We stayed up all night. That probably wasn't the most logical decision. I tried to upload a video tonight from facebook but it didn't load. I chatted with a couple of people on IM, then came in around 3 to get a shower and pack. We STILL don't have hot water, but every time Ben came out of the bathroom, I thought there was steam. I'm like, "HOW DID YOU GET HOT WATER?" He would always say "The steam is from me, not the water." I didn't believe him, but then I learned that your body produces more heat when you get really cold, and taking a shower under that water…I understand why. It was SOOO COLD. Grace was asleep on our beds when I got in, she woke up pretty soon though. After my chilling experience in the shower (oh and Raf borrowed my shampoo to help hydrate his hair and used it as gel. Haha), I started to pack. I hate packing, but I guess it is for the last time. At 3:45, Michael came in our room and said it was time to load the buses, even though we still had 15 minutes. Well, I wasn't totally packed yet, and Ben was still transferring files from my computer. I quickly tried to shove things in every place I could think of, and hurriedly exited the upstairs door. I made sure to prop the door because it looked like it was locked. I quickly made my way to the bus, and it looked like everyone was already in the bus. I quickly sprinted back upstairs to get my laptop and bookbag. As I approach the door, I see Ben coming out. I quickly yelled for him to hold the door. He responded with, "Oh no, it doesn't lock." But as I reached it and tried to open, I found out that it was, in fact, locked. And it wasn't for him because a very good friend of his had PROPPED the DOOR! I hurriedly ran around the hotel to the other entrance, ran up 2 flights of stairs, and got my stuff. I had no time to do a once-over of the room, so I quickly and spastically glanced about as I ran out towards the bus. I was the last one on. As soon as I got on, the bus driver started driving. We left at exactly 4:01 AM. (if it helps, I was really on time for the original orders to load up at 4).
We got the the airport, where Asia got questioned for like 10-15 minutes about her luggage and books and stuff. We were a little worried. She returned eventually and we continued to wait in a line that literally NEVER MOVED. It was then that we heard a "Where's Banana?" (That meant Hannah). As soon as we heard it all of our stomachs dropped. We all know we hadn't seen Hannah since last night. As we quickly glanced around, we knew the inevitable had occurred - Hannah was still at the hotel! We felt HORRIBLE! No one noticed she was gone until about an hour and a half after we left. Michael had already left us - so we didn't know who to tell. We eventually saw Michael come back in from outside, and we yelled to him HANNAH! He nodded like he already knew. We were so sad. But there really wasn't anything we could do.
We got thru the pre-security luggage you have to go thru BEFORE you can check in to your flight. Then we checked our bags. There were shady McDonalds outside the next security checkpoint (the one with your carryons). We didn't want to eat there. I had to throw out my water bottle because I thought they wouldn't let me keep it - which was false. Everyone else kept theirs. I felt stupid. Laws are different in Israel. This security point was different than one in the US. There were 10 lines close to each other, and you just stood in a big mass and guessed what line you were in. Lucky for some of us, number 11 opened right in front of us. About 8 of us got through pretty quickly. We then went to McDonalds for breakfast. Remembering how incredibly awful the food is in Paris prompted us to buy chicken nugget value meals for 40 shekels (about 12-13 dollars!!!). Ridiculous. But we figured you gotta eat sometime - and we were hungry. And wanted some decent food. We were there for probably a half hour before the others found us - they had just made it through security. Some people had to eat their food right before we got on the plane.
Esohe, Shawna, and I all sat together on this flight together, just like last time. It's an alphabetical thing I think. I remember not being able to sleep much on this flight. And ironically, before the flight when we were in a long line, there was a fussy baby. I jokingly made a comment to Jordan about that baby being being beside her. Well, it wasn't beside her, but we had a fussy 2 year old 2 rows back. And the kid would NOT CALM DOWN. And he wouldn't cry - he was just fussy and would just fuss for the sake of fussing! The last 2 hours of the plane ride were pure joy and delight! And I think he set off another baby ahead of us. At times I didn't even know where the sound was coming from. That was a joyous ride. I don't even remember if there was food. It probably wasn't good if we had any.
We got into Paris around 12:30-1. And guess what? We found actual food! REAL LIVE FOOD! It was weird getting there - we had to take a train thing to our terminal, and go thru the "green" line (which is a cool idea - the red line is for the planes getting ready to leave, yellow is ones ready to board, and green is for those who have time). After that, we spotted a FOOD COURT and we got to eat REAL FOOD! We had some curry chicken and egg noodles. It was really good (of course, we paid way too much for the food. Go figure. I probably paid more money for airport food than I spent in over a week of eating Israeli food). But most of us ate here. I ate with Kevin Josh and Billy. Lydia Shawna and I had to squish in an elevator with our little carts to get up to the food court - that was fun. We also revisited this food station again to fill up our water bottles - which proved useful on our next insanely long flight.
We had about 3 hours to kill before our next flight, so we went shopping, kind of. We didn’t buy anything, but searched in a lot of stores. I personally don't know who buys high fashion clothes in an airport. Maybe people whose bags get lost or something like that. I also am curious to know how one comes to work in the airport. That's a cool job - you get to meet people from all over the world. But that's a different tangent. Jordan doesn’t like waiting for anything, so we quickly found our gate where Esohe was the mother hen, guarding everyone's carryons. I climbed under the row of seats and tried to sleep. I think I got about an hour of sleep under those seats, and woke up to people's legs in front of me. Yes, they were "sitting on top of me." It was interesting. I climbed out and got some water from the restaurant before people like flooded the gate and the line became way too long. There were about 450 people on our flight; we were on a double decker plane. I thought it would be a lot cooler than it actually was. But I was only on the first deck. Sitting next to Billy and Shawna (who switched because she has stranger-phobia). Lol. Welcome to the flight that NEVER ENDED.
They had good shows on this plane, and we could actually watch them, so it was better quality than our first flight across the Atlantic. They had PRINCE CASPIAN which is a really great flick. Sometimes it gets slow, but when it ends I get happy. Plus they had 2 episodes of FRIENDS so I was a happy camper. They also had Made of Honor and Iron Man. I watched Prince Caspian eventually and the Friends episodes. Then it was about halfway thru the flight and I was kind of movied out, so I tried to sleep. Like, seriously tried to sleep. To no avail. I could NOT get comfortable. I might have slept an hour. I went back to see Benjamin and talked to him a little bit. I fidgeted with my ipod and my little complimentary sleep mask and tried to sleep some more. Yeah, it didn't work so well. Even though we had comfortable accommodations. And the guy in front of me just kept reclining. I wasn't a fan of him, solely for the fact that whenever I wanted to move, it was practically impossible. When I whipped out my laptop to complete my evaluation on this trip, I couldn't use my little desk thing because he was reclined too far. But I got a little bit done, and then we just talked to each other until we were about to land. Then, they made some announcement about how the runway at JFK was full and how we had to circle a time around the airport to accommodate us with the heavy traffic in the airport. And I chose this time to knock out for a while. When I awoke an hour later, they had just made an announcement, and all I had caught was something about Boston. I looked over to Shawna, who told me I was out for about an hour, that we had circled the airport about 6 times, and that we were headed to Boston. That was a problem, because my dad was at JFK waiting to pick me up. It was 7:30 now, an hour later than what they anticipated we would land. And we were EN ROUTE to Boston. I was like…oh stink bomb.
I went back to visit Ben to see if he had heard the announcement. He was discussing it with some flight attendants and people. People were like, why are we going to Boston when Boston always gets NYC's weather? Because apparently the weather was a factor. Something about refueling. I was so confused. Eventually this is what we found out from talking to all these strangers: We were going to Boston to FUEL UP, but that we were going to fly back to NYC after the weather cleared. But a lot of us were scared that the bad weather that JFK had that prevented us from landing would travel to Boston and ground us in Boston overnight.
We arrived in Boston. And then we had fun talking to each other, with a little bit of grumbling because they wouldn't let us off the plane. We came to the conclusion that God wasn't ready to let us separate yet, and this was just 'prolonging the experience' for us. Some people weren't so happy - some people live in Boston, some people could find a better flight OUT OF boston, and all of us just wanted to get home. Billy missed his connecting flight, as did Shawna. Ben called Jet Blue and got the last seat on the 6 am to DC because he missed his. The airline craft people told us we had to get into our seats. So we did that. And had nothing to do. Then 30 min later we had to put on our seat belts, because we were nearing departure. So we obeyed. 2 hours later we were taking off on the runway. And the aircraft was quiet during those 2 hours - people trying to sleep, to get comfortable. I was among those trying, but one of the unsuccessful ones. However, as soon as we took off and were in the air, I was out, and woke up to us landing in DC. That was a nice hour nap.
We congregated outside the plane to make sure we had everyone (not Hannah, but everyone else). We then went through immigration, which was cake, and then got our luggage. Thank the Lord no one's were ruined. There we said our goodbyes. We thought they would be really emotional, like the ones with AmiAnn & Hope, but really, they weren't. At all. We all wanted to get home - so it was hugs and I'll be calling/facebooking you. I will miss this people. But I need my sleep more.
Went outside, immediately saw Dad, got in the car, and drove 4 hours home. We arrived at 4:30 AM. Woohoo. I got in bed around 5. 32 hours of travel. And although I love Israel, There's no place like home. (Music plays as I drift off to sleep in my own bed…)
Thanks for reading. I'll be posting some post-trip reflections in the next month.
Shalom. From good ol' Dover, PA.
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Day 25 - The Last Day in Israel
So going to bed at 3:30 doesn't help you in your attentiveness to the alarm clock in the morning. I apparently totally slept through the alarm because at 8:15 we had someone knocking on our door telling us we had 15 minutes til breakfast. Waking up out of stupor to that and having a panic attack that there's NO WAY that I'm going to get ready on time is a real way to start your day. Oh, and we don't have hot water. So washing my hair in the bathtub was a real joy and relaxing experience. I rushed downstairs to a nice, chill breakfast w/ pancakes and really good cinamon buns. And we really didn't need to meet til 9:15. Oh my. A great start of the day.
Our first session dealt with Judaism and Ishmael (Ismael is the son Abram had with Sarai's servant Hagar - and through him is who the Muslims trace their lineage). We talked about what the real sins were - if Sarai was really disobedient and didn't have faith or trust in God, or because she was so committed to God, she was so embarrassed about her state that she tried to please her husband by finding another way.to fulfill the promise of God. It was very interesting to dive into the Word and really discuss what happened and why we believe what we believe. The Jews also believe that Ismael's decendents would be a thorn in Isaac's flesh, but that eventually the two would exist together peacefully - which is what the Jews want with the Muslims.
We then took a tour of the place of the conference center where we're staying. It's cool cuase they have a Jewish school and dormitory here. Nothing really noteworthy though - except we kept getting shushed during the entire tour. We found out that we were going to have a 3 hour musuem tour later in the day - that made us very jubilant in our inmost spirits, as you can probably guess. But you'll find out more about that later.
We then had a discussion on Matthew 12 with the leader of the place. Obvoiusly, being Jewish, he doesn't hold that Jesus is Messiah. He picked apart Jesus' argument about the Sabbath. He stated the first one, referencing David and his men eating the holy bread from the temple was because they were hungry - and the Torah teaches that one can live by the law, but does not have to die by the law - hence in their hunger, they were justified. The guy said this was a good way to answer a pharasee's question - with a pharasee's answer. But he claimed that Jesus' second argument was an assertion of power, as Messiah, and that this claim of power negated and contradicted his first argument and made it null and void because if Jesus is BETTER than the temple, or the Sabbath, his claim that one had to keep the Sabbath is contradictory. Well, we had many arguments over this. And I never thought I would be thankful for hearing the "shmehah rabbi" sermon from Brandon Lemois like 5 times last summer, but that helped me so much in this argument. I explained how a shmehah rabbi taught; (particularly Jesus) he would take a premise everyone new, and then he would bring new revelation to this. I got on a real kick and everyone was like amen-ing and nodding, and they're like YEAH VALLEY FORGE! It was pretty sweet. He really didn't have a comeback - he just kept sticking to the fact that Jesus contradicted himself.
We had lunch then - we had to walk down the street to the Burger Bar to get one (Burger Bar - like in Roller Coaster Tycoon to all you fanatics out there). I got chicken strips and what I thought were "skinny fries." More like potatoe chip versions of fries. They were still soft, but cut thin slices of potatoes - like really skinny versions of scalloped potatoes. It was good though - with some sweet chili sauce and garlic mayonaise. Shawna and I had to take our food at eat it on the way to our our "afternoon at the musuem."
DUM DUM DUM.
So we after a 20 minute ride arrive in the middle of nowhere on a hill. Now, there's no real structure in sight, aside from some public bathrooms and an ice cream stand. Yes, my friends, you have guessed correctly. We are NOT at a musuem. We are at a national park. In the desert heat. None of us dressed for this. I'm in flip flops and jeans. And we find out from our very enthusiastic tour guide (except not really) that we were going to be touring this desert fortress for the next 2 hours. You can imagine our excitement. I think the only words I remember from the tour guide was "and…ehhhhhh". (He couldn't speak English very well - and I think watching the grass grow could be more ineteresting). What we were visiting was another palace that Herod built. After seeing Masada though, and just with it being the LAST day we were in Israel, I think we were just tired of tours and lectures and it was HOT and we didn't really care anymore. When we were in the temple, we decided to be a little pentecostal in our agreement with what the speaker was saying, so we started 'mmm'ing and 'oh'ing and stuff…and then when he showed us the remains of a painting, Eric said very enthusiastically "Oh wow!" Half of us just lost it - and I mean erupted in laughter and turned away and tried to regain composure. It was hysterical though. Michael just looked at us but he knew it was just a long day and the tour guide really hadn't captivated any of our attention. As we hiked to the top of the fortress, Hope let out a cry of frustration, "I'M TIRED OF HISTORY. TIRED OF LECTURES! NO MORE!" and she proceeded to kick a few stones. So funny. We were just dying laughing. We did a couple jumping in motion pictures and it was awesome. They look really cool. We also got a little pentecostal again during the next lecture the guy gave us - and I still have no clue what he was talking about or why this was important to the Jews. I know, I'm really a horrible person. But it was a fun time just to laugh together one last time.
We got back and had about 20 minutes til our "wrap up" session with Eagles Wings - which dealt with surveys, evaluations, and post-trip projects. We split into groups and discussed our ideas. David might help us out with Anne Frank if we decide to do that at Valley Forge. I think that it needs more thought but I'd be totally stoked about it.
After our meeting, we had dinner. It was sad cause it was our last meal together (some people left tonight, while the rest of us leave tomorrow at 4 AM). It was good dinner - and we just recollected some memories about the first day we met at the Israeli Embassy in DC. It was interesting. We've all grown so close - and AmyAnn and Hope kept telling me to "shut [my] face" if I brought up leaving. Eventually though, after I blogged and they went for coffee, we had to say our goodbyes to them as well as Eric and Rufus. For old times sake, we did the "Bow Legged Chicken" with rufus one last time. Then we had hugs and tears and said goodbye. They only sent one cab that was really small, so we waited outside with Eric until his extra cab came. It was cold actually.
