Meredith Harber, of Indiana, Pa., spent the last year working in Palestine through Young Adults in Global Mission. Harber was a teacher at Dar Al-Kalima School of Bethlehem, instructing five-year-olds in English and swimming.

Harber was joined by five other Americans who were part of the Young Adults in Global Mission working in Palestine in 2008-2009.

“Less than one month after I graduated from Seton Hill, I was traveling to Palestine to work. This was truly a once in a lifetime opportunity and I am so glad I did it,” said Harber, a 2008 Seton Hill University graduate, who earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology.

While in Palestine, Harber stayed with a host family who was affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Jordan and the Holy Land.

“The Arab people are extremely hospitable and genuine. They care for people and always wanted to make sure that all of my needs were met,” said Harber.

In addition to her work in Palestine, Harber had the opportunity to spend Palm Sunday in Jerusalem and visit the Sea of Galilee, Egypt, Jordan, Turkey, and Morocco. Harber noted how “overwhelming it was everyday to be a part of many of the places mentioned in the Bible.”

Young Adults in Global Mission is a non-profit organization sponsored by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America which provides a one-year service opportunity in leadership development, service, spiritual growth, global awareness and understanding.