WE have arrived - finally!!!!! - see details below

16 HOURS from JFK - and we are here. Starting with a moleben with Fr Serge and many teary-eyed (in a happy way ofcourse) farewell-bidding parents and siblings the sea of aqua t-shirts left the special port authority press room for the departure gates. Turkish Air turned out to be a wonderful airline - fine Turkish dining prepared by an on board chef, on-time arrival. We were greeted by our guide - a sister from Gethsemene convent - and just finished a fantastic buffet dinner. Everyone is now tucked in (the hotel has airconditioning!) and since the hour is late I will keep this short. Tomorrow - our first day in the Holy City!