Since I learned of the possibility of coming to the Saxum Visitor Center, I thought almost daily about, what it would be like to live in the Holy Land?
Alice with a group from USA
Beyond the immeasurable value it holds for a Christian to walk and dwell in the places trodden by Jesus Christ, having collaborated at the multimedia center has been of great help to me on a personal level in several ways; but particularly in one aspect I would like to highlight. I come from Argentina, a country where, unfortunately, despite having many things in common, people insist on finding cracks that divide us, that pit us against each other, and that lead us to be prejudiced and distrustful of those who think differently. Now I have come to a land where, although sadly going through a war, I have witnessed the efforts of its inhabitants—of different races and religions—to coexist in peace. I have encountered hundreds of truly good, joyful people with great ideals of happiness and sowing peace. Many of these people are very different from me, not only culturally but also in their religious beliefs, political opinions, and approaches to certain issues. I have come to understand better what it means to respect and appreciate what others think without letting it divide us. It has been a great lesson in dialogue, even though on several occasions we have had to end the conversation with that famous English saying: Agree to disagree. Nothing more. Without it causing estrangement, antipathy, or anger.
Alice with an African visitor
Alice with visitors from Israel
This has clearly taught me that it is always worthwhile to seek what unites us when dealing with others, without compromising our convictions, but showing great respect for the person who, for whatever reason, thinks and acts differently. In this way, we promote peace and understanding around us. As a Hebrew tour guide who organizes The Way to Jerusalem Tour (a multi-day walk from various points in the country, open to all religions) clearly expressed during our chat over coffee: This is what it is about: living in harmony. It is what we do right here at Saxum, where Jews and Catholics can find themselves having animated conversations in Abu Ghosh, an Arab-Muslim village.
I thank God deeply for all that this stay at the Visitor Center has imprinted in my soul; including above all, a very characteristic attitude of His; always seeking to acknowledge the best in each person.
By Alice Cullen