Since then, I've been trying to blog and pack and it has taken over 2 hours to write this entry while being distracted by people as well as saying goodbye to people who are leaving sporatically; the rest of our international students. I'm really going to miss these people. God has changed us and I don't know if we'll ever meet again, but I pray that we'll all stay connected and that we'll continute to grow in the Lord. Rufus, Ben, and I had a good time of worship and prayer before dinner where we really just interceded for one another. I'm really going to miss this spirituality we all share - and I hope to take that intense desire to seek the Lord back home and into my own life in a regular daily discipline.
Ok, I should pack. Thank you for all the prayers. We're flying AIR FRANCE tomorrow…keep us in prayer. See you all soon!
Shalom. For the last time. From Israel.
Our first session dealt with Judaism and Ishmael (Ismael is the son Abram had with Sarai's servant Hagar - and through him is who the Muslims trace their lineage). We talked about what the real sins were - if Sarai was really disobedient and didn't have faith or trust in God, or because she was so committed to God, she was so embarrassed about her state that she tried to please her husband by finding another way.to fulfill the promise of God. It was very interesting to dive into the Word and really discuss what happened and why we believe what we believe. The Jews also believe that Ismael's decendents would be a thorn in Isaac's flesh, but that eventually the two would exist together peacefully - which is what the Jews want with the Muslims.
We then took a tour of the place of the conference center where we're staying. It's cool cuase they have a Jewish school and dormitory here. Nothing really noteworthy though - except we kept getting shushed during the entire tour. We found out that we were going to have a 3 hour musuem tour later in the day - that made us very jubilant in our inmost spirits, as you can probably guess. But you'll find out more about that later.
We then had a discussion on Matthew 12 with the leader of the place. Obvoiusly, being Jewish, he doesn't hold that Jesus is Messiah. He picked apart Jesus' argument about the Sabbath. He stated the first one, referencing David and his men eating the holy bread from the temple was because they were hungry - and the Torah teaches that one can live by the law, but does not have to die by the law - hence in their hunger, they were justified. The guy said this was a good way to answer a pharasee's question - with a pharasee's answer. But he claimed that Jesus' second argument was an assertion of power, as Messiah, and that this claim of power negated and contradicted his first argument and made it null and void because if Jesus is BETTER than the temple, or the Sabbath, his claim that one had to keep the Sabbath is contradictory. Well, we had many arguments over this. And I never thought I would be thankful for hearing the "shmehah rabbi" sermon from Brandon Lemois like 5 times last summer, but that helped me so much in this argument. I explained how a shmehah rabbi taught; (particularly Jesus) he would take a premise everyone new, and then he would bring new revelation to this. I got on a real kick and everyone was like amen-ing and nodding, and they're like YEAH VALLEY FORGE! It was pretty sweet. He really didn't have a comeback - he just kept sticking to the fact that Jesus contradicted himself.
We had lunch then - we had to walk down the street to the Burger Bar to get one (Burger Bar - like in Roller Coaster Tycoon to all you fanatics out there). I got chicken strips and what I thought were "skinny fries." More like potatoe chip versions of fries. They were still soft, but cut thin slices of potatoes - like really skinny versions of scalloped potatoes. It was good though - with some sweet chili sauce and garlic mayonaise. Shawna and I had to take our food at eat it on the way to our our "afternoon at the musuem."
DUM DUM DUM.
So we after a 20 minute ride arrive in the middle of nowhere on a hill. Now, there's no real structure in sight, aside from some public bathrooms and an ice cream stand. Yes, my friends, you have guessed correctly. We are NOT at a musuem. We are at a national park. In the desert heat. None of us dressed for this. I'm in flip flops and jeans. And we find out from our very enthusiastic tour guide (except not really) that we were going to be touring this desert fortress for the next 2 hours. You can imagine our excitement. I think the only words I remember from the tour guide was "and…ehhhhhh". (He couldn't speak English very well - and I think watching the grass grow could be more ineteresting). What we were visiting was another palace that Herod built. After seeing Masada though, and just with it being the LAST day we were in Israel, I think we were just tired of tours and lectures and it was HOT and we didn't really care anymore. When we were in the temple, we decided to be a little pentecostal in our agreement with what the speaker was saying, so we started 'mmm'ing and 'oh'ing and stuff…and then when he showed us the remains of a painting, Eric said very enthusiastically "Oh wow!" Half of us just lost it - and I mean erupted in laughter and turned away and tried to regain composure. It was hysterical though. Michael just looked at us but he knew it was just a long day and the tour guide really hadn't captivated any of our attention. As we hiked to the top of the fortress, Hope let out a cry of frustration, "I'M TIRED OF HISTORY. TIRED OF LECTURES! NO MORE!" and she proceeded to kick a few stones. So funny. We were just dying laughing. We did a couple jumping in motion pictures and it was awesome. They look really cool. We also got a little pentecostal again during the next lecture the guy gave us - and I still have no clue what he was talking about or why this was important to the Jews. I know, I'm really a horrible person. But it was a fun time just to laugh together one last time.
We got back and had about 20 minutes til our "wrap up" session with Eagles Wings - which dealt with surveys, evaluations, and post-trip projects. We split into groups and discussed our ideas. David might help us out with Anne Frank if we decide to do that at Valley Forge. I think that it needs more thought but I'd be totally stoked about it.
After our meeting, we had dinner. It was sad cause it was our last meal together (some people left tonight, while the rest of us leave tomorrow at 4 AM). It was good dinner - and we just recollected some memories about the first day we met at the Israeli Embassy in DC. It was interesting. We've all grown so close - and AmyAnn and Hope kept telling me to "shut [my] face" if I brought up leaving. Eventually though, after I blogged and they went for coffee, we had to say our goodbyes to them as well as Eric and Rufus. For old times sake, we did the "Bow Legged Chicken" with rufus one last time. Then we had hugs and tears and said goodbye. They only sent one cab that was really small, so we waited outside with Eric until his extra cab came. It was cold actually.
Since then, I've been trying to blog and pack and it has taken over 2 hours to write this entry while being distracted by people as well as saying goodbye to people who are leaving sporatically; the rest of our international students. I'm really going to miss these people. God has changed us and I don't know if we'll ever meet again, but I pray that we'll all stay connected and that we'll continute to grow in the Lord. Rufus, Ben, and I had a good time of worship and prayer before dinner where we really just interceded for one another. I'm really going to miss this spirituality we all share - and I hope to take that intense desire to seek the Lord back home and into my own life in a regular daily discipline.
Ok, I should pack. Thank you for all the prayers. We're flying AIR FRANCE tomorrow…keep us in prayer. See you all soon!
Shalom. For the last time. From Israel.
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Day 24 - Efrat
I am going to change the world. Hold me to it.
We switched hotels today. Left early in the morning. Came to Efrat and moved our stuff into our new rooms. Benjamin and I are sharing a room. (This was originally a paragraph about waking up and eating breakfast and stuff, but it got erased when my battery died - and it's not that important anyway).
Our first session was in this center, the ******* center, which is the only center in the world that is dedicated to theological discussions between evangelical Christians and Orthodox Jews. Our first speaker was a rabbi that was in New York City, but came here to Efrat about 25 years ago and has transformed the area into a thriving Jewish community. Efrat, or the surrounding area, was totally devoloped about 100 years ago by Jewish refugees that came in from other countries. It was defeated three times by Arab extremists who refused to have a Jewish settlement in the area, and settled three times. The third time was the time they stuck it out the longest, until Israel declared independence in 1947. Then, invading Arab armies came in and completely destroyed the inhabitants, but the children have migrated back, and now are the grandparents in the area. That's like summarizing an entire movie we had to watch.
After this seminar, we had ten minutes to eat pizza before we had to get on the bus and travel to a museum and study about Efrat's history (which I already disclosed). Watching the movie became a little tiring, but I think its just a build up of a lack of sleep. After the movie and tour, we went to the Old city of Jerusalem to do some shopping for souveneers. I got some pretty good deals - but yelled out that I loved George Bush in an Arab section of the market - really smart move. Jordan and I kept getting ripped off by all these guys who were trying to sell us water for 7 sheckels. We didn't buy any of those. Eric was "too tall" for many a shop, and I had too many toes to bargain with a guy. Or so went our excuses.
We got back to the hotel and then we had another lecture with David. We looked at the scripture in context, and discussed what Moses' real sin was when he struck the rock instead of speaking to it - and why his punishment was not getting into the promised land. After about a half hour, we went to Psalms where it says that it was because of his harsh words. The point: use scripture to explain scripture. Tomorrow we are discussing with David the book of Matthew and the gospels and claims that Jesus is Messiah (David is an Orthodox Jew). Pray that that goes well.
After that we had an amazing dinner that really was good. We had wings, spaghetti, and I forget the rest. The WATER was so good - I think just because I have been thirsty all day. After that I went up to the room and worked on Kidstuf for about 2 hours (surprise surprise).
After this, Shawna and I had to reshoot our hello to Dr. Meyer at Valley Forge. That went well (we did it in one take) and then we talked to Michael Onifer (the director of the trip) about the church and youth ministry and ministry models and stuff. The A/G started out once with the claims that the church should be very close to the New Testament church whith the believers sharing every aspect of life together - iron sharpening iron. The question was raised, do we do that enough? Do we have a solid cloud of witnesses that we share life with? Do we have people that keep us accountable outside of our spouse? They were things to think about. And if the church today really fulfills the functions of the church of the New Testament. God help us to be more caring and compassionate towards each other. I know I need to be.
After that, I came up to the room and Ben was leading worship with a couple of people. We sang a couple of songs, and then I headed next door for a discussion about the condition of the heart. That meeting turned into a revival meeting. It was one of the most powerful things I've been to in the world. We prophesied and prayed over one another, and prayed over our shortcomings. It was intense and took us to 3 in the morning. Hence, now I'm writing frantically and trying to get to bed soon. But it was one of the most powerful things I've ever experienced. God was there - God moved in my life, and I love these people. Shawna, Donier, Shamir, Burtrand, Eric, Lydia, Sondra, Kevin and I were present. AMAZING time.
Now I'm gonna call mom cuase its her birthday and go to bed.
Shalom from Efrat.
We switched hotels today. Left early in the morning. Came to Efrat and moved our stuff into our new rooms. Benjamin and I are sharing a room. (This was originally a paragraph about waking up and eating breakfast and stuff, but it got erased when my battery died - and it's not that important anyway).
Our first session was in this center, the ******* center, which is the only center in the world that is dedicated to theological discussions between evangelical Christians and Orthodox Jews. Our first speaker was a rabbi that was in New York City, but came here to Efrat about 25 years ago and has transformed the area into a thriving Jewish community. Efrat, or the surrounding area, was totally devoloped about 100 years ago by Jewish refugees that came in from other countries. It was defeated three times by Arab extremists who refused to have a Jewish settlement in the area, and settled three times. The third time was the time they stuck it out the longest, until Israel declared independence in 1947. Then, invading Arab armies came in and completely destroyed the inhabitants, but the children have migrated back, and now are the grandparents in the area. That's like summarizing an entire movie we had to watch.
After this seminar, we had ten minutes to eat pizza before we had to get on the bus and travel to a museum and study about Efrat's history (which I already disclosed). Watching the movie became a little tiring, but I think its just a build up of a lack of sleep. After the movie and tour, we went to the Old city of Jerusalem to do some shopping for souveneers. I got some pretty good deals - but yelled out that I loved George Bush in an Arab section of the market - really smart move. Jordan and I kept getting ripped off by all these guys who were trying to sell us water for 7 sheckels. We didn't buy any of those. Eric was "too tall" for many a shop, and I had too many toes to bargain with a guy. Or so went our excuses.
We got back to the hotel and then we had another lecture with David. We looked at the scripture in context, and discussed what Moses' real sin was when he struck the rock instead of speaking to it - and why his punishment was not getting into the promised land. After about a half hour, we went to Psalms where it says that it was because of his harsh words. The point: use scripture to explain scripture. Tomorrow we are discussing with David the book of Matthew and the gospels and claims that Jesus is Messiah (David is an Orthodox Jew). Pray that that goes well.
After that we had an amazing dinner that really was good. We had wings, spaghetti, and I forget the rest. The WATER was so good - I think just because I have been thirsty all day. After that I went up to the room and worked on Kidstuf for about 2 hours (surprise surprise).
After this, Shawna and I had to reshoot our hello to Dr. Meyer at Valley Forge. That went well (we did it in one take) and then we talked to Michael Onifer (the director of the trip) about the church and youth ministry and ministry models and stuff. The A/G started out once with the claims that the church should be very close to the New Testament church whith the believers sharing every aspect of life together - iron sharpening iron. The question was raised, do we do that enough? Do we have a solid cloud of witnesses that we share life with? Do we have people that keep us accountable outside of our spouse? They were things to think about. And if the church today really fulfills the functions of the church of the New Testament. God help us to be more caring and compassionate towards each other. I know I need to be.
After that, I came up to the room and Ben was leading worship with a couple of people. We sang a couple of songs, and then I headed next door for a discussion about the condition of the heart. That meeting turned into a revival meeting. It was one of the most powerful things I've been to in the world. We prophesied and prayed over one another, and prayed over our shortcomings. It was intense and took us to 3 in the morning. Hence, now I'm writing frantically and trying to get to bed soon. But it was one of the most powerful things I've ever experienced. God was there - God moved in my life, and I love these people. Shawna, Donier, Shamir, Burtrand, Eric, Lydia, Sondra, Kevin and I were present. AMAZING time.
Now I'm gonna call mom cuase its her birthday and go to bed.
Shalom from Efrat.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Day 23 - David Project
After our amazing time last night, waking up this morning was not a pleasant experience. Benjamin took 30 minutes in the bathroom. Let me just express how happy and joyous this started off my day. For the record, he wants to clarify that he did not spend all of those 30 minutes in the shower. The water probably was only running for 5. I kept waking up like every 5 minutes shouting BENJAMIN HURRY UP! I was so out of it. But it took him FOREVER to get out. I rushed through my shower and didn't shave cause I was late for breakfast (I know - I couldn't look my best for all the Israeli women. Maybe I'll just have to grow that Amish beard again. I'm sure the Israeli ladies would love that!) (And so would the Morris clan - thus sayeth Cousin Amos).
