Days in Syria

Our three days in Syria offered an initial taste of Arab culture though afforded little time for reflective thought. The pace was swift; many sights, new faces, and miles covered both on foot and in a bus. Introduction to Syria was done by way of immersion, much of it in somewhat typical tourist fashion. We visited ancient historical sites (churches and castles) swarming with crowds from Europeans tour buses. It needs to be said that Syrian food is incredibly good; ice cream, too. The reputation of Arab hospitality has found its way into the restaurants of Damascus. Dinner is a royal treat, unrushed, with a variety of fresh dishes that are healthy and delicious. We did not come for the food, but it cannot be left unmentioned.

Damascus is a city that ranks with other Capitals throughout the world. The city is appreciated on two levels; one is the present day charm found within the walls of Old Damascus, realized by walking its narrow streets and alleyways. The second level of appreciation for Damascus is revealed through a slight understanding of its thousands of years of history set upon its ground and buried deep below. It is said that every modern construction project that requires excavation is an archaeological project as well. Artifacts from centuries past are unearthed in the process.

The most impressionable moment of my time in Damascus occurred just as we departed and made a stop at St.Paul’s Church on the corner of the old walled city. This claims to be the place where Paul was lowered over the wall, freed from Damascus to begin his adventurous life of travel and ministry throughout the Mediterranean region. In essence, this is where Saul died and Paul was born. His wisdom, shared through his writings, shapes our understanding of Jesus and all who preceded us in our Christian faith. In a certain way, I felt that setting foot in St Paul’s Church in Damascus was like being at the birthplace of Christianity. Imagine, what would Christianity be if Paul did not escape from these walls? How would the story of Jesus and our understanding God’s hand in humanity differ without the contribution of Paul and his timeless writings?

Curt Koland (photos to come)