Winter 2013 Issue - De La Salle Institute

FAITH, SERVICE & COMMUNITYpermanently, at which time she was granted citizenship and placed at the absorption center for language, culture and technology training.“I was blown away with the care and effort taken in Israel to welcome new immigrants. It made me question how we in Americawelcome new individuals to our country.“After my travels to Israel, I was eager to learn more about the region and I decided to travel to the Republic of Turkey over our Christmasbreak. While I was in Turkey, I had the opportunity to visit several important historical and religious sites across western Turkey.“From the World War I battlefields of Gallipoli to the Hagia Sophia of Istanbul and the Roman ruins of Ephesus, I was able to experiencethe history and culture of Turkey. While in Turkey, I had my first experience in a Mosque (The Blue Mosque) and that will now allowme to dispel myths and answer questions students have about Islamic prayer.“By traveling to a country that is predominately Muslim, I was able to see both differences and similarities between life in both Israeland the United States. One of the commonalities between the three countries I have noticed is the engagement of young people in theirfaith life. By having these experiences, I am able to add a new layer to my students’ educational and faith development.“The real joy for me in my travels has been the ability to share my experiences with my students. They need to hear that while travelingin both a Jewish and Muslim nation, I felt nothing but warmth and welcome from the people I encountered. Such knowledge andexperience is how we break down stereotypes and build meaningful relationships with our brothers and sisters across the globe to workon promoting the common good and social justice.“While discussing Mary as the ideal of Christian humility in my Christian vocation class, I was able to “take” students to the locationof the Angel Gabriel’s appearance to Mary at the Church of the Annunciation in Nazareth, while simultaneously making mention of thetensions that exist between the Muslim and Jewish residents in the city today.“Being able to show the lands where important events from Holy Scripture took place has given my students new perspective on thedefining events of Christianity. When teaching about greed and materialism, I am able to show students Ephesus, where Paul wrote toTimothy and stressed that material goods possessed no eternal value. This gives students new ways to “see” and reflect on their faith’steachings.”sThe Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, TurkeyFaith, Service & Community 13