I got down to the breakfast line (which is in the lobby currently because they are renovating the restaurant here in the hotel). I grabbed two puddings and quickly downed them before we had to head to the basement/bomb shelter/synagogue. I don't know if you remember me talking about that before, but its quite a place to have meetings. I knew we were meeting with the David Project, but I didn't know what that was exactly. People were late this morning, so we didn't start right on time, but when the speaker started, he's like…ok well its 9:30 now…and lets see…I have you until 6. My mind was like WHAT?!?!? But it actually was a very interesting time of discussion and finding out yet MORE that I didn't know about the Arab-Israeli conflict. We learned about a lot of hate propaganda spread in college campuses, and then watched a documentary about the Jewish refugees in Israel and the Middle East (because no one ever addresses the JEWISH refugees - just the Palestinian refugees). It was very interesting. It was a little long, but we got a a break for lunch, where Hannah (the birthday girl) Ben Grace Shawna Shamir Daniella Asia and I went to a place that makes pretty good wraps and "spicy chips" which are french fries with "seasoning". They weren't spicy though, and not really salty either. I went to the post office again but the line was way too long.
We came back and studied more about Israel. What else? :-) We then talked about good public speaking and debating skills. We then broke into groups and had to argue points of interest. It was a lot of fun. I realize I come off strong sometimes in group settings, and I'm not used to working with high caliber people who are all very competent, so I tuned down my personality and let other people steer the group in the way that it should go. We did a really good job, if I do say so myself.
We then had about 20 minutes before dinner. I went and watched some diving on the Olympics.. I don't think I've ever really been into the Olympics before, but I really liked watched that. I think the US didn't medal though, but they were young girls so its ok. They can do it again in 4 years.
After dinner, almost tragically, we had another lecture. I was kind of dreading it just because it was such a long day and I didn't want another two hour lecture. But we got there and our speaker, Neil Lazarus, blew us away. He is awesome, hence his company is called "awesomeseminars.com". It was amazing. He taught us how to be proactive and assertive in our pro-Israel propaganda. It was so awesome. He told us it's ok to say in our politically correct society "You're wrong" when appropriate.
A scenario he gave us is when someone approaches you and says what about the settlements in the Palestinian territories that Jews have? That's what is causing the conflict. If the settlements were gone, the war would be settled.
This is the awesome response. I sincerely wish your claim was correct. But history has showed us that your claim is totally inaccurate. Because in 2005, we totally pulled all Jewish communities out of Gaza, totally about 9,000 people. The next day, all the synagogues were burned, something that hasn't happened since Nazi Germany. They also burnt all the Jewish greenhouses. Then they started killing each other. And then they started launching rockets and neighboring Jewish towns outside of the Gaza strip. So we've seen that settlements aren't what is causing the conflict. BOO YAH!
He was so awesome. After he was done, we had cake for Hannah. Then I did some work for Kidstuf and blogged and talked with Rufus and Ben and soon I have to pack cuase apparently we are moving hotels again to go to Efrat. Yippee.
Today was awesome. Only 3 days left.
Shalom, for the last time, from Jerusalem.
I got down to the breakfast line (which is in the lobby currently because they are renovating the restaurant here in the hotel). I grabbed two puddings and quickly downed them before we had to head to the basement/bomb shelter/synagogue. I don't know if you remember me talking about that before, but its quite a place to have meetings. I knew we were meeting with the David Project, but I didn't know what that was exactly. People were late this morning, so we didn't start right on time, but when the speaker started, he's like…ok well its 9:30 now…and lets see…I have you until 6. My mind was like WHAT?!?!? But it actually was a very interesting time of discussion and finding out yet MORE that I didn't know about the Arab-Israeli conflict. We learned about a lot of hate propaganda spread in college campuses, and then watched a documentary about the Jewish refugees in Israel and the Middle East (because no one ever addresses the JEWISH refugees - just the Palestinian refugees). It was very interesting. It was a little long, but we got a a break for lunch, where Hannah (the birthday girl) Ben Grace Shawna Shamir Daniella Asia and I went to a place that makes pretty good wraps and "spicy chips" which are french fries with "seasoning". They weren't spicy though, and not really salty either. I went to the post office again but the line was way too long.
We came back and studied more about Israel. What else? :-) We then talked about good public speaking and debating skills. We then broke into groups and had to argue points of interest. It was a lot of fun. I realize I come off strong sometimes in group settings, and I'm not used to working with high caliber people who are all very competent, so I tuned down my personality and let other people steer the group in the way that it should go. We did a really good job, if I do say so myself.
We then had about 20 minutes before dinner. I went and watched some diving on the Olympics.. I don't think I've ever really been into the Olympics before, but I really liked watched that. I think the US didn't medal though, but they were young girls so its ok. They can do it again in 4 years.
After dinner, almost tragically, we had another lecture. I was kind of dreading it just because it was such a long day and I didn't want another two hour lecture. But we got there and our speaker, Neil Lazarus, blew us away. He is awesome, hence his company is called "awesomeseminars.com". It was amazing. He taught us how to be proactive and assertive in our pro-Israel propaganda. It was so awesome. He told us it's ok to say in our politically correct society "You're wrong" when appropriate.
A scenario he gave us is when someone approaches you and says what about the settlements in the Palestinian territories that Jews have? That's what is causing the conflict. If the settlements were gone, the war would be settled.
This is the awesome response. I sincerely wish your claim was correct. But history has showed us that your claim is totally inaccurate. Because in 2005, we totally pulled all Jewish communities out of Gaza, totally about 9,000 people. The next day, all the synagogues were burned, something that hasn't happened since Nazi Germany. They also burnt all the Jewish greenhouses. Then they started killing each other. And then they started launching rockets and neighboring Jewish towns outside of the Gaza strip. So we've seen that settlements aren't what is causing the conflict. BOO YAH!
He was so awesome. After he was done, we had cake for Hannah. Then I did some work for Kidstuf and blogged and talked with Rufus and Ben and soon I have to pack cuase apparently we are moving hotels again to go to Efrat. Yippee.
Today was awesome. Only 3 days left.
Shalom, for the last time, from Jerusalem.
Monday, August 11, 2008
Day 22 - Jerusalem
This morning was rough to wake up to. I got in a chatty kathy mood last night and just yipped it up with Ben to 1 in the morning. Just chatting it up. Not talking about anything in particular. Besides the random fact that Rufus likes Jordin Sparks.
This morning I tried to go to the post office this morning to send a postcard to Dr. Meyer. But I couldn't do it. We left at 8:45 to go to the International Christian Embassy in Jerusalem. Malcom Hedding, Director, talked to us about a biblical perspective of Israel and how to be spiritual advocates for Israel without getting too invovled in the politics of the matter. If we always approach things from a biblical perspective, and not side with parties, we can remain the most effective influences for Israel in our communities. We are supporting a nation of people, not a political party or agenda. Jesus preached peace to Israel, and we as Christians owe a debt of gratitude to the Jews.
After this (I'm making it brief because today was a very full day) we went to Hebrew University. We met with reps from their undergrad, grad programs, as well as their special programs and their student life guy. If I had the time in my life schedule, I would definitely have done a semester here. It is actually cheaper than a semester at the forge. I'm going to have a talk with the missions department and the Academic Affairs office about integrating this experience into the semester abroad requirement for the Intercultural Studies major. It is an amazing campus. And they have amazing opportunities to study here. Seriously. In my project I will have a section devoted to Hebrew University.
After our meeting, we got to go eat lunch in the cafeteria. It was good - but everything was really dry. We had a good discussion about fasting and food and the Lord. It was good. I know I don't fast enough. Maybe we will do a church fast at Rohlers soon. Or maybe VFCC. I think that would be cool.
After lunch, we had a "campus tour" where we walked around and saw random sights. We got in this 1st century tomb, which was unlocked so we actually got to go in. And then we saw this amphitheatre. But the tour was hot and kind of pointless cuase it really accomplished nothing.
After the glorious tour, it took us like 30 minutes just to board the bus and leave the campus. We then headed to Stand with Us, which is an organization that works with college students to combat hate messages about Israel that speakers present. We saw a video displaying these hate messages and I was in shock. We were then instructed about what we could do to combat these messages. We then learned about pressing issues in the USA and Europe. Another thing the lady shared with us is that she was on a subway in NYC, and a Egypitian met her, and after learning she was a Jew, felt her head. He was so sure that she had horns. That's what he had been taught about Jews. And he had never met one before her. I think that speaks for itself.
We came back to the hotel and hung out in our room with Eric. Then dinner, which we were very scared was going to be solely vegetarian, but eventually the turkey came out (in orange sauce) but THANK GOD there was meat (cause the veggies were not doing it). We also had really buttery mashed potatoes (!!!!!) but I'm not quite sure if they were real or not. But I had a huge helping anyway.
After supper, we went to a bonfire with the Stand With Us people and their interns in Israel, advocating for change and becoming future leaders. It was good. We had KOSHER marshmellows (because apparnelty smores aren't kosher - I know - really weird). They tasted like cotton candy and icing. They were pink and some were white. They were good. We sat down with 2 of the Israeli's - Barrio and David. We played 2 truths and a lie (because I won't be back at the Forge for orientation). Then Jenaie introduced "this is the book." It's worse than the "who has the hat" game. It took me FOREVER to figure it out. I'm gonna play it at the forge. Or maybe Kidstuf Orientation.
Jordan and I had a good talk on the bus on the way back to the hotel. And then we had a time of worship in our room with Ben on the guitar. It was good. Then we went into Hannah's room at midnight and sang happy brithday. She is 22. Then Rufus, ,Ben, and I had a great prayer time before bed.
And now, dear one, I am tired and am turning in. I won't spoil any of your Olympic anticipations by giving away who wins what. But the USA rocks.
Shalom from Jerusalem.
This morning I tried to go to the post office this morning to send a postcard to Dr. Meyer. But I couldn't do it. We left at 8:45 to go to the International Christian Embassy in Jerusalem. Malcom Hedding, Director, talked to us about a biblical perspective of Israel and how to be spiritual advocates for Israel without getting too invovled in the politics of the matter. If we always approach things from a biblical perspective, and not side with parties, we can remain the most effective influences for Israel in our communities. We are supporting a nation of people, not a political party or agenda. Jesus preached peace to Israel, and we as Christians owe a debt of gratitude to the Jews.
After this (I'm making it brief because today was a very full day) we went to Hebrew University. We met with reps from their undergrad, grad programs, as well as their special programs and their student life guy. If I had the time in my life schedule, I would definitely have done a semester here. It is actually cheaper than a semester at the forge. I'm going to have a talk with the missions department and the Academic Affairs office about integrating this experience into the semester abroad requirement for the Intercultural Studies major. It is an amazing campus. And they have amazing opportunities to study here. Seriously. In my project I will have a section devoted to Hebrew University.
After our meeting, we got to go eat lunch in the cafeteria. It was good - but everything was really dry. We had a good discussion about fasting and food and the Lord. It was good. I know I don't fast enough. Maybe we will do a church fast at Rohlers soon. Or maybe VFCC. I think that would be cool.
After lunch, we had a "campus tour" where we walked around and saw random sights. We got in this 1st century tomb, which was unlocked so we actually got to go in. And then we saw this amphitheatre. But the tour was hot and kind of pointless cuase it really accomplished nothing.
After the glorious tour, it took us like 30 minutes just to board the bus and leave the campus. We then headed to Stand with Us, which is an organization that works with college students to combat hate messages about Israel that speakers present. We saw a video displaying these hate messages and I was in shock. We were then instructed about what we could do to combat these messages. We then learned about pressing issues in the USA and Europe. Another thing the lady shared with us is that she was on a subway in NYC, and a Egypitian met her, and after learning she was a Jew, felt her head. He was so sure that she had horns. That's what he had been taught about Jews. And he had never met one before her. I think that speaks for itself.
We came back to the hotel and hung out in our room with Eric. Then dinner, which we were very scared was going to be solely vegetarian, but eventually the turkey came out (in orange sauce) but THANK GOD there was meat (cause the veggies were not doing it). We also had really buttery mashed potatoes (!!!!!) but I'm not quite sure if they were real or not. But I had a huge helping anyway.
After supper, we went to a bonfire with the Stand With Us people and their interns in Israel, advocating for change and becoming future leaders. It was good. We had KOSHER marshmellows (because apparnelty smores aren't kosher - I know - really weird). They tasted like cotton candy and icing. They were pink and some were white. They were good. We sat down with 2 of the Israeli's - Barrio and David. We played 2 truths and a lie (because I won't be back at the Forge for orientation). Then Jenaie introduced "this is the book." It's worse than the "who has the hat" game. It took me FOREVER to figure it out. I'm gonna play it at the forge. Or maybe Kidstuf Orientation.
Jordan and I had a good talk on the bus on the way back to the hotel. And then we had a time of worship in our room with Ben on the guitar. It was good. Then we went into Hannah's room at midnight and sang happy brithday. She is 22. Then Rufus, ,Ben, and I had a great prayer time before bed.
And now, dear one, I am tired and am turning in. I won't spoil any of your Olympic anticipations by giving away who wins what. But the USA rocks.
Shalom from Jerusalem.
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Day 21 - Jerusalem
Week 3 has come and gone in this experience. That is crazy. Crazier is that I'm halfway through college at Valley Forge and starting my junior year this fall. And that I'm working as a Children's Pastor. And that the Lord is working in me and calling me to things that I never could dream of. Just wow.
Today we had a slower day in comparison to the others that we've had. We didn't have anything planned in the morning, so we got to sleep in, which was a HUGE blessing. Both of my roommates left me though, so I didn't really have anything to do for lunch. So I stayed in the room and watched the Olympics. The US stunk it up in the rowing competition. But later I saw that Michael Phelps won a gold already. Oh yeah! When we all get together in our room, we scream and cheer for the USA. It's weird because we only get Euro and Israeli channels, so the US isn't always on every network. But when we find them, we scream and cheer loudly. The US girls gymnastic team is going pretty well - they're in second tonight after 4 rotations. They need to step it up and beat the Chinese.
Anyway, onto Israel things. I only ate starbursts for lunch and then we had a meeting at 1:30 with Dr. Petra Helt. She is a German Executive Secretar at the Ecumenical Theologial Research Fraternity of Israel. She survived a terrorist attack (suicide bombing yards away from where she was standing) and now works in PR and research and combats "Palestinian Liberation Theology." She spoke to us about Dhimmitude, and the treatment of Dhimmis, or non Muslims, in the Muslim world. It was very interesting. Some of my pre reading had to do with this, but she shed more light on it. There are laws in Muslim countries, enforced by radical Islam, that basically deny any rights to those who aren't of Muslim religion. These people are tolerated, but they have no legal rights. They cannot complain or file complaints against the government, and always praise their oppressors. They also pay a lot of extra taxes, and have to endure humiliatiing public ceremonies that showcase them to the rest of the community. Plus, if they resist, they can be killed. It was very interesting to hear about all of this. She said that this is what is causing the decline of Christianity under Islamic rule. I know that Christians and Jews are oppressed, but I don't know that every community does this. I think it might be in the more radical versions of Islam. She compared these countries to Israel, which is democratic and anyone can speak out against the government. It just made me think, I guess.
