Hello, I am back!!!
I have returned from the land of Israel! I have actually been home for a little over two weeks now and am gradually adjusting back to reality. Spending lots of quality time with my pillow and bed. 😉
With very few words I can say that this trip was life-changing-no exaggeration! This place is so special to me and impacted me deeply.
It is something I am still processing as I try to find the language to express the whole experience.
All that to say I cannot wait to unpack all the stories which will be done over a series of blog posts I am labeling “Israel Archives.” Make sure to subscribe so you do not miss a post!
So…what’s the deal with Israel?
I have this memory engrained in my mind from when I was younger. My Dad had received a gift in the mail, one of those thank-you-for-donating-to-support-Israel gifts from some organization. He hands me this pin of the American flag and the Israeli flag kind of merged together. I remember so vividly my Dad saying to me, “We have to remember to always support Israel.”
I couldn’t tell you why this moment stuck with me for years besides it planted a deep question in my heart as to why Israel was so important. We must support Israel, but why?
Fast forward to me as a student at the Ramp School of Ministry where we were taught a brief overview of Israel in one of our classes. Immediately I was captivated by the storyline of this nation. I could see God intertwined within every detail and my heart was gravitated towards it.
God cares for Israel and so I care for Israel.
I have spent a lot of time reading about Israel in the bible and of course you think to yourself how cool it would be to visit! Now I had this greater understanding of this nation’s history and relevancy that gave me such a desire to go one day.
Fast forward once again to February of this year. Each year a group from the ministry school goes to Israel and each year I would see the trip application and then mentally add it to my ever-growing bucket list of things I want to do some day. However, this year, I had the strongest impression to go. To my surprise, as soon as I prayed on it I heard the Lord say, “GO.”
Let me draw attention to the fact that I decided to sign up for this trip in February and our plane would be taking off early May. With very little time to raise the money I needed, it felt like a huge step of faith for me. It was a huge step of faith! I knew I heard from the Lord and I trusted he would make it happen.
And of course, God provided every cent!
Many generous people were a part of seeing me step foot on Israeli soil. I am beyond grateful! If they are reading this- thank you for your kindness!
Before I knew it we were loading our luggages into vans at two in the morning, heading to the airport. A quick pit stop to see America’s favorite beaver at Buc-ee’s, a layover in Toronto, and then a ten hour flight into Tel Aviv.
We had arrived in the Holy Land.
We immediately went to a lunch spot where I ate some of the best chicken shawarma. My mouth waters every time I think of it.
While we ate sirens began to sound. We all looked around wondering if what we were hearing was what we thought it was. Indeed, it was-missiles being fired from Gaza.
I was aware that conflict was heating up in Israel prior to our trip. Our team had been monitoring the situation and deemed it okay for us to travel.
We continued to our first sight which was Simon the Tanner’s house. This place is significant as it is where Peter had the vision that revealed the acceptance of Gentile believers as God would extend salvation to them (Acts 10). It is also where the miracle of Tabitha’s resurrection took place!
In this moment it was only beginning to become so real to me. The familiar stories I have read in the Bible are SO REAL. I was standing foot in one place of many places where these kind of miracles and wonders happened. I could feel the tangible presence of the Lord.
Sirens and missile strikes continued loudly overhead and we began to pray.
It amazed me how the locals were so unfazed by the sirens, just going on about their day. These kind of attacks happen so frequently I guess they would have to be used to it. The conflict towards Israel is intense and I could sense that throughout the trip. However, I also sensed this divine protection. I had peace amidst the fired missiles and rockets. God has His hand on Israel and you can feel that when you are there.
Israel actually has an incredible defense system. Many are familiar with the Iron Dome and now they have a new piece of technology called David’s Sling that intercepts short-range missiles. Israel used this new device for the first time that day, so in a way, we got to witness history!
We were meant to spend a few nights in Tel Aviv but for safety measures we stayed in a nearby city called Netanya.
Netanya was an unexpected gift on this trip as we did not plan to stay there but we met some really sweet people there. Saw many stray cats roaming around.
Around three in the morning we were woken up to the hotel’s fire alarm going off. Turns out there was an electrical fire that was quickly tended to and we were able to return to our rooms soon after.
That was our introduction to Israel- nothing short of exciting!
More to come soon! Subscribe so you don’t miss anything!
