Miranda Lanham wasn't letting Daddy on the aircraft without one last hug, emphasising her family's hopes: study hard, but stay safe!
The Rev Dave Lanham is embarking with fellow students the Rev Antony Barraclough and Margaret Powell on a two week exploration of Israel led by author and historian, the Rev Dr Paul Barnett.
"Seeing and being able to describe from experience the places I’ve speaking about for years is going to be excellent," says Mr Lanham, an Assistant Minister at Turramurra South parish.
The three Moore College students, all studying for an MA in Theology, are part of a group of 16 scholars and fellow travellers landing in Tel Aviv today.
But seldom do "school excursions' give rise to such concerns for physical safety.
Last week’s landslide election victory of Palestinian terrorist group Hamas has heightened Middle East tensions.
While Jews and Arabs wrestle with the implications of a dangerous new government, the study group will be pouring over the remains of some of the gospel's most significant sites.
"The first miracle Jesus does in Mark takes place in Peter's house in Capernaum " and we're going there!" says Mr Barraclough, barely able to contain his excitement.
However, the Rector of Petersham does admit to a certain degree of nervousness concerning current political tensions.
"But Paul Barnett has been watching things closely and he says he would cancel the trip if he didn't think it was safe," he says.
In any case, Mr Barraclough doesn't have to worry about being separated from his loved ones - his wife Catherine will be accompanying him all the way.
"It will be fabulous exploring and experiencing how [Israel] feels, smells and looks," he says.
Heading for the departure gates, the enormity of the opportunity was only just beginning to dawn on Margaret Powell.
"I’ve been too busy getting ready to think much about it. It will really hit me in the plane," she says, shouldering her carry on luggage.
"It's going to help me understand more of the Bible. I think there are "asides' in passages that are loaded with meaning we often miss out on. I’m hoping being there will help me."
Antony Barraclough and Dave Lanham will be blogging each stage of their journey on Sydneyanglicans.net.
Click here to read their first entry as they prepare to fly out.