We had a 20 min break after this lady spoke, and I ventured the streets of Jerusalem alone to find a McDonalds. I found it and bought a snack wrap for 10 sheckels (they have a 10 sheckel menu like we have a dollar menu). It was spicy and I think had a little curry in it, but after my starbucks lunch, it tasted AMAZING.
Our second lecture was from Yoram Ettinger. He is the Chairman of Special Projects and the Ariel Center for Policy Research. He spoke to us about the Palestinian Refugees. How this is the ONLY refugee situation in the world that has their own council in the UN. Which differs from the normal Refugee council in that it perpetuates the Palestinian situation, it doesn't settle the situation. We learned about the REAL figures of the refugees, and where they all came from. The total figure comes to about 300,000 being generous. The same amount of refugees were created from Kuwait after Iraq's invasion. But the whole world didn't jump on Iraq. Right now there are about 100 million refugees worldwide from the past 30 years. And most of these situations have been settled. But the one in Palestine keeps going. It is the only refugee situation that gives to all generations, without generational limitation. Most refugee situations involve training and assistance of the refugees, and possible relocation to find jobs for their newly aquired expertise, but nothing is being done with the Palestinians. They just sit there and get paid and live in their camps. And the Arab worlds don't want to asorb them. So its kind of lose-lose every way you look at it.
He also mentioned the fact that Jordan is a Palestinian state. 75% of Jordan is "Palestinian". So we don't need to create a palestinain state. There already is one. So if we're gonna reference that, we're creating ANOTHER palestinian state. But most of the Arab countries are virtually empty. So they wouldn't have a problem accomodating the refugees.
It was a good speech. I really enjoyed it. I wish we could figure out a way to settle the situation already.
After that, we had more free time til dinner. We went to the post office, but it was closed. Then we sat and watched the Olympics on TV and watched the American girls gymnasts. They better win. We were definitely cheering loudly.
Dinner at 8, Worship in the basement with Ben @ 10. Good time of fellowship.
I can't believe I have less than a week here.
Lord, Bless me and help me gain everything I can out of the next 4 days. Amen.
(Pray that too. I need all the prayers I can get).
Blessings to all.
Today we had a slower day in comparison to the others that we've had. We didn't have anything planned in the morning, so we got to sleep in, which was a HUGE blessing. Both of my roommates left me though, so I didn't really have anything to do for lunch. So I stayed in the room and watched the Olympics. The US stunk it up in the rowing competition. But later I saw that Michael Phelps won a gold already. Oh yeah! When we all get together in our room, we scream and cheer for the USA. It's weird because we only get Euro and Israeli channels, so the US isn't always on every network. But when we find them, we scream and cheer loudly. The US girls gymnastic team is going pretty well - they're in second tonight after 4 rotations. They need to step it up and beat the Chinese.
Anyway, onto Israel things. I only ate starbursts for lunch and then we had a meeting at 1:30 with Dr. Petra Helt. She is a German Executive Secretar at the Ecumenical Theologial Research Fraternity of Israel. She survived a terrorist attack (suicide bombing yards away from where she was standing) and now works in PR and research and combats "Palestinian Liberation Theology." She spoke to us about Dhimmitude, and the treatment of Dhimmis, or non Muslims, in the Muslim world. It was very interesting. Some of my pre reading had to do with this, but she shed more light on it. There are laws in Muslim countries, enforced by radical Islam, that basically deny any rights to those who aren't of Muslim religion. These people are tolerated, but they have no legal rights. They cannot complain or file complaints against the government, and always praise their oppressors. They also pay a lot of extra taxes, and have to endure humiliatiing public ceremonies that showcase them to the rest of the community. Plus, if they resist, they can be killed. It was very interesting to hear about all of this. She said that this is what is causing the decline of Christianity under Islamic rule. I know that Christians and Jews are oppressed, but I don't know that every community does this. I think it might be in the more radical versions of Islam. She compared these countries to Israel, which is democratic and anyone can speak out against the government. It just made me think, I guess.
We had a 20 min break after this lady spoke, and I ventured the streets of Jerusalem alone to find a McDonalds. I found it and bought a snack wrap for 10 sheckels (they have a 10 sheckel menu like we have a dollar menu). It was spicy and I think had a little curry in it, but after my starbucks lunch, it tasted AMAZING.
Our second lecture was from Yoram Ettinger. He is the Chairman of Special Projects and the Ariel Center for Policy Research. He spoke to us about the Palestinian Refugees. How this is the ONLY refugee situation in the world that has their own council in the UN. Which differs from the normal Refugee council in that it perpetuates the Palestinian situation, it doesn't settle the situation. We learned about the REAL figures of the refugees, and where they all came from. The total figure comes to about 300,000 being generous. The same amount of refugees were created from Kuwait after Iraq's invasion. But the whole world didn't jump on Iraq. Right now there are about 100 million refugees worldwide from the past 30 years. And most of these situations have been settled. But the one in Palestine keeps going. It is the only refugee situation that gives to all generations, without generational limitation. Most refugee situations involve training and assistance of the refugees, and possible relocation to find jobs for their newly aquired expertise, but nothing is being done with the Palestinians. They just sit there and get paid and live in their camps. And the Arab worlds don't want to asorb them. So its kind of lose-lose every way you look at it.
He also mentioned the fact that Jordan is a Palestinian state. 75% of Jordan is "Palestinian". So we don't need to create a palestinain state. There already is one. So if we're gonna reference that, we're creating ANOTHER palestinian state. But most of the Arab countries are virtually empty. So they wouldn't have a problem accomodating the refugees.
It was a good speech. I really enjoyed it. I wish we could figure out a way to settle the situation already.
After that, we had more free time til dinner. We went to the post office, but it was closed. Then we sat and watched the Olympics on TV and watched the American girls gymnasts. They better win. We were definitely cheering loudly.
Dinner at 8, Worship in the basement with Ben @ 10. Good time of fellowship.
I can't believe I have less than a week here.
Lord, Bless me and help me gain everything I can out of the next 4 days. Amen.
(Pray that too. I need all the prayers I can get).
Blessings to all.
Saturday, August 9, 2008
Day 20 - Bethlehem
Today we got to sleep til 8:30! It was glorious, let me tell you. My roommates got up a little earlier. But it was ok. Today we went to Bethlehem. But before that, we went to King of King's church again to dialogue with the pastor there. It was a good time of question and answer, as well as him telling us more about the town and developments in Jerusalem. I posed a question about salvation of the Jews without knowing Jesus, because some speakers alluded to that. This pastor answered so excellently. He talked about the canon of scripture, and how throughout the Bible, God reprimanded and punished his chosen people for unbelief. He also said to whom much is given much is required. He referenced Romans and Hebrews in his teachings - and he gave such a great answer I was nodding my head vigorously the entire time. He had a really solid theology - and I'm really happy he's pastoring one of the most happening churches in Jerusalem.
After that, we went to Bethlehem. Because Bethlehem is in a Palestinian controlled area, we had to go through a security checkpoint to get there. We also had to switch buses. I'm not quite sure why about the bus thing. Anyway, we then journeyed to a Baptist church, where we spoke with the pastor. He has an AMAZING testimony. He got saved in his youth, and for 40 plus years he's been pastoring in a very Arab-Muslim dominant town. He prayed for years and years and eventually his entire family came to salvation, the last one being his brother. About five years ago, however, his brother was murdered because he was a Christian by his neighbors. He and his wife have endured much persecution in the place where they live. But he made some really great quotes about counting the cost. He said, "Somebody has to pay the price for Jesus." and "whatever the price, Jesus paid it all." So many times we as Christians in the States fight about the littlest thing, or complain when we're asked to (oh horror) volunteer to help clean the church or volunteer with the pre-schoolers once a month, when these people literally sacrifice their safety when they declare they are Christians. He said there are many undercover Chrsitians that pose as Muslims in the area. They come late to the services and they leave early - and he doesn't even know their names. But they come all the same. But over 6,000 public Christians have left Bethlehem in the past year because of the danger.
Another astronomical figure - over 1 million Muslims in Algeria have converted, so the government has no closed all evangelical churches in the country. These are people who are counting the cost and finding it worthy to sacrifice everything for Jesus. What cost are we paying in America? Oh, maybe sacrificing that 10% of our paycheck? Maybe not going to Starbucks every week and giving perhaps 5 bucks a week to missions?
It hits home for me too. Because in the west, we don't really consider the price of living for Jesus like in these countries. Maybe it's time we ought to start feeling the cost a little bit. By praying, fasting, and funding missionaries or workers over here who are.
After meeting with the pastor (whose name will appear annonymous for safety reasons) we went to lunch where Sondra and I had a good discussion about spiritual warfare, and how we need to recognize that we don't fight against flesh and blood, and realize the ever present reality of spiritual warfare, while at the same time being a balanced person. It was a really good talk. And they had REALLY good mashed potatoes (Hint to all you Rohler's WM's - I LOVE MASHED POTATOES!) :-) If you ever feel the need to send some to VFCC :-)
I just realized you are called WOPS now. But that sounds like a bug or something. I think forever I will know you as the WM's, just like I will always know missionettes as that and not as M-Pact or whatever they're called now.
We went to a Palestinian refugee camp after that. This totally put perspective on everything I've learned thus far. Because I got to see the people who were displaced from their homes. 15,000 people live in a 1/3 square mile. It's like really run down ghettos. The people have lost all hope because they can't find work, and poverty is everywhere. The men have lost hope because they can't work, which leads to depression, which leads to child abuse. Sometimes, our guide told us, you can see hope in the eyes of the children, but past high school, depression sets in. No one can do anything. Our guide, Peter, lives in this camp though, and is doing a work for the Lord. He lives among them and tries to bring them hope - through the children. He is really awesome. He knows like everyone in the entire camp, and loves on all the kids. We went up to his house on the roof and prayed for the camp. It was a powerful time. Then we went to visit a Muslim family. They were very hospitible, which goes to show that really the Radical Islamist don't speak for everyone. These people just want peace like everyone else. It kind of balanced the lines for me a little - to realize that Israel is not totally innocent in their fight and that the Palestinians are people who need the Lord just as much as lost Jews do.
We came back home after that. It was a sobering day. Had a bunch of random debates at dinner that really got us nowhere, and then discussed the merits of VFCC, and then had a wrestling match in our room. Oh, and we watched a couple of Olympic games. It was exciting. We saw Michael Phelps win and we were all cheering for him. Plus, last night, we saw the opening ceremony where the guy was flying and lit the torch. So cool.
We're supposed to have a time of worship later on tonight, but we'll see if that happens. I'm going to go see if I can catch some internet to post this. Hope everyone is doing well at home.
This is my last shabat in israel. It's crazy that I'm almost home. So, for the last time, Shabat Shalom. From Jerusalem.
After that, we went to Bethlehem. Because Bethlehem is in a Palestinian controlled area, we had to go through a security checkpoint to get there. We also had to switch buses. I'm not quite sure why about the bus thing. Anyway, we then journeyed to a Baptist church, where we spoke with the pastor. He has an AMAZING testimony. He got saved in his youth, and for 40 plus years he's been pastoring in a very Arab-Muslim dominant town. He prayed for years and years and eventually his entire family came to salvation, the last one being his brother. About five years ago, however, his brother was murdered because he was a Christian by his neighbors. He and his wife have endured much persecution in the place where they live. But he made some really great quotes about counting the cost. He said, "Somebody has to pay the price for Jesus." and "whatever the price, Jesus paid it all." So many times we as Christians in the States fight about the littlest thing, or complain when we're asked to (oh horror) volunteer to help clean the church or volunteer with the pre-schoolers once a month, when these people literally sacrifice their safety when they declare they are Christians. He said there are many undercover Chrsitians that pose as Muslims in the area. They come late to the services and they leave early - and he doesn't even know their names. But they come all the same. But over 6,000 public Christians have left Bethlehem in the past year because of the danger.
Another astronomical figure - over 1 million Muslims in Algeria have converted, so the government has no closed all evangelical churches in the country. These are people who are counting the cost and finding it worthy to sacrifice everything for Jesus. What cost are we paying in America? Oh, maybe sacrificing that 10% of our paycheck? Maybe not going to Starbucks every week and giving perhaps 5 bucks a week to missions?
It hits home for me too. Because in the west, we don't really consider the price of living for Jesus like in these countries. Maybe it's time we ought to start feeling the cost a little bit. By praying, fasting, and funding missionaries or workers over here who are.
After meeting with the pastor (whose name will appear annonymous for safety reasons) we went to lunch where Sondra and I had a good discussion about spiritual warfare, and how we need to recognize that we don't fight against flesh and blood, and realize the ever present reality of spiritual warfare, while at the same time being a balanced person. It was a really good talk. And they had REALLY good mashed potatoes (Hint to all you Rohler's WM's - I LOVE MASHED POTATOES!) :-) If you ever feel the need to send some to VFCC :-)
I just realized you are called WOPS now. But that sounds like a bug or something. I think forever I will know you as the WM's, just like I will always know missionettes as that and not as M-Pact or whatever they're called now.
We went to a Palestinian refugee camp after that. This totally put perspective on everything I've learned thus far. Because I got to see the people who were displaced from their homes. 15,000 people live in a 1/3 square mile. It's like really run down ghettos. The people have lost all hope because they can't find work, and poverty is everywhere. The men have lost hope because they can't work, which leads to depression, which leads to child abuse. Sometimes, our guide told us, you can see hope in the eyes of the children, but past high school, depression sets in. No one can do anything. Our guide, Peter, lives in this camp though, and is doing a work for the Lord. He lives among them and tries to bring them hope - through the children. He is really awesome. He knows like everyone in the entire camp, and loves on all the kids. We went up to his house on the roof and prayed for the camp. It was a powerful time. Then we went to visit a Muslim family. They were very hospitible, which goes to show that really the Radical Islamist don't speak for everyone. These people just want peace like everyone else. It kind of balanced the lines for me a little - to realize that Israel is not totally innocent in their fight and that the Palestinians are people who need the Lord just as much as lost Jews do.
We came back home after that. It was a sobering day. Had a bunch of random debates at dinner that really got us nowhere, and then discussed the merits of VFCC, and then had a wrestling match in our room. Oh, and we watched a couple of Olympic games. It was exciting. We saw Michael Phelps win and we were all cheering for him. Plus, last night, we saw the opening ceremony where the guy was flying and lit the torch. So cool.
We're supposed to have a time of worship later on tonight, but we'll see if that happens. I'm going to go see if I can catch some internet to post this. Hope everyone is doing well at home.
This is my last shabat in israel. It's crazy that I'm almost home. So, for the last time, Shabat Shalom. From Jerusalem.
