The Novel.
It's a funny thing. Whenever I remember my blog I never want to sit down and write about myself. I guess that's the writer in me? Nevermind about myself, how does the ficticious character I formed in my mind this morning live happily ever after? Oh well, no one is hurt by it, so I think I'll go write her or his story. If I like it, you'll read it. Maybe.
Historically Riveting
The third day brought so much history to life. Like the pages of the Bible became a motion picture.
We traveled to Mount Carmel where Shannon read the story of Armageddon aloud and then spoke on it a little. It was amazing to be in the place where that is going to happen-not to mention standing on the mountain where Elijah the Prophet was taken into the clouds!
And it got even better. After we left the Mount we made our way to the Sea of Galilee where we boarded a large boat and drifted off to sea. As we moved I was reminded of a story in the Bible. "After leaving them, He went up on a mountainside to pray.
When evening came, the boat was in the middle of the lake, and He was alone on land. He saw the disciples straining at the oars, because the wind was against them. About the forth watch of the night He went out to them, walking on the lake, He was about to pass by them, but when they saw Him walking on the lake, they thought He was a ghost. They cried out, because they all saw Him and were terrified."-Mark 6:46-50
It was amazing sitting there with the mist hitting my face, thinking that it was this exact sea that Yeshua performed a miracle. I had never been to an actual site where a miracle took place. It was a humbling experience, realizing how much power He has.
We spent the night in a beautiful hotel on the shores of the Galilee where we had worship outside, and for the first time since landing I realized I was worshipping my L-rd in His land!
An Eye Opening Day
If I learned anything the second day of our time in the Holy Land it was this: Never go to the beach unprepared; bring blindfolds. It is, after all, a very European influenced country. By this I mean all the nakedness! A frightening thing if you're not ready for it.
But once you got past all that, it was really a very beautiful beach. The ones I've been to were very dirty and.. almost fake. Not this beach. And the waves! Powerful.
Never mind all that though. The real spiritual experience was that night. A large group of us from the tour went to Dugit-a Messianic Outreach Center in the heart of Tel Aviv-to attend the Gospel Cafe. Every Thursday night Dugit opens their doors for people to come and enjoy free Cappuccino and live music. Conversation usually stirs and eventually the people get to share about Yeshua (Jesus) and plant the seed of the Spirit.
All in all, it was a pretty amazing day. And it gave me a taste of what I would be doing during my four days after the tour ended. I had emailed Karen-the volunteer coordinator at Dugit-and set up a few days to help out. Those are very amazing people! G-d is really using them to His good purpose.
Shabbat Shalom everyone!
If Only There Were Words
I've decided to take it slowly. I'm going to write a little bit (hopefully) every day until I've completely summed up my trip to Israel. This is how it began.
If there were words to describe my trip to the land of Israel I'm not sure I could convey them so that you could understand fully what I was feeling. I will, however, try my best.
Leaving the airport and boarding the plane was the hardest thing I have ever done. Forget actually going to a foreign land alone. Forget arriving there and not knowing anyone. Forget taking a cab by myself for the first time and staying on my own for four whole days. Saying goodbye to my family, not knowing what was in store for me, was the hardest thing I have ever done. I didn't cry. I showed now outward signs that I was struggling with the thought of leaving my home, but I was. I entered customs and made it through smoothly. Then I looked back one last time and waved goodbye to my parents and brother. I didn't cry.
When I finally made it to the gate and sat down I sent them one last message from my phone before I boarded the plane and took off for Israel. I found my seat, sat down, and thought long and hard about what I was doing. My dream was coming true! I was actually going to Israel! The plane took off and suddenly I couldn't get there fast enough. Eleven hours was a long time to wait. I tried to make myself sleep, to pass the time, but sleeping on planes was something I hadn't mastered. I tried listening to music and watching movies, but essentially it was a grueling eleven hours.
We did land, and it was a beautiful sight. We came up on the shore of the Mediteranian Sea and looked out over the buildings of Tel Aviv. A small boy behind me asked his sister questions while we flew over. "This is our new home," she replied. How wonderful that would be!
Exiting the plane I ran into another girl who was going on the same tour as me. We were able to brave the Israeli interrigations together. And then we headed to the Kibbutz. My adventure had only just begun.
The Xanga Tratior
Yes, I'm the Xanga traitor. I'm the person that everyone talks about who goes behind website's backs and unplugs their main power source. I'm
that kid. And when Blog spot dies down and becomes unpopular-while I'll hang on for a little while-eventually... I'll give in and unplug them as well. Granted, I'm not alone in this treachery. Millions of former Xanga users have pulled the plug! Blog spot is just hotter.
Okay, so I'm not normally that comical. So don't get your hopes up. I'm usually pretty dull. Except when I travel the world! Which I just got back from doing! My last adventure was a trip to Israel. My most favorite place on the earth so far! Not to mention all the super-cool people I met there. I'll tell you more later, now I must clean!
