You and Jarir put together a fabulous tour. It was so organized. I was especially impressed with Jarir's knowledge and faith. Every sight we visited came to life in ways that would not have been possible on our own. It was truly a once in a lifetime experience.
I also want to thank you for all your help coordinating Marlene and my trip to Italy following the tour. Everything went very smoothly and the hotels you set up for us in both Rome and Florence were very nice and well-located.

The tour was very professionally designed as it began in the low key north, and built up to the major Christian events and landmarks that awaited us in Jerusalem. The tour guide was very well versed with all phases of the tour. This added new insight into and understanding of the various historical events, which made them come to life in a refreshing and vivid way. The tour schedule was demanding, but I would not have wanted it any other way. It was the only way to experience the deep and moving history of the Holy Land. The accommodations were most adequate and every attempt was made to maximize our enjoyment of all aspects of the tour. I highly recommend Alpha to Omega Travel for well designed tours. You cannot help but to be fully satisfied. - Ronald and Faith Suprenant, CA

but visiting the Holy Land is a pilgrimage—and there is a big difference. I come to the Holy Land, my latest trip with Alpha 2 Omega Travel this past June, to encounter the living Lord. I come to correct the visions I have in my head of what the places should look like with the reality of what it does look like. I come to steal a few minutes in the churches and places to which pilgrims have come for some 1700 years to hear the stories and to plant my faith firmly on the ground in which it was first proclaimed. I come to add sight, smell, taste, and touch to the stories that I have heard since a child.
I think the biggest realization that comes to most folks is the geography that is so often mentioned in the Bible, but taken for granted. Standing in Capernaum one can get a sense for what it meant for Jesus to have traveled up and down the Galilee, to have ‘gone to the other side,’ or to have ventured toward the Judean wilderness. Two things come to mind; that the distances are often far less than we have imagined, and secondly the diversity in the landscape. Here in this small country you’ll encounter Biblical places that are lush and green, agricultural land growing a variety of crops, harsh and unforgiving desert, small out of the way towns, and sprawling urban backdrops.
The key to your pilgrimage will be to balance the awe of the tourist with the words of scripture, and taking time for prayer and reflection. You will be visiting sites that people have risked their lives throughout history to experience. Take the time to pray, to think not only of the stories that have taken place there, but of those fellow Christians who have come before you to these same sites to refresh their spirits and put earth and context to their faith. Here in the Holy Land, our nuances of theology and different ways of expressing the faith are eclipsed by the story itself and the silent footsteps of those who have come before us. There is a unity to be found here that will enrich you for the rest of your life. - Pastor Jeff Frohner, Our Savior’s Lutheran Church and School, San Clemente, California

We had a wonderful experience with Alpha 2 Omega Travel on our tour of Israel! Linda had EVERY detail covered! Her choice of sites, activities, hotels, restaurants and tour guide, Jarir, were TERRIFIC. Somehow, she even arranged for great weather!!! Even though there is a lot of political tension in the area, we never felt in any danger. We were well taken care of and all of our needs were met. There were numerous little surprises thrown in for good measure!!! Thank you Linda, for making this vacation so enjoyable and meaningful! - Sincerely, Ron and Amy Shively, CA

The guides were so knowledgeable and told us all we needed to know about all the places. I will try to recap some my most favorite and memorable places in the Holy land.
When Pastor Rockne mentioned to me that I was standing on the rock where Jesus stood, a feeling washed over me and all the verses of the Bible on that subject came back to me. All of a sudden I was so overcome with emotions, and I was humbled. All I could think was that I had to remove my shoes because I was not worthy enough to be on the same place Jesus stood and walked, with my shoes on. I remembered the story in the Bible when Moses saw the burning bush, then he heard the voice that said, take off thy shoes, for the ground you stand on is holy ground. I had to stay back and meditate for a little while. I was so overwhelmed. All my life I have been hearing and reading these stories, and here I was experiencing it all first hand.
The thought came to me, when Pastor asked me what stood out the most, I said the donkey. I didn't get to explain. It must have sounded funny to everyone else, but to me...Seeing all the donkeys that are used to carry people and carts etc. touched me very much. I remembered Mary and her travels when she was with child (baby Jesus). I imagined how difficult it must have been with all the rocks and hills that they had to climb. I remembered before the crucifixion when Jesus rode on the donkey, garments, and palms were thrown down for the donkey to walk on. So it occurred to me how these donkeys must have suffered, but also the very important role they played in the Bible.
There were so many other beautiful memories and touching moments such as being baptized in the Jordan, same place as Jesus did, what an amazing experience. I was given the privilege of serving communion from a boat on the Sea of Galilee. I floated in the Dead Sea, stood on the Mount of Olives. There are too many to list, just suffice to say it is a trip that I will never forget.
Linda was such a calm and peaceful person, very polite, helpful and always there for us. Alpha Omega 2 tour is the best. I have such gratitude to Pastor for inviting me. - Mirian Firsick, Lancaster, CA

I wanted to write a Thank You letter for all the hard work you did for our trip. Without your conscientious attention to details and dedication it would not have been as interesting and nice.
I am very glad that I was able to go, and experience Israel and Jordan for myself. It is truly something you must experience once in your life. Hopefully more times if possible. - Ruth Dela Cruz, La Crescenta, CA