Friday, August 8, 2008
Day 19 - Tel Aviv
One Day More. Another Day, another destiny…(Les Miserables)
This morning we went to the Diaspora musuem. This details the lives of the Jewish people over ther last 2000 years, from family life to faith to remembrance to their chronicled experience and locations. Again, like Yad Vashem, I can't exactly describe what I felt in this museum. The lady we met with last night was our tour guide, and she was phenominal. It's so interesting to see how the Jewish people have survived all this time. The Romans destroyed the temple, and they got rid of all the "objects" that were sacred to the faith, and yet the Jewish people still thrived. How they celebrate shabat (sabbath) every Saturday always involves 3 elements: candles, bread, and wine; all found in the temple. Plus, these are the only people who can read their ancient scriptures. They still speak Hebrew to this day. It's crazy to think about. And so crazy to think that the Christians have had such a role in literally oppressing the Jewish people. And not without cause. The Christians really wanted the Jewish people to convert, but when they wouldn't, they presented them as being "blinded by the devil" which eventually evolved into being the devil themselves, which eventually led to the extermination of many of the Jews in the Holocaust. It's just overwhelming to think about the huge amounts of anti-semitism we see in our Christian history.
After our tour, we had lunch at the musuem, and then packed up for the beach. The sand in Tel Aviv is AMAZING. It is so fine and the water was a great temperature. Though we couldn't catch many waves, it was awesome. Sondra, Shawna, Ben, Rufus, and I had a good walk down the beach and talked about favorite Bible stories and the like. Then we got white chocolate Magnum bars - again, so good! Then we headed back to the bus. We got to see Kevin hitting on Israeli girls on the beach and we made fun of him for it later. And yeah - then we drove to Jerusalem and checked into the hotel. Then Sondra and I made a deal that we would do each other's hair for dinner. Mine looked like an Alfalfa freak when she was done and hers looked like a model/80's crazy hair girl. But in fear that we would cause commotion at shabat dinner, we just took a picture and put them back to normal. Then we had a good time of worship in my room with about 8 or 9 of us before dinner. I read Romans 8 and it really really started speaking to me. It’s a long chapter, but I feel like in every section things were popping out that God wanted me to learn. It was powerful.
Hannah really spoke to me tonight too. She speaks with such simplicity, but its powerful. She's going to do good things for the Lord. Down in Alabama.
Dinner was great. We talked about dating for the sake of dating v. dating and just having fun and not taking things to fast v. dating solely to get married to the first person you date. It was interesting. There was good food (of course). But NO HUMMUS. Shocker.
I am extremely tired now. I'm going to go pay for internet now so that you people have a sliver of what's been happening recently. Thanks for being faithful and praying for me. Tomorrow is Bethlehem. Til then, Shabat Shalom. From Jerusalem.
Oh, and Grandma, you had a whole lotta people praying for you here today. Be encouraged. I love you!
This morning we went to the Diaspora musuem. This details the lives of the Jewish people over ther last 2000 years, from family life to faith to remembrance to their chronicled experience and locations. Again, like Yad Vashem, I can't exactly describe what I felt in this museum. The lady we met with last night was our tour guide, and she was phenominal. It's so interesting to see how the Jewish people have survived all this time. The Romans destroyed the temple, and they got rid of all the "objects" that were sacred to the faith, and yet the Jewish people still thrived. How they celebrate shabat (sabbath) every Saturday always involves 3 elements: candles, bread, and wine; all found in the temple. Plus, these are the only people who can read their ancient scriptures. They still speak Hebrew to this day. It's crazy to think about. And so crazy to think that the Christians have had such a role in literally oppressing the Jewish people. And not without cause. The Christians really wanted the Jewish people to convert, but when they wouldn't, they presented them as being "blinded by the devil" which eventually evolved into being the devil themselves, which eventually led to the extermination of many of the Jews in the Holocaust. It's just overwhelming to think about the huge amounts of anti-semitism we see in our Christian history.
After our tour, we had lunch at the musuem, and then packed up for the beach. The sand in Tel Aviv is AMAZING. It is so fine and the water was a great temperature. Though we couldn't catch many waves, it was awesome. Sondra, Shawna, Ben, Rufus, and I had a good walk down the beach and talked about favorite Bible stories and the like. Then we got white chocolate Magnum bars - again, so good! Then we headed back to the bus. We got to see Kevin hitting on Israeli girls on the beach and we made fun of him for it later. And yeah - then we drove to Jerusalem and checked into the hotel. Then Sondra and I made a deal that we would do each other's hair for dinner. Mine looked like an Alfalfa freak when she was done and hers looked like a model/80's crazy hair girl. But in fear that we would cause commotion at shabat dinner, we just took a picture and put them back to normal. Then we had a good time of worship in my room with about 8 or 9 of us before dinner. I read Romans 8 and it really really started speaking to me. It’s a long chapter, but I feel like in every section things were popping out that God wanted me to learn. It was powerful.
Hannah really spoke to me tonight too. She speaks with such simplicity, but its powerful. She's going to do good things for the Lord. Down in Alabama.
Dinner was great. We talked about dating for the sake of dating v. dating and just having fun and not taking things to fast v. dating solely to get married to the first person you date. It was interesting. There was good food (of course). But NO HUMMUS. Shocker.
I am extremely tired now. I'm going to go pay for internet now so that you people have a sliver of what's been happening recently. Thanks for being faithful and praying for me. Tomorrow is Bethlehem. Til then, Shabat Shalom. From Jerusalem.
Oh, and Grandma, you had a whole lotta people praying for you here today. Be encouraged. I love you!
Day 18 - Tel Aviv
If I hear the words "Wakey Wakey" again, I think I'm going to hurt someone. :-) I didn't hear it this morning, but its what I wake up to every time I fall asleep on the bus. And when the crazy kiwi man says it…well then its just funny. Anyway, this morning I was having another dream and I know I was under pressure on in trouble or something and Shamir yells out "Josh" and I awoke with a fright. I'm like WHAT WHAT? And he's like…what time is it? Grrrrr. Not the best way to get up. But it still was a good day. And now I will tell you all about it.
We first went today to Independence Hall, where the Israeli Declaration of Independence was signed on May 14, 1948. (not to be confused with the US one - some people back home got a little confused when I told them about it over the phone lol). It was signed at 4 pm exactly, which was a Friday…right before Shabat started. The people invited were only notified about it the day before, and only 350 invitations were sent out. It was 2 days before the British would have totally pulled out of Israel. The name "israel" for a country was chosen at the meeting, and a Jewish state of independence was declared, to be called Israel. It's important to notice it was a JEWISH state that declared independence, not just any old country. The US was the first to recognize Israel as a country. We also learned about the history of Tel Aviv through a movie that we watched afterwards, which is crazy because Tel Aviv is such an awesome city, and 100 years ago it was literally sand dunes. It is a booming metropolis today. We are going to the beach tomorrow. Who's excited for beach day!?!
After Independence Hall, we journeyed on to the US Embassy, where we had a variety of speakers. It was really interesting to learn about all the things an embassy does in addition to its foreign affairs and political agendas. For instance, we heard from a guy (who smiled really big the entire time) about the economy, another lady about trade, another guy about the military, another person about education, another about PR affairs, and one more who is the "stand in" ambassador while another one has yet to be appointed. I was surprised at the way this ambassador regarded Israel in light of the Palestinian conflict. He definitely showed more of a negative bias towards Israel and glanced over the faults of the Palestines. For instance, about 450 million of our funds from the US are allocated to projects in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank each year. Now, we know that in the education systems there, children are taught to hate Jews and that the country of Israel doesn't even exist, but it's called Palestine. When asked about this, the ambassador glanced over it and didn't really answer the question. Again, I asked about how the PA (Palestinian Authority) is being heavily funded by the USA, as well as Saudi Arabia and the EU heavily for projects such as education and rebuilding and the like, and I asked about whether there is a plan to help them build stuff up for themselves (such as we are doing in Iraq - stepping down as they step up). I got no response that would even hint we are working towards that. Which bugs me. Because a lot of our tax dollars are going to this and we're just giving and giving and the PA is mooching off of it. I know I need to be a little more sympathetic, because I know in Gaza Strip, Hamas totally runs the show, and has kicked alll foreign parties out. But I also know that since Israel has pulled out of the West Bank and Gaza Strip, the PA has had the chance to elect their own gov't and hasn't done it because they know if they do they will be a legit. Country and then be responsible for their actions and have to take charge of their own land - which they have refused to do. That bugs me.
I know there are good Palestinians in need, and whose corrupt government abuses the funds that are allocated to them, so I'm not saying we shouldn't help them. But there has to be a better way than what we're doing now.
These meetings at the Embassy took us until 2:30 (and by that time my stomach was singing the national anthem in starvation!!!) Oh, by the way, at Independence Hall, we got to listen to Ben Guron's speech that he gave when they created Israel, and then listened as they sang their National Anthem. We all stood in the place as they played it. And there is something about that song - something that just tells of the story of the Jews that is so powerful and I just feel like I can identify with it so much. It's moving.
Anyway, we finally get out of there and board the bus and take a drive to Rabbi Kahn's house. I'm not sure if I've mentioned him before, but he's a rabbi here in Israel who is one of the developers of this program. He is originally from the States, Jersey I think, and he made aliyah to Israel about 7 years ago (I think). He's been with us for many of our excursions. Anyway, we went to his house for pizza, pringles, and a good time. Then we had discussion about Israel (what else?) and the Jewish people and cultures. We learned about the Orthodox Jews and their interaction with the Secular Jews, and talked about tolerance and a lot of different issues. I asked what we could do to overcome the christian stereotype. He gave a lot of answers, but one thing he said was that Israel is not very open to missionaries. I understand why, but it was just something I wasn't really expecting. He also said that communications between the Jewish community in the STATES and Christians need to be better - that we need to reach out to Jews and let them know we support them and Israel's right to exist. I think that is very important, and that the Evangelical Community needs to show this support and I believe it will have a very positive impact.
We stayed at the house for quite some time, and then came back to the hotel for dinner with Linda Olmert. Dinner was GOOOD - good chicken and good beef stir fry…hummus and salad and potatoes. I wanted seconds but there was no food when I went back up. So I eyed Ben's food the entire time we were talking and when we were done went over and ate all of his beef. Haha. Linda Olmert is a 2nd generation Holocaust survivor (both of her parents survived Auchwitz). We will be spending tomorrow with her. She just wanted to get to know us, and what really stood out to us on the trip thus far. I said it was Yad Vashem, the Holocaust memorial. I said that I guess I've always heard that 6 million Jews were killed, but I don't know if it came alive to me until I was there and realized how many Jews were massacred just because they were Jews. It still is so overwhelming to think about. It turns out she is on the board at Vad Yashem, and as she was talking to me, she kept bringing up this question, "What's the point?" 6 million died. But is the figure important? What if it was 5? What if 12 million other people died in another massacre? Would this still be important? Whats the point?! It made me think. Think about what I will do with this information. Think about why this is important. Just think. I hope I get to talk to her tomorrow.
Now I am up in my room blogging and packing away as tomorrow we are leaving Tel Aviv. I hope you are all doing well back home.
Shalom. From Tel Aviv.
We first went today to Independence Hall, where the Israeli Declaration of Independence was signed on May 14, 1948. (not to be confused with the US one - some people back home got a little confused when I told them about it over the phone lol). It was signed at 4 pm exactly, which was a Friday…right before Shabat started. The people invited were only notified about it the day before, and only 350 invitations were sent out. It was 2 days before the British would have totally pulled out of Israel. The name "israel" for a country was chosen at the meeting, and a Jewish state of independence was declared, to be called Israel. It's important to notice it was a JEWISH state that declared independence, not just any old country. The US was the first to recognize Israel as a country. We also learned about the history of Tel Aviv through a movie that we watched afterwards, which is crazy because Tel Aviv is such an awesome city, and 100 years ago it was literally sand dunes. It is a booming metropolis today. We are going to the beach tomorrow. Who's excited for beach day!?!
After Independence Hall, we journeyed on to the US Embassy, where we had a variety of speakers. It was really interesting to learn about all the things an embassy does in addition to its foreign affairs and political agendas. For instance, we heard from a guy (who smiled really big the entire time) about the economy, another lady about trade, another guy about the military, another person about education, another about PR affairs, and one more who is the "stand in" ambassador while another one has yet to be appointed. I was surprised at the way this ambassador regarded Israel in light of the Palestinian conflict. He definitely showed more of a negative bias towards Israel and glanced over the faults of the Palestines. For instance, about 450 million of our funds from the US are allocated to projects in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank each year. Now, we know that in the education systems there, children are taught to hate Jews and that the country of Israel doesn't even exist, but it's called Palestine. When asked about this, the ambassador glanced over it and didn't really answer the question. Again, I asked about how the PA (Palestinian Authority) is being heavily funded by the USA, as well as Saudi Arabia and the EU heavily for projects such as education and rebuilding and the like, and I asked about whether there is a plan to help them build stuff up for themselves (such as we are doing in Iraq - stepping down as they step up). I got no response that would even hint we are working towards that. Which bugs me. Because a lot of our tax dollars are going to this and we're just giving and giving and the PA is mooching off of it. I know I need to be a little more sympathetic, because I know in Gaza Strip, Hamas totally runs the show, and has kicked alll foreign parties out. But I also know that since Israel has pulled out of the West Bank and Gaza Strip, the PA has had the chance to elect their own gov't and hasn't done it because they know if they do they will be a legit. Country and then be responsible for their actions and have to take charge of their own land - which they have refused to do. That bugs me.
I know there are good Palestinians in need, and whose corrupt government abuses the funds that are allocated to them, so I'm not saying we shouldn't help them. But there has to be a better way than what we're doing now.
These meetings at the Embassy took us until 2:30 (and by that time my stomach was singing the national anthem in starvation!!!) Oh, by the way, at Independence Hall, we got to listen to Ben Guron's speech that he gave when they created Israel, and then listened as they sang their National Anthem. We all stood in the place as they played it. And there is something about that song - something that just tells of the story of the Jews that is so powerful and I just feel like I can identify with it so much. It's moving.
Anyway, we finally get out of there and board the bus and take a drive to Rabbi Kahn's house. I'm not sure if I've mentioned him before, but he's a rabbi here in Israel who is one of the developers of this program. He is originally from the States, Jersey I think, and he made aliyah to Israel about 7 years ago (I think). He's been with us for many of our excursions. Anyway, we went to his house for pizza, pringles, and a good time. Then we had discussion about Israel (what else?) and the Jewish people and cultures. We learned about the Orthodox Jews and their interaction with the Secular Jews, and talked about tolerance and a lot of different issues. I asked what we could do to overcome the christian stereotype. He gave a lot of answers, but one thing he said was that Israel is not very open to missionaries. I understand why, but it was just something I wasn't really expecting. He also said that communications between the Jewish community in the STATES and Christians need to be better - that we need to reach out to Jews and let them know we support them and Israel's right to exist. I think that is very important, and that the Evangelical Community needs to show this support and I believe it will have a very positive impact.
