Lander!

And so it begins!

My sister Emily, my cousin Evan and I have all arrived in Lander, Wyoming, to begin our Wilderness Medicine Institute course here in the mountains. I'm preparing for overseas work; Emily and Evan are both medical students who are excited to learn about practical medicine in extreme environments. We're studying for WEMT certification through National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) and today was our first day. Completely awesome. We arrived to relatively hot, dry weather - now it's begun snowing and there'll probably be a foot on the ground by morning. NOLS is a wonderful organization and I'll be here until June 6. (I leave for overseas on June 8).

Prior to arriving here in Wyoming I had an opportunity to finally meet the folks from Playgrounds for Palestine at the Friends of Sabeel Conference in Philadelphia. I was only in the city for one day but it was heartening to finally meet Susan Abulhawa in person - she is every bit as courageous and inspirational as I had imagined. I was also able to attend speeches by Marc Ellis from Baylor University and Jeff Halper from the Israeli Committee Against House Demolitions. These are two more of my greatest heroes and they gave me some incredible ideas regarding the Israel/Palestine conflagration.

My last Sunday at Park Church was awe-inspiring and powerfully uplifting. I was commissioned by Rev. Petty and so many people came forward to lay prayerful, gospel hands upon me - I feel called and sent, beckoned and pushed forward by my gracious faith family. Strengthened by their prayers, I am sure that we will bring some new, precious light to this place of conflict and division.

Pictures to come soon!