Trip Update - Three Weeks Before

Hello friends,

With only three weeks before I fly out to Israel/Palestine, I wanted
to update y'all on a few details before cramming myself into the
airplane.

First of all, I now have an online "blog" for this trip. A
computer-savvy friend of mine (ten years younger, of course)
recommended it, and apparently the technology has "dumbed itself down"
to a level that someone like me can use it. I plan to post any
pictures straight to that page (assuming the digital camera cooperates
with computers over there – anybody know if there's a patron saint of
technology that I could carry with me for luck?) I've also posted a
couple of articles there about pre-trip lessons and good sources of
info on the conflict. I hope to add one or two more articles and some
web links before leaving. Here's the address:
www.johnstonontheweb.blogspot.com

Secondly, I've been really encouraged by all the support. So many
people have sent along good wishes, prayers, advice, and information.
I never would have guessed how closely connected we are to that part
of the world. The number of people who have lived there, visited the
holy sites, those who have friends or family in the area, or have
other ties to the region has surprised me – the connections really
come out of the woodwork when you start asking around. It leaves me
wondering how I could have remained so clueless about the situation
for so long? The answer, of course, is the medical condition known as
Selective Hearing Syndrome, where one only hears information that may
affect my weekend plans or that supports my point of view. Now that
my wife is a doctor, she has been instrumental in officially
diagnosing me with this syndrome. I think she also prescribed a
rigorous treatment plan with very explicit steps, but I can't quite
recall what they were.

Also, a big thanks to everyone who donated to the trip expenses. I'm
honored you would trust me with your hard-earned money (or for those
in medical training, your hard-earned debt) and I promise to be frugal
and thrifty in every area except dessert. And a special thanks to the
First Baptist Church in Salt Lake, who will be my home congregation
for the trip. They have been eager to support me in many ways, even
though we are still getting to know one another. I hope to be
faithful with everyone's support and to represent accurately the light
and life I have seen.

The weeks are moving quickly, and I hope to finish preparing in time.
For the politics, I'm still trying to read as much as possible. Looks
like the current Prime Minister may be in trouble politically - Ehud
Olmert has lost his support because of his handling of the Lebanon War
last year. It could make for a lot of question marks during our trip.
For the enthusiastic anger and tension that we will certainly
encounter, I've been listening to talk radio - just a little bit at a
time so that I get used to it. For the intense Middle-Eastern sun,
I'm discovering that my hair conveniently expands outward as it grows,
creating a natural parasol. Looks ridiculous but my neck won't burn.
Otherwise, I think it's all coming together. If all goes well, I'll
send my next note from some Holy computer in the Holy Land.

Peace to you,
Andy