For as long as I can remember, archaeology has captured my imagination. As a child, I eagerly shared my dream of becoming an archaeologist with my mom. Her response was practical but disheartening: “They don’t make any money.” Reluctantly, I set aside my dream and followed the family tradition of becoming an elementary school teacher. Yet, despite this detour, my passion for archaeology never waned.
The Backyard Excavator
As a child, I transformed my family’s backyard into my own excavation site. I searched tirelessly for Native American artifacts, convinced that an arrowhead or some other treasure lay just beneath the surface. My greatest “find” was a giant root that I firmly believed was a buried totem pole, much to the amusement of my older brother, who teased me endlessly. Though my youthful enthusiasm was met with skepticism, my fascination with uncovering the past persisted.
A College Opportunity in Jerusalem
During my sophomore year at The King’s College, my resident assistant introduced me to an incredible opportunity: a summer program at the American Institute of Holy Land Studies (now Jerusalem University College) in Jerusalem. She recognized my love for history, the Bible, and archaeology and encouraged me to participate. In 1987, I traveled to Israel for the first time and enrolled in the Physical Settings of the Bible course at the institute. The experience was transformative, not just because of the many archaeological sites I visited in the Holy Land and the four Bible credits I earned, but also because I met my future husband, who was pursuing an MA in modern and biblical Hebrew at the same institution.
A Missed Opportunity in Israel
After we married, my husband and I returned to Israel in 1991 for ministry work. I was thrilled to have a chance to join a real archaeological dig. My husband, friends with Steven Ortiz, who was then involved in excavations at Tel Miqne (identified with the Philistine city Ekron), arranged for me to assist for a day. My excitement was boundless, but providence intervened. Record-breaking rains drenched the excavation site, canceling my long-awaited dig day. It was a bitter disappointment, but I remained hopeful for another chance.
Rediscovering the Dream at Shiloh
Decades later, my passion was reignited when my husband gifted me with a subscription to Bible and Spade for my birthday. On the magazine’s back cover, I spotted an advertisement for an excavation at Shiloh, open to volunteers with no prior experience. I couldn’t believe it—this was my moment! In June 2023, my husband and I participated in Season 5, Week 3 of the Shiloh dig. Assigned to Gary Urie’s square, we worked alongside a dedicated team in “the gate” area. The experience was exhilarating, and I knew I had to return. By September, I had already purchased our plane tickets for the following season.
Perseverance through Challenges
In October 2023, the unthinkable happened—a sudden outbreak of war. As travel to Israel became uncertain, United Airlines canceled flights. By May, the airline promised a date for resuming flights to Israel, and that date was just a day before our scheduled departure for Season 6, Week 4 at Shiloh. Trusting in God, we pressed on and arrived for another incredible week, this time in Tim Lopez’s square. As if the experience couldn’t get any better, Tim’s square was within the boundaries of the “monumental building,” the tabernacle’s possible location. Despite initial challenges, including having to dry-sift my own material due to the reduced number of diggers this season, I discovered some remarkable artifacts: an Iron Age ring (no further dating confirmed), the top of a juglet, and a cracked slingstone. The thrill of these finds made every moment worthwhile. To top it off, Pastor Jim Scudder Jr. of InGrace Ministries filmed in our square just as I unearthed the ring, capturing the excitement.
Author holding the Iron Age ring discovered in Tim Lopez's square.
Gratitude for the Shiloh Team
My experiences at Shiloh have been deeply enriched by the incredible staff. Both Gary Urie and Tim Lopez have been instrumental in fostering my love for archaeology. They’ve patiently answered my endless questions, treated me as a valued member of the team, and encouraged me to deepen my understanding through resources like the Zondervan Handbook of Biblical Archaeology and dig supervisor Scott Stripling’s book The Trowel and the Truth. Their generosity and mentorship have made this journey unforgettable.
A Dream Fulfilled, a Passion Rekindled
From backyard excavations to digging at Shiloh, my lifelong passion for archaeology has come full circle. These experiences have not only reignited my childhood dreams but also deepened my appreciation for the history and culture of the biblical world. For anyone with a love of discovery and history, I can tell you that it’s never too late to follow your passion. I earnestly hope the Lord will open additional doors for a return to Shiloh for Season 7. Will you consider joining me there?