A journey with unexpected twists

By Sr Christina Dolan

Sister Julie, a Presentation Sister from California working in the Holy Land with Sister Anna Manyanga, had an eventful journey, after attending the Provincial Gathering in Matlock, in Derbyshire, in May.

As she was preparing a return to Bethlehem her travel plans were suddenly disrupted by the Israel/Iran conflict.  To say that this was a huge disappointment to her would be an understatement. Sr Julie then had to return to US. to await a chance for things to hopefully improve.  Her return trip from Gatwick to California turned out to be useful and happy.  This is what she wrote:

 "A few hours into the flight a man was slightly unwell. They called for any medical personnel  ... I went : nothing to do just to help the man relax...….The flight attendant was grateful and gave me some wine and snacks. She came to my seat a few hours later and said a woman had high blood pressure and needed to be checked and would I mind? I said not at all.  I went to the First Class seat and checked her blood presure, which was just slightly elevated...The attendant had to call a doctor and said I could take a seat...I said here? And she said ‘bring your things.’ So halfway into my flight I was unexpectedly upgraded to First Class!   It was wonderful!

Thank you Lord for a wonderful safe journey."

Here at home in Matlock we smile and think no one more than Sr Julie deserves a little luxury to compensate even in a small way for the trauma of missing her ministry and people in Bethlehem.  We pray that she will be able to return soon to the people she loves and also to be with Sister Anna again.