We stayed at the house for quite some time, and then came back to the hotel for dinner with Linda Olmert. Dinner was GOOOD - good chicken and good beef stir fry…hummus and salad and potatoes. I wanted seconds but there was no food when I went back up. So I eyed Ben's food the entire time we were talking and when we were done went over and ate all of his beef. Haha. Linda Olmert is a 2nd generation Holocaust survivor (both of her parents survived Auchwitz). We will be spending tomorrow with her. She just wanted to get to know us, and what really stood out to us on the trip thus far. I said it was Yad Vashem, the Holocaust memorial. I said that I guess I've always heard that 6 million Jews were killed, but I don't know if it came alive to me until I was there and realized how many Jews were massacred just because they were Jews. It still is so overwhelming to think about. It turns out she is on the board at Vad Yashem, and as she was talking to me, she kept bringing up this question, "What's the point?" 6 million died. But is the figure important? What if it was 5? What if 12 million other people died in another massacre? Would this still be important? Whats the point?! It made me think. Think about what I will do with this information. Think about why this is important. Just think. I hope I get to talk to her tomorrow.
Now I am up in my room blogging and packing away as tomorrow we are leaving Tel Aviv. I hope you are all doing well back home.
Shalom. From Tel Aviv.
Day 17 - Nazareth
This morning I woke up and told Shamir to go get his deer. I was mid-dream and I knew that we all needed to have a deer, and his deer lost his shock collar and he had to go chase it. So I told him he had better go chase it. I also wanted him to get in the shower so I didn't have to get up that early. But he didn't listen.
After breakfast we left the hotel and headed to the Jordan River. Amyann, Eric, Burtran, Jordan, Billy, Lydia, and Josh were all baptized. They got white robes and it was cool. It was also hot. I almost wish I waited just to get baptized today. It was hot. Horrah for those who got baptized. And the river really wasn't as dirty as I thought it would be. They believe the spot we were at was close to the spot Jesus was baptized. I'm not really sure how they figured that out though, so I'm a little skeptical.
After that, we went to this hotel in Nazareth. It was a drive there, and when we got there, we went up to a "born again" prayer tower the family owns. It had great acoustics. I started playing the piano quietly (hymns of course) and a lot of people said they were blessed by it. Then I had to go outside and film a greeting for Dr. Meyer and Dr. McLeod and then my individual interview. Shawna and I had a few tongue ties but overall it wasn't too bad. That took about 10-15 minutes.
We went back into the prayer tower then and they were worshipping with Lydia and Jordan. It was a pretty powerful time of worship. Then the girls prayed for one of the ladies who works in the ministry at the hotel. They get to pray for a lot of people, since it seems everyone we pray for is female. After that, the lady's sister, Amell Safouri talked to us. She is a lawyer but is working in ministry in Nazareth. She shared her passion and vision with us, and soon after we went out on the mountainside that overlooked the entire city of Nazareth and prayed over it. It was an INCREDIBLE time of prayer. "Can anything good come from Nazareth?" The answer is YES. And we interceded in the faith that God has a great redeeming work in store for Nazareth.
We had lunch after that. It was tasty. We had like a fish fillet, but processed so it tasted like a huge fish stick. Potatoes, french fries, a little bit of salad, and HUMMUS (of course). After lunch I went back up and played the piano a little bit more. Eric and Kevin joined me. Eventually I thought it might be best if we headed back. It was perfect timimg because everyone was leaving at that time. We boarded the bus with Amell and went to where Mary's house was. The built a church there to honor the angel Gabriel visiting her. We were inside where they think was her house. It wasn't fantastically spectacular, and the ceiling was like 20 feet high so I'm not sure the structure was original. But it was kind of cool to think that Jesus might have visited his grandparents on this site.
Then, up the road, we paid a visit to the orphanage. That was very interesting. Most of the kids are on "break" where they visit their actual familes, but for the school year, are taken from them because their families are dysfunctional. Only a few girls were there, who stayed with the nun that was there. She spent about 20 minutes telling us about how difficult her job was, but how she loved the kids. We got to drink grape soda during that talk in a very small, humid room. Then we were to go outside and play with the kids. Well, someone had this "inspired" idea that we should sing with them. So Matt started up "trading my sorrows". That didn't fly. Then Kevin tried this "halalalalalalalalalelujah" song…but it turns out 'la' in arabic means no. So we were singing ha no no no no no no no no no yah. Poor kids.
The girls played with them and eventually prayed over them as us guys got to sit on the benches and look cool as we extended our hands. Lol. As we left we passed a peacock and a couple of chickens that everyone tried to get the peacock to stand up and strut by doing a variety of bird calls. To no avail. But it was funny to hear some of them.
After that, we made the trek to the hotel to drop Ammell and her sister off, and then headed for Mt. Carmel. I fell asleep on the way there, as we had been up since the crack of dawn, or so I thought. When we got there, we recollected the story about Elijah from 1 Kings 18. Then we prayed for God to release that same power Elijah and Elisha had and pour it out on us. Then we took a million pictures over the landscape. It is interesting though, because this mountain overlooks the valley of armegedon. And that battlefield is actually where Israel won a majority of their battles. It's totally flat, but right next to it the hills start, and its just rolling hills after that. That started up the campfire song…boomdeeyaadahh boomdeeyaadahhh….i love the mountains…I love the rolling hills…
(we didn't know all the words though - just the boomdeeyahdah's)
We left soon after and drove to Tel Aviv, where we are staying tonight. Dinner was good - although I am actually craving a homemade peanut butter milkshake from VFCC that I make with vanilla ice cream and melting PB packets in hot water. I am looking forward to having one of those when I get back to the forge.
Dinner was really good. I found out that Matt was oringinally going to attend VFCC, and that he volunteered at Wilmington First with the youth. It was cool. We then got our rooms - Rufus and Shamir tonight. But Ben came and visited for about an hour (to use my camera cord of course). We had a lot of laughs and a good time of prayer. Our room is the only room from our organization on this floor…the rest of the floor is occupied by Jewish kids from England..and right now there are really loud and we want to go to sleep. Shamir is almost ready to stick his head out the door and tell them what's what. Lol.
I think I covered most of it today.
There is this whole theological debate going on right now, but it started yesterday and I didn't finish yesterday's entry yet…but basically it deals with whether of not the Jews will go to heaven if they don't accept Jesus Christ. I personally feel that if we can't stand solid on salvation soley being through Jesus Christ, and we are going to discredit that, we have very little left to stand on. That's all I'm going to say. But I'm really surprised at what some people think - that Jews will get into heaven because they serve the same God, or that (this is the kicker) that we serve a different God than the Jews, and that the God of the Old Testament isn't the God of the NT. Yeah.
I don’t have all the answers. And I know that. I just don't pretend like I do. I have much to learn; that's why I'm here.
Father help me to remain humble and keep seeking truth from your Word.
Shalom from Tel Aviv.
After breakfast we left the hotel and headed to the Jordan River. Amyann, Eric, Burtran, Jordan, Billy, Lydia, and Josh were all baptized. They got white robes and it was cool. It was also hot. I almost wish I waited just to get baptized today. It was hot. Horrah for those who got baptized. And the river really wasn't as dirty as I thought it would be. They believe the spot we were at was close to the spot Jesus was baptized. I'm not really sure how they figured that out though, so I'm a little skeptical.
After that, we went to this hotel in Nazareth. It was a drive there, and when we got there, we went up to a "born again" prayer tower the family owns. It had great acoustics. I started playing the piano quietly (hymns of course) and a lot of people said they were blessed by it. Then I had to go outside and film a greeting for Dr. Meyer and Dr. McLeod and then my individual interview. Shawna and I had a few tongue ties but overall it wasn't too bad. That took about 10-15 minutes.
We went back into the prayer tower then and they were worshipping with Lydia and Jordan. It was a pretty powerful time of worship. Then the girls prayed for one of the ladies who works in the ministry at the hotel. They get to pray for a lot of people, since it seems everyone we pray for is female. After that, the lady's sister, Amell Safouri talked to us. She is a lawyer but is working in ministry in Nazareth. She shared her passion and vision with us, and soon after we went out on the mountainside that overlooked the entire city of Nazareth and prayed over it. It was an INCREDIBLE time of prayer. "Can anything good come from Nazareth?" The answer is YES. And we interceded in the faith that God has a great redeeming work in store for Nazareth.
We had lunch after that. It was tasty. We had like a fish fillet, but processed so it tasted like a huge fish stick. Potatoes, french fries, a little bit of salad, and HUMMUS (of course). After lunch I went back up and played the piano a little bit more. Eric and Kevin joined me. Eventually I thought it might be best if we headed back. It was perfect timimg because everyone was leaving at that time. We boarded the bus with Amell and went to where Mary's house was. The built a church there to honor the angel Gabriel visiting her. We were inside where they think was her house. It wasn't fantastically spectacular, and the ceiling was like 20 feet high so I'm not sure the structure was original. But it was kind of cool to think that Jesus might have visited his grandparents on this site.
Then, up the road, we paid a visit to the orphanage. That was very interesting. Most of the kids are on "break" where they visit their actual familes, but for the school year, are taken from them because their families are dysfunctional. Only a few girls were there, who stayed with the nun that was there. She spent about 20 minutes telling us about how difficult her job was, but how she loved the kids. We got to drink grape soda during that talk in a very small, humid room. Then we were to go outside and play with the kids. Well, someone had this "inspired" idea that we should sing with them. So Matt started up "trading my sorrows". That didn't fly. Then Kevin tried this "halalalalalalalalalelujah" song…but it turns out 'la' in arabic means no. So we were singing ha no no no no no no no no no yah. Poor kids.
The girls played with them and eventually prayed over them as us guys got to sit on the benches and look cool as we extended our hands. Lol. As we left we passed a peacock and a couple of chickens that everyone tried to get the peacock to stand up and strut by doing a variety of bird calls. To no avail. But it was funny to hear some of them.
After that, we made the trek to the hotel to drop Ammell and her sister off, and then headed for Mt. Carmel. I fell asleep on the way there, as we had been up since the crack of dawn, or so I thought. When we got there, we recollected the story about Elijah from 1 Kings 18. Then we prayed for God to release that same power Elijah and Elisha had and pour it out on us. Then we took a million pictures over the landscape. It is interesting though, because this mountain overlooks the valley of armegedon. And that battlefield is actually where Israel won a majority of their battles. It's totally flat, but right next to it the hills start, and its just rolling hills after that. That started up the campfire song…boomdeeyaadahh boomdeeyaadahhh….i love the mountains…I love the rolling hills…
(we didn't know all the words though - just the boomdeeyahdah's)
We left soon after and drove to Tel Aviv, where we are staying tonight. Dinner was good - although I am actually craving a homemade peanut butter milkshake from VFCC that I make with vanilla ice cream and melting PB packets in hot water. I am looking forward to having one of those when I get back to the forge.
Dinner was really good. I found out that Matt was oringinally going to attend VFCC, and that he volunteered at Wilmington First with the youth. It was cool. We then got our rooms - Rufus and Shamir tonight. But Ben came and visited for about an hour (to use my camera cord of course). We had a lot of laughs and a good time of prayer. Our room is the only room from our organization on this floor…the rest of the floor is occupied by Jewish kids from England..and right now there are really loud and we want to go to sleep. Shamir is almost ready to stick his head out the door and tell them what's what. Lol.
I think I covered most of it today.
There is this whole theological debate going on right now, but it started yesterday and I didn't finish yesterday's entry yet…but basically it deals with whether of not the Jews will go to heaven if they don't accept Jesus Christ. I personally feel that if we can't stand solid on salvation soley being through Jesus Christ, and we are going to discredit that, we have very little left to stand on. That's all I'm going to say. But I'm really surprised at what some people think - that Jews will get into heaven because they serve the same God, or that (this is the kicker) that we serve a different God than the Jews, and that the God of the Old Testament isn't the God of the NT. Yeah.
I don’t have all the answers. And I know that. I just don't pretend like I do. I have much to learn; that's why I'm here.
Father help me to remain humble and keep seeking truth from your Word.
Shalom from Tel Aviv.
Day 16 - Galilee
This is Tuesday the 5th's account, and for the record I AM on schedule. Internet access is back and forth here, but I am blogging daily and posting when I can.
Today Today It's all or nothing. I feel like I am forgetting more and more day to day. Stuff is starting to blur together. But blogging daily will obviously help that once I get home.
This morning we traveled to the northern most part of Israel, and had a lecture right on the northernmost part of the border. Israel bordres Lebonan to the north, and we learned about Hezzebulah and how they have basically usurped Southern Lebonan, and actually just that week the Lebonese gov't recognized Hezbulah as a branch of the military. But basically S. Lebonan is entirely run byHezebulah. There has been peace though for the past couple of years, because there are "bigger fish to fry." Hezebullah is not mrerely a terrorist organization. They are, in fact, a social, politlcal, and religious group in society. Plus, in the Lebonese congress, they have enough members to have a veto power, so basically nothing is done without their consent. It also used to be a Christian country, but that has changed. The Lebonese also used to be pro-Israel, when Israel defeated Fatah's reign in Lebonan, because Fatah literallyl destroyed the landscape and people's lives. When IDF came into Lebonan, the Lebonan residents actually ratted out the enemy because they hated them so much. Terrorists change things though. Our speaker was phenominal. He lives in a Kibbutz, but Kibbutz-es don’t really exist like they use to. They aren't really self governing. They mostly are just communities or villages now. But every Kibbutz has their own militia, so when times of war come, the town is evacuated and the men defend it. It was awesome. The best quote we got from him was amazing and profound. "God makes peace. Man makes ceasefires."
A representative from IDF (Israeli Defense Force) spoke to us next. He definitely wasn't as exciting, but he took us along the border of Israel and discussed various issues. I don't really remember specifics of what he said. I know the "white line" we would see on the road was important because I think it was the old border. I also know that all the flags on the border are Hezebullah's flags, not Lebonan's. That was interesting. We also saw a village Obama visited like 3 year ago (before he declared his running for president) and the people really loved him. But I also know the Israeli people love George W. Bush, who is the most pro-Israel president we've had to date. We drove to a lot of locations, and one time we all fell asleep, and he kept talking to us over the loud speaker and no one was really paying attention…because he kept talking kiwis and how conditions in Israel are perfect for kiwi. Seriously, like 4 times, "And on your left you have kiwi." No, not grapes - kiwi. We joke about it now, and it is kind of funny because Jordan can do a killer imitation of him. But it wasn't the most interesting lecture we've had to date. It was interesting though to learn about how the military enforces our borders and how really we haven't had much agression from Lebonan in recent years.
