Why didn't Mary visit the Holy Land?

[Jim Garrett]

The observation that the relationship between MTL and James Smith may not have been based on faith (at least on MTL's part) is a good one. Mary could have regarded Smith as a friend more than as confidant on faith. Smith, on the other hand, probably saw Mary as a friend who needed a friend and support.
Sounds like it was all AL's idea to visit the holy land. To travel there as the former president and first lady would have afforded much better accomodations than MTL would have received traveling alone or with Tad. I would imagine a trip to the holy land 150 years ago would be difficult at best, and uncomfortable with most likely primative amenities without the trappings that would have accompanied a head of state or former head of state.