EMMS Riders Reach Nazareth: Exhausted but Jubilant

On Friday, November 6, at 4:00pm, School of Nursing students stood waiting with hand-made signs. "We are proud of your courage" said one, "Well Done", another, and "The School of Nursing Welcomes You". Nazareth's Catholic scouts warmed up their band with a verse of Joy to the World. Together with hospital and nursing school administrators and staff, we lined the road leading from the hospital's back gate into the campus, awaiting any sign of the seventeen riders who would be soon finishing their 395k trek from Amman Jordan, up the Jordan Valley, and along the Sea of Galilee to Nazareth.

For repeat riders, arriving to Nazareth meant a reunion with friends. Some hospital staff awaiting the group were themselves former participants in this annual charity cycling event. Hugs were exchanged and hands clasped as recognition broke out on the faces of those gathered. "Welcome!" was the resounding word.

After loading their bikes onto the support van, the riders made their way down to the chapel to share in worship and communion. The following morning, after a tour of the school and hospital, they spent the day exploring Nazareth's Old City. On their last evening in the country, the group gathered at the Nazareth YMCA for one last meal as a group, this time joined by their friends in Nazareth.

Each November, Edinburgh Medical Missionary Society sponsors a charity bike ride through the Holy Land to raise funds for Nazareth Hospital and School of Nursing. Find out how you can be part of it in 2010! Email us at npi@nazarethproject.org

Report submitted by Karen Miller Rauch                                                                                                                                                                             Photos by Hans Rauch