Dear Friends, September 18, 2006

Click on the pages to the right to view the questions.

An odyssey is a long adventurous journey named after a legendary Greek hero called Odysseus. The famous tale of his wanderings was told to us by Homer. Despite the hero’s many exciting encounters with mythical creatures and foreign powers, Odysseus’ greatest desire was to find his way home again. Our blog for this course is called an odyssey because like Odysseus, we all need guidance in finding our way home to the people we love when conflicts and difficulties confront us.

Instead of a physical journey like the one Odysseus took, your journey will be an emotional and spiritual one. But like his, it will be full of discoveries and the spirit of exploration. You will learn more about why conflicts and miscommunication separate us from family members and how to cope with problems at home. You will discover how to recognize and cope with problems you feel powerless to change, and how to work toward stronger and closer relationships with your parents, brothers and sisters. You will come to understand that God does not want us to feel separate or alone; the message Jesus was brought was one of joy, wholeness, and reconciliation!

No matter how isolated we feel, it is possible to find our way back home. We belong not only to our immediate families, but also to the vast family of God. Nothing can separate us from the love of God that is ours through Jesus Christ!

You are encouraged to work in your journal every week. You may be surprised at some of the places it takes you! The more you invest in your personal journey, the more you will discover about yourself and others.

Part of your study contains a play called Outcry! The play is about a group of high school students struggling with problems in their families. You will struggle along with them, empathize with their problems, and even offer advice. You will read a scene from the play each week and talk about the difficulties these students encounter.

From time to time, one of these characters might remind you of yourself. Do not be afraid to talk about your feelings and responses to the situation in the play. If some feelings and responses seem to be overwhelming to you, talk with your leaders or with your pastor.

Travel mercies!