After this, we went to Philippi Caesaria. Something like that anyway. We had the opportunity to walk around for TWO WHOLE HOURS. And there really is nothing to do in this town. It is the capital of the Kabala study. You know, the thing Madonna does. She actually has a house in town. These people at one of the Kabala centers wanted to show us a place we could stay for free if we wanted to volunteer with them. I said no thanks. We also met this CRAZY man who made these Yemen-eese pizzas. He was a Jew though. He was a little "oriental-mystical" in his thinking though. He also thought he knew pretty much everything about anything. When he asked what Mark Twain said about this place, I answered and said he detailed about it being a desert wasteland. He got very excited and gave me a high five when I answered correctly. But then we just walked around and saw artwork. Eventually, Raf, Jordan, Shawna, Esther, and I met up with Burtrand, Shamir, Lydia, and Billy. We started walking all over God's creation, and it seemed like we were going in a huge circle around the city (not to mention the landmark signs were totally wrong). Billy and I broke off and decided to go back the way we came. After a few wrong turns up some alleys and stairs, we just decided to do EXACTLY what we did, but backwards. We stopped in a grocery store for Peanut Butter and water, but ended up getting neither. Eventually we found Esohe, Sondra, and Eric. They were on a mission to find the "Citadel." We joined their quest. But after walking up a bunch of stairs (in the sweltering heat) and coming to another hill of just steps, we decided to call it quits. We made our way back to the bus, where found a majority of the group. Sondra and I ordered "soft ice" [cream] and it was very tasty. We got back on the bus and journeyed to our hotel. Since this was the last night, we didn't have to do postcards (THANK THE LORD) and just had the night free. Some people went down the beach swimming. I tried to blog and pack. And I called a few friends and contacts and got some business done that I needed to do. Which was good.
I can't think of anything else to report. Shalom. From Galilee.
Today Today It's all or nothing. I feel like I am forgetting more and more day to day. Stuff is starting to blur together. But blogging daily will obviously help that once I get home.
This morning we traveled to the northern most part of Israel, and had a lecture right on the northernmost part of the border. Israel bordres Lebonan to the north, and we learned about Hezzebulah and how they have basically usurped Southern Lebonan, and actually just that week the Lebonese gov't recognized Hezbulah as a branch of the military. But basically S. Lebonan is entirely run byHezebulah. There has been peace though for the past couple of years, because there are "bigger fish to fry." Hezebullah is not mrerely a terrorist organization. They are, in fact, a social, politlcal, and religious group in society. Plus, in the Lebonese congress, they have enough members to have a veto power, so basically nothing is done without their consent. It also used to be a Christian country, but that has changed. The Lebonese also used to be pro-Israel, when Israel defeated Fatah's reign in Lebonan, because Fatah literallyl destroyed the landscape and people's lives. When IDF came into Lebonan, the Lebonan residents actually ratted out the enemy because they hated them so much. Terrorists change things though. Our speaker was phenominal. He lives in a Kibbutz, but Kibbutz-es don’t really exist like they use to. They aren't really self governing. They mostly are just communities or villages now. But every Kibbutz has their own militia, so when times of war come, the town is evacuated and the men defend it. It was awesome. The best quote we got from him was amazing and profound. "God makes peace. Man makes ceasefires."
A representative from IDF (Israeli Defense Force) spoke to us next. He definitely wasn't as exciting, but he took us along the border of Israel and discussed various issues. I don't really remember specifics of what he said. I know the "white line" we would see on the road was important because I think it was the old border. I also know that all the flags on the border are Hezebullah's flags, not Lebonan's. That was interesting. We also saw a village Obama visited like 3 year ago (before he declared his running for president) and the people really loved him. But I also know the Israeli people love George W. Bush, who is the most pro-Israel president we've had to date. We drove to a lot of locations, and one time we all fell asleep, and he kept talking to us over the loud speaker and no one was really paying attention…because he kept talking kiwis and how conditions in Israel are perfect for kiwi. Seriously, like 4 times, "And on your left you have kiwi." No, not grapes - kiwi. We joke about it now, and it is kind of funny because Jordan can do a killer imitation of him. But it wasn't the most interesting lecture we've had to date. It was interesting though to learn about how the military enforces our borders and how really we haven't had much agression from Lebonan in recent years.
After this, we went to Philippi Caesaria. Something like that anyway. We had the opportunity to walk around for TWO WHOLE HOURS. And there really is nothing to do in this town. It is the capital of the Kabala study. You know, the thing Madonna does. She actually has a house in town. These people at one of the Kabala centers wanted to show us a place we could stay for free if we wanted to volunteer with them. I said no thanks. We also met this CRAZY man who made these Yemen-eese pizzas. He was a Jew though. He was a little "oriental-mystical" in his thinking though. He also thought he knew pretty much everything about anything. When he asked what Mark Twain said about this place, I answered and said he detailed about it being a desert wasteland. He got very excited and gave me a high five when I answered correctly. But then we just walked around and saw artwork. Eventually, Raf, Jordan, Shawna, Esther, and I met up with Burtrand, Shamir, Lydia, and Billy. We started walking all over God's creation, and it seemed like we were going in a huge circle around the city (not to mention the landmark signs were totally wrong). Billy and I broke off and decided to go back the way we came. After a few wrong turns up some alleys and stairs, we just decided to do EXACTLY what we did, but backwards. We stopped in a grocery store for Peanut Butter and water, but ended up getting neither. Eventually we found Esohe, Sondra, and Eric. They were on a mission to find the "Citadel." We joined their quest. But after walking up a bunch of stairs (in the sweltering heat) and coming to another hill of just steps, we decided to call it quits. We made our way back to the bus, where found a majority of the group. Sondra and I ordered "soft ice" [cream] and it was very tasty. We got back on the bus and journeyed to our hotel. Since this was the last night, we didn't have to do postcards (THANK THE LORD) and just had the night free. Some people went down the beach swimming. I tried to blog and pack. And I called a few friends and contacts and got some business done that I needed to do. Which was good.
I can't think of anything else to report. Shalom. From Galilee.
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Day 15 - Galilee
Sorry for not updating sooner. I didn't have internet access. You will find though all the "days of silence" covered in all the blogs below. Enjoy! And thanks for the prayers! Keep them coming!
Shamir and I got up a little later this morning - but we were only late to breakfast so that wasn't necessarily a bad thing. We then headed to some famous sites around Galilee. The first was the Mountain of the Beatitudes. The church structure is made mostly of basalt (volcanic rock - that's using my Earth & Space knowledge from VFCC). Over the valley, under a tree, there are about 20 rocks. As I sat on them, I wondered if this was the exact place where Jesus taught from. It was cool. We gathered as a group later and read passages from the Sermon on the Mount. Then we worshipped a little bit.
Soon after, we boarded the bus and went to the church built on the site thought to be the place where Jesus fed the 5,000. This was another church, but after you see so many churches, they start to all look the same. There wasn't much special about the site - and I remembered the words of our tour guide in Jerusalem - that its really not the place that’s special or holy, but its important to remember the event. And it's still incredible that Jesus fed all those people - a miracle.
The last stop was Capernium. This was Peter's home town. We got to see where they're pretty sure that Peter lived. After Peter died, many Judeo-Christians made it a site of pilgrimage. The Catholics have actually built a church that is over it without damaging it. It's kind of shaped like a spider. Also in the town is a very old synagogue that Jesus most likely taught in. It's been rebuilt, but part of the old structure is still there. I went down by the water and stood on the shore and wondered what it must have been like for Peter to be called by Jesus on that shore while he was fishing. It was a good time reflecting on my personal call to ministry and what God would want from my life.
We went for lunch after this, and were treated to "St. Peter's Fish." No, we didn't find a coin in the mouth of the fish, but we did receive a fully skinned fried fish on a platter (head included). We were told the fins tasted like chips (they kind of did). I ate it all, minus the head and some of the scaley spine thing. We also had really good soup, hummus (what else?) and dates. There are a lot of date grottos in the area. I didn't eat any dates though. I'm not that adventurous. :-)
In the afternoon, we went to see the Yehuddiya Falls, where we got to swim in another pool in the natural scenery. It was really cold water - but really fun. I wasn't allowed to jump off yet ANOTHER ROCK. Someone obviously does not want me to have fun (or get hurt). My buddy Ben got stung by a really big wasp right between his toes, and it left the stinger in. He was in a lot of pain and we actually had to carry/assist/help him back up the mountain. He was in A LOT of pain - so using a variety of Royal Ranger techniques, we got him back up the mountain. He's such a trooper. He's one of those people you want in your church because they're going to be dedicated and just all around cheerful the entire time. Though he was in tremendous pain, he still managed to laugh and crack jokes as we summitted the mountain to the bus. I'm very honored to have met him. Esohe also helped us. I want her to put in a good word for me at Harvard. :-)
We got to the bus finally, and Ben bought us ice cream for helping him (again - what a great guy). It was a gooooood ice cream bar too. I don't know what it is - I know that they aren't dairy ice cream bars, but I guess I never knew "non dairy" ice cream things could be SOO GOOD. We were supposed to baptize some kids in the Jordan river tonight, but it is too low. We are going to a different place tomorrow morning before we go about our regular schedule, so we'll do it then.
When we returned to the hotel, Rufus and I helped Ben get his stinger out of his foot. It involved us not really knowing how to sterilize a safety pin with a match (it really shouldn't have been so difficult) and holding him down from squirming. We got it out though.
Dinner was good and for desert we had passion fruit sorbet. It was very "twang". After which we had to sit down and write 44 postcard thank you's to supports of the Israel Experience program. 44 postcards to write about ourselves as well as address. That was a bushel of joy and happy times, let me tell you. If you're ever feeling down, addressing post cards will rejuvinate your spirits. :-) When I finally finished, I sang "Free Free I'm Free At Last…Thank God Almighty I'm FREE AT LAST!!"
A couple of us hung out in the courtyard for a while after that and discussed marriage, budgets, and personality disorders and what we want to do in our futures. These people are really amazing. And very intelligent. I'm going to miss them when this is all over.
Shout out to the Kauffman clan for their faithful following of my blog. You guys rock! (And the Kerstetters still need to host a night where I come eat Kim's good cooking). Love you all!
Shalom from Kerei Deshe.
Shamir and I got up a little later this morning - but we were only late to breakfast so that wasn't necessarily a bad thing. We then headed to some famous sites around Galilee. The first was the Mountain of the Beatitudes. The church structure is made mostly of basalt (volcanic rock - that's using my Earth & Space knowledge from VFCC). Over the valley, under a tree, there are about 20 rocks. As I sat on them, I wondered if this was the exact place where Jesus taught from. It was cool. We gathered as a group later and read passages from the Sermon on the Mount. Then we worshipped a little bit.
Soon after, we boarded the bus and went to the church built on the site thought to be the place where Jesus fed the 5,000. This was another church, but after you see so many churches, they start to all look the same. There wasn't much special about the site - and I remembered the words of our tour guide in Jerusalem - that its really not the place that’s special or holy, but its important to remember the event. And it's still incredible that Jesus fed all those people - a miracle.
The last stop was Capernium. This was Peter's home town. We got to see where they're pretty sure that Peter lived. After Peter died, many Judeo-Christians made it a site of pilgrimage. The Catholics have actually built a church that is over it without damaging it. It's kind of shaped like a spider. Also in the town is a very old synagogue that Jesus most likely taught in. It's been rebuilt, but part of the old structure is still there. I went down by the water and stood on the shore and wondered what it must have been like for Peter to be called by Jesus on that shore while he was fishing. It was a good time reflecting on my personal call to ministry and what God would want from my life.
We went for lunch after this, and were treated to "St. Peter's Fish." No, we didn't find a coin in the mouth of the fish, but we did receive a fully skinned fried fish on a platter (head included). We were told the fins tasted like chips (they kind of did). I ate it all, minus the head and some of the scaley spine thing. We also had really good soup, hummus (what else?) and dates. There are a lot of date grottos in the area. I didn't eat any dates though. I'm not that adventurous. :-)
In the afternoon, we went to see the Yehuddiya Falls, where we got to swim in another pool in the natural scenery. It was really cold water - but really fun. I wasn't allowed to jump off yet ANOTHER ROCK. Someone obviously does not want me to have fun (or get hurt). My buddy Ben got stung by a really big wasp right between his toes, and it left the stinger in. He was in a lot of pain and we actually had to carry/assist/help him back up the mountain. He was in A LOT of pain - so using a variety of Royal Ranger techniques, we got him back up the mountain. He's such a trooper. He's one of those people you want in your church because they're going to be dedicated and just all around cheerful the entire time. Though he was in tremendous pain, he still managed to laugh and crack jokes as we summitted the mountain to the bus. I'm very honored to have met him. Esohe also helped us. I want her to put in a good word for me at Harvard. :-)
We got to the bus finally, and Ben bought us ice cream for helping him (again - what a great guy). It was a gooooood ice cream bar too. I don't know what it is - I know that they aren't dairy ice cream bars, but I guess I never knew "non dairy" ice cream things could be SOO GOOD. We were supposed to baptize some kids in the Jordan river tonight, but it is too low. We are going to a different place tomorrow morning before we go about our regular schedule, so we'll do it then.
When we returned to the hotel, Rufus and I helped Ben get his stinger out of his foot. It involved us not really knowing how to sterilize a safety pin with a match (it really shouldn't have been so difficult) and holding him down from squirming. We got it out though.
Dinner was good and for desert we had passion fruit sorbet. It was very "twang". After which we had to sit down and write 44 postcard thank you's to supports of the Israel Experience program. 44 postcards to write about ourselves as well as address. That was a bushel of joy and happy times, let me tell you. If you're ever feeling down, addressing post cards will rejuvinate your spirits. :-) When I finally finished, I sang "Free Free I'm Free At Last…Thank God Almighty I'm FREE AT LAST!!"
A couple of us hung out in the courtyard for a while after that and discussed marriage, budgets, and personality disorders and what we want to do in our futures. These people are really amazing. And very intelligent. I'm going to miss them when this is all over.
Shout out to the Kauffman clan for their faithful following of my blog. You guys rock! (And the Kerstetters still need to host a night where I come eat Kim's good cooking). Love you all!
Shalom from Kerei Deshe.
Day 14 - Qumran & Galilee
A day/night of packing once again. I don't know how I am going to make it 2 more weeks. FYI - I WORE THE UGLY WHITE POLO FROM PRINCESS CRUISE LAST NIGHT. I might give it to the guy from Brazil.
Our suitcases were at the bus at 8, breakfast at 8:30, devotions (which ran VERY long today with worship) at 9, and we left around 10. We drove for about an hour, and most of us were totally zonked out, when Michael came over the loudspeaker 'Wakey wakey!" I think most of us were not fond if being woken up like that. We got up to go to the site of the Qumran - where they found the Dead Sea Scrolls. We watched a short film of Hasideans who used to live there. Then we walked out into the desert where we toured their ruins and saw the cave from a distance where the scrolls were found. It was very thrilling. We were all VERY disappointed when we had to leave the desert heat and go back to the air conditioned bus. I believe to quote Hope, "You can't win them all."
We stopped by an Isareli mini mart kind of thing for lunch, where I had a snitzel sandwich, which I just finished right now at midnight. We drove up the rest of the way to Galillee through Judea and Samaria, which are also occupied by the Arab Muslims (SURPRISE SURPRISE. Every Jewish holy place is occupied by the Muslims). We drove into Tiberius and past it to get to our hotel, which is actually on the shore of the Sea of Galilee. We checked in at about 3 pm and we had down time til 6. This time I am rooming with Shamir, and so we talked for a little bit before we had a nice nap time.
At 6:30 we had dinner downstairs and then went for a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee. Although this is a very significant place, we had a more "secular" time of fellowship, as we learned to play the African drums. We all played together, and then danced some salsa and other things on the boat and learned some ballroom dancing while others played the drums. I really can't dance. But I have fun trying.
Ben and I went exploring Tiberius for about an hour during our free time in the city. These ice cream bars are really good. He got a sale on the water.
Not much really to report today. We watched a video that Billy had made about a young boy in Harrisburg who was the victim of drunk driving, and who now does activism for prevents DUIs. He's 11, and he's a pretty good motivational speaker. He gave a pretty famous quote, but its true. He said some people look at some things and wonder, "Why?" I dream of things that are not, and wonder, "Why not?" Everyone can strive to be or do something better than they are doing now - and that's the only real time that we grow and become better people - when we set out to accomplish something and actually commit to doing it. It challanged me to do more than just "playing it safe" or being comfortable in my little bubble view of ministry. We'll see what God does.
I've been in Israel for over a week now. Thanks for the prayers. Keep them coming! 3 weeks til VFCC today. That is crazy.
Shalom from Kerei Deshe on the Sea of Galilee.
Our suitcases were at the bus at 8, breakfast at 8:30, devotions (which ran VERY long today with worship) at 9, and we left around 10. We drove for about an hour, and most of us were totally zonked out, when Michael came over the loudspeaker 'Wakey wakey!" I think most of us were not fond if being woken up like that. We got up to go to the site of the Qumran - where they found the Dead Sea Scrolls. We watched a short film of Hasideans who used to live there. Then we walked out into the desert where we toured their ruins and saw the cave from a distance where the scrolls were found. It was very thrilling. We were all VERY disappointed when we had to leave the desert heat and go back to the air conditioned bus. I believe to quote Hope, "You can't win them all."
We stopped by an Isareli mini mart kind of thing for lunch, where I had a snitzel sandwich, which I just finished right now at midnight. We drove up the rest of the way to Galillee through Judea and Samaria, which are also occupied by the Arab Muslims (SURPRISE SURPRISE. Every Jewish holy place is occupied by the Muslims). We drove into Tiberius and past it to get to our hotel, which is actually on the shore of the Sea of Galilee. We checked in at about 3 pm and we had down time til 6. This time I am rooming with Shamir, and so we talked for a little bit before we had a nice nap time.
At 6:30 we had dinner downstairs and then went for a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee. Although this is a very significant place, we had a more "secular" time of fellowship, as we learned to play the African drums. We all played together, and then danced some salsa and other things on the boat and learned some ballroom dancing while others played the drums. I really can't dance. But I have fun trying.
Ben and I went exploring Tiberius for about an hour during our free time in the city. These ice cream bars are really good. He got a sale on the water.
Not much really to report today. We watched a video that Billy had made about a young boy in Harrisburg who was the victim of drunk driving, and who now does activism for prevents DUIs. He's 11, and he's a pretty good motivational speaker. He gave a pretty famous quote, but its true. He said some people look at some things and wonder, "Why?" I dream of things that are not, and wonder, "Why not?" Everyone can strive to be or do something better than they are doing now - and that's the only real time that we grow and become better people - when we set out to accomplish something and actually commit to doing it. It challanged me to do more than just "playing it safe" or being comfortable in my little bubble view of ministry. We'll see what God does.
I've been in Israel for over a week now. Thanks for the prayers. Keep them coming! 3 weeks til VFCC today. That is crazy.
Shalom from Kerei Deshe on the Sea of Galilee.
Day 13 - Masada & En Gedi
In preparation for our morning hike this morning, I packed my handy dandy alarm clock, which operates on only 1 AA battery that I found at the Forge in the grass last year after check out for the summer. I decided to set it for 3:45 AM, because we were scheduled to leave at 4:15 AM for a sunrise hike up the mountain. We also were supposed to have a wake up call from the leadership of the team. Neither of these measures happened this morning, however, and we (Rufus and I) were awoken to Ben and Shamir pounding on our door asking if we were ready. As I reached a hand out of bed to open the door, and they stood there proudly, I gazed over to my alarm clock, which read 4:15 AM. Thank you technology.
Rufus and I hurriedly got dressed and hiked it up the stairs, dreading we'd be the last ones and be left behind. As we reached the meeting place, we, to our horror, found ourselves in an empty room. But there was breakfast with good cake. To squelch our disappointment, we started to eat. Soon after, the rest of the group showed up, one by one, with one exception: our leader. Surprisingly, no one had received a wake up call from him. A messenger was sent to his door, to which a groggy Michael Onifer came out. We left around 4:45.
Billy, Eric, and I took the lead on hiking up this mountain to the city of Masada (2 km hike, 300 m high). This path basically consists of a bunch of zig zagging steep stairs up the mountain. We started out at a jog, but that got old (and tiring) very quickly. It was hot (as we're climbing a mountain in the desert) but we 3 made it up the mountain under 25 minutes. That was pretty impressive. We had the mountain to ourselves for about 10 minutes before the rest of them showed up. I felt kind of sick after all that exercise after a period in my life where I haven't been "exactly physically active." I got over it, though, and as the last of the group made it up the mountain, we were able to watch the sunrise. It was beautiful.
Now some history about Masada. Masada is a fortress built by King Herod to be almost a "winter vacation house". From here he could watch his southern enemy countries. After Jerusalem fell in 70 AD, the Jews and Maccabees fled to this fortress on top of this mountain, the last Jewish community of the time. The Romans chased them there, but the Jews held their own and threw stones down at them and the Romans couldn't take the mountain. The laid seige to the city and cut off their water supply. However, due to the huge amount of storage of water, the Jewish people actually held out for TWO YEARS. After this period of time, the Romans got fed up and decided to end this once and for all. Using Jewish slaves, they built a path to the Eastern Gate (The Jews didn't attack their own). When they got close, the Jewish elders in the community thought that although suicide is a horrible sin, it would be even worse to be captured and see their wives raped and their children enslaved (the Romans were pretty ticked - not being able to capture the city for 2 years and having to camp at the base of the mountain in the desert sun). So each head of house killed his family, and then they all came and drew lots to see who among them would kill the others and himself. When the Romans finally entered the city, they found no one living. In later years, however, a manuscript was discovered, with the chapter of Ezekiel 37 (Ezekiel seeing the dry bones). It was really cool to see how God is resurrecting his people and breathing life into them in the last days (and yes - this prophesy is talking about the JEWS and not the CHURCH) - and even more interesting to see how it was found where these dry bones are still at, buried under the earth of these Jews. The oldest Jewish synagogue in the world is still found on these ruins today.
Kevin, Shamir, and I walked back down the mountain while the majority of the group took the cable car. It somehow worked out that we still got to the bottom at the same time. Kevin has taken a rock about as big as my head as a souvenir of the mountain. We all have given him significant "input" on the notion, but he seems pretty committed to the idea. He carried it the entire time down the mountain. After we returned to the hostel, we had breakfast, and then slept til noon for lunch.
After lunch, we headed to En Gedi, which is where David fled from King Saul and hid in the caves. We walked a little bit down a path (in the scorching heat - and since Michael made the first hike seem like a walk in the park, when really, it was a lot more than that) we were worried that this walk would have been long and drawn out. But soon enough we came to a waterfall and a pool, where we got to swim for about an hour. It was such a nice relief from the scorching heat of the desert. I then journeyed up to a few more pools and a very large waterfall, called King David's waterfall. After visiting, I came back to a deep pool where people were jumping off rocks into the water. This called to the very depths of my soul, as I have this history of doing stupid things such as this: jumping out of 2nd story windows, monkey swings, trapezes, and the like. But after I convinced Lydia to get up and do it with us, and Billy, Shamir, Lydia and I were on the edge of this rock, this guy yelled at us and told us to get down. Shamir jumped anyway and got an earful. So we had to get down. :-( Hopefully we get to do something else crazy soon instead. We had to leave soon after this incident, and saw a couple of goat-things. There is a better name for them, but I forget what it is.
Outside the grounds, we had a time of praise and worship outside, as this was where David wrote a lot of the psalms. After a while, we had a time of prayer for those called to music ministry. There were about 10 of us, which was surprising. It was a good, powerful time of worship and prayer. A white chocolate ice cream bar sealed off the afternoon with a smile.
Dinner was good tonight - and in honor of Shawna's birthday, we had cake, and I got to lead the singing, woohoo! After that, we had a meeting about our service projects when we get back. I have a really good idea I think to do at the forge, but I need to pray for more guidance. I want to do something big and something that is going to make a difference.
After this, we had a basketball tournament where Rafael took on Esohe. He did eventually beat her, but not by much. I took my laptop and wrote this entire journal entry. However, after this whole basketball event, I lost this entire entry…so this is round 2. Hopefully I covered everything.
Shabat Shalom. From Masada.
Rufus and I hurriedly got dressed and hiked it up the stairs, dreading we'd be the last ones and be left behind. As we reached the meeting place, we, to our horror, found ourselves in an empty room. But there was breakfast with good cake. To squelch our disappointment, we started to eat. Soon after, the rest of the group showed up, one by one, with one exception: our leader. Surprisingly, no one had received a wake up call from him. A messenger was sent to his door, to which a groggy Michael Onifer came out. We left around 4:45.
Billy, Eric, and I took the lead on hiking up this mountain to the city of Masada (2 km hike, 300 m high). This path basically consists of a bunch of zig zagging steep stairs up the mountain. We started out at a jog, but that got old (and tiring) very quickly. It was hot (as we're climbing a mountain in the desert) but we 3 made it up the mountain under 25 minutes. That was pretty impressive. We had the mountain to ourselves for about 10 minutes before the rest of them showed up. I felt kind of sick after all that exercise after a period in my life where I haven't been "exactly physically active." I got over it, though, and as the last of the group made it up the mountain, we were able to watch the sunrise. It was beautiful.
Now some history about Masada. Masada is a fortress built by King Herod to be almost a "winter vacation house". From here he could watch his southern enemy countries. After Jerusalem fell in 70 AD, the Jews and Maccabees fled to this fortress on top of this mountain, the last Jewish community of the time. The Romans chased them there, but the Jews held their own and threw stones down at them and the Romans couldn't take the mountain. The laid seige to the city and cut off their water supply. However, due to the huge amount of storage of water, the Jewish people actually held out for TWO YEARS. After this period of time, the Romans got fed up and decided to end this once and for all. Using Jewish slaves, they built a path to the Eastern Gate (The Jews didn't attack their own). When they got close, the Jewish elders in the community thought that although suicide is a horrible sin, it would be even worse to be captured and see their wives raped and their children enslaved (the Romans were pretty ticked - not being able to capture the city for 2 years and having to camp at the base of the mountain in the desert sun). So each head of house killed his family, and then they all came and drew lots to see who among them would kill the others and himself. When the Romans finally entered the city, they found no one living. In later years, however, a manuscript was discovered, with the chapter of Ezekiel 37 (Ezekiel seeing the dry bones). It was really cool to see how God is resurrecting his people and breathing life into them in the last days (and yes - this prophesy is talking about the JEWS and not the CHURCH) - and even more interesting to see how it was found where these dry bones are still at, buried under the earth of these Jews. The oldest Jewish synagogue in the world is still found on these ruins today.
Kevin, Shamir, and I walked back down the mountain while the majority of the group took the cable car. It somehow worked out that we still got to the bottom at the same time. Kevin has taken a rock about as big as my head as a souvenir of the mountain. We all have given him significant "input" on the notion, but he seems pretty committed to the idea. He carried it the entire time down the mountain. After we returned to the hostel, we had breakfast, and then slept til noon for lunch.
After lunch, we headed to En Gedi, which is where David fled from King Saul and hid in the caves. We walked a little bit down a path (in the scorching heat - and since Michael made the first hike seem like a walk in the park, when really, it was a lot more than that) we were worried that this walk would have been long and drawn out. But soon enough we came to a waterfall and a pool, where we got to swim for about an hour. It was such a nice relief from the scorching heat of the desert. I then journeyed up to a few more pools and a very large waterfall, called King David's waterfall. After visiting, I came back to a deep pool where people were jumping off rocks into the water. This called to the very depths of my soul, as I have this history of doing stupid things such as this: jumping out of 2nd story windows, monkey swings, trapezes, and the like. But after I convinced Lydia to get up and do it with us, and Billy, Shamir, Lydia and I were on the edge of this rock, this guy yelled at us and told us to get down. Shamir jumped anyway and got an earful. So we had to get down. :-( Hopefully we get to do something else crazy soon instead. We had to leave soon after this incident, and saw a couple of goat-things. There is a better name for them, but I forget what it is.
Outside the grounds, we had a time of praise and worship outside, as this was where David wrote a lot of the psalms. After a while, we had a time of prayer for those called to music ministry. There were about 10 of us, which was surprising. It was a good, powerful time of worship and prayer. A white chocolate ice cream bar sealed off the afternoon with a smile.
Dinner was good tonight - and in honor of Shawna's birthday, we had cake, and I got to lead the singing, woohoo! After that, we had a meeting about our service projects when we get back. I have a really good idea I think to do at the forge, but I need to pray for more guidance. I want to do something big and something that is going to make a difference.
After this, we had a basketball tournament where Rafael took on Esohe. He did eventually beat her, but not by much. I took my laptop and wrote this entire journal entry. However, after this whole basketball event, I lost this entire entry…so this is round 2. Hopefully I covered everything.
Shabat Shalom. From Masada.
Day 12 - The Dead Sea
Waking up in a Bedwinian tent is one of those things that you don't forget. What a totally cool experience. Since none of us packed towels, after the dance we did last night, most of us were pretty stinky as we went to bed. We figured we would shower the next day when we got to the next hotel. Well, the flies this morning wanted to remind me how much I stunk (which really wasn't all that bad) so they buzzed around my head until I decided to get up. They didn't seem to take the hint when I swatted them away, time and again. But I got up, and much to my surprise, towels were laying in bags in the center of the tent. I guess the desert fairy had dropped them off during the night. It was cool. So we went to the shower room and had showers with towels. (Well, not really showers WITH towels, but we had towