent producer. I am traveling with Jean Martensen, a long-time colleague from the ELCA. Jean asked me to produce a short video documentary for “Love Thy Neighbor” a peace and justice organization that hosts a day camp for Palestinian children at the Lutheran School of Hope in Ramallah. I’ll also be recording footage for two other documentaries; one is on the life of Apostle Peter, the other is on fundamentalism.
Luck or the grace of God was with me when the flight attendant tapped me on the shoulder before takeoff. “Mr. Frakes? There is a problem with the seating. Would you mind moving to business class?” “No problem” was my reply.
Jean and I arrived in Tel Aviv, Israel at 3:15 a.m. We took a taxi into Jerusalem and crashed at the St. Georges Cathedral Guest House. St. Georges Cathedral is the seat of the Anglican Archbishop of Jerusalem. The Cathedral was constructed in the late 1800’s. The fortress-like walls and ramparts are made of Jerusalem stone. Beautiful gardens and fountains surround the buildings.
After a nap we went on a long walk through Jerusalem’s Old City, walking the Via Dolorosa through the Christian quarter. In the evening we met up with Rev. Julie Rowe. Julie is an American Lutheran pastor working for the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Palestine and the Holy Land as director for communication.
After dinner it was back to St. Georges for a good nights sleep.
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