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J-R’s 80th Birthday in Jerusalem

A classic J-R birthday at the Notre Dame of Jerusalem Center, a restaurant/hotel with a magnificent view of Jerusalem. This is where the Pope stayed when he was here, and the outdoor restaurant on the terrace is where foreign dignitaries come when they’re in town.

J-R’s birthday happens to fall on Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year. He’s 80 and the Jews are 5775. John Morton and Leigh, who were with us for the earlier part of the Light Tour and then left to do work in Europe, return for the celebration.

At the top of the building the baby Jesus, sitting on Mary’s shoulder, points to the Mount of Olives as they return from Egypt. We can see the whole city and the Dome of the Rock in the distance. We’re at the opposite end of the town from the Mount of Olives, where we had our dinner with our Arab friend, so we’re seeing Jerusalem from the other side. The view is inspirational and having J-R there is a dream come true for us–a year in the making.

It all goes by too fast. A year of preparation, then an intense couple of weeks’ spiritual journey and a fleeting moment watching the sunset over the city in our rooftop perch, and then preparations can start again for the next one. The odd part of it is that it’s all worth it, it’s all one flow, and the preparation is an integral part of the experience. It’s like the story that J-R loves to quote about the Indian chief who walked across the country to give a gift to the U.S. President, and was asked why he walked all that way. His reply: “The walk was part of the gift.”

7 thoughts on “J-R’s 80th Birthday in Jerusalem”

  1. What an amazing article and photos. WOW – J-R you are such a blessing for us all. I am so grateful to know you and for the opportunity to serve our church. May God bless you in all ways fthg. xo Love and Light, Debbie

  2. Glorious write-up and magnificent pics 🙂 Wow!!!! So Great-Full for our most Beloved J-R and Bless You, David ~ what a gift you have! Much Loving Light & Joy and Peace To All 🙂

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