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It Wasn’t Meant To Be<br />
By: Stu Cooper / Happy Adventures<br />
It<br />
wasn’t<br />
meant to<br />
be. As I write<br />
this article, our intrepid band of<br />
<strong>Vegas</strong> Voyagers just returned from a<br />
two week trip to Israel.<br />
It was hosted by Bruce Ewing, choir master at Lutheran<br />
Community Church. From all the indications and reports I received,<br />
including hundreds of pictures on Facebook, it was a truly outstanding<br />
experience for all.<br />
As many of you know, I was scheduled to escort this trip. And as many<br />
of you also know, I did not go because I had mitral valve open heart<br />
surgery.<br />
What was thought to be a two month recover period has turned out<br />
to be more like three to four months. I am grateful to report that I<br />
am much, much better and about to start my 12 week cardio rehab<br />
program.<br />
But as I said, my participation on this trip was not meant to be. For<br />
me, the disappointment is palpable. Israel is my favorite place to visit<br />
in the world.<br />
In one small country (about the size as New Jersey) you can see<br />
<strong>Vegas</strong> Voyagers at the Western Wall in Israel<br />
the origin of the western world’s religious history. You can also see big<br />
metropolitan cities, old world cities, lush farmland and arid desert. It’s<br />
amazing.<br />
However, the disappointment for me was also that, along with Bruce, I<br />
did all the daily planning for this trip. I handpicked the sights we would<br />
visit. I selected the hotels and special events for our <strong>Vegas</strong> Voyagers.<br />
Bruce worked on the religious, spiritual and healing aspects of the<br />
trip. I worked on the modern day Israel aspect of the trip. It was a labor<br />
of love.<br />
And then I didn’t get to go. Oh well, next time.<br />
I tell you this because for me, the fun is in the planning. I enjoy<br />
planning the numerous trips for <strong>Vegas</strong> Voyagers. I get such a kick out<br />
of looking at all the options for the trips I plan and then giving my<br />
recommendations.<br />
Please feel free to give me a call and ask for suggestions and ideas<br />
about your next trip. I love to talk about travel and the places I’ve been.<br />
As always, Happy Adventures.<br />
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