Near the midpoint of my freshman year in high school, my mom and I made a pilgrimage to Israel with a small group from our church. I still remember the experience vividly — even though it was over ten years ago now —  and the way that I imagine biblical events will be forever changed. Perhaps the most extraordinary part of the trip (for me personally) was our walk down the Via Dolorosa and subsequent time at the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, which marks the site of the crucifixion. I remember so much about that day. Each group of pilgrims were provided a large, wooden cross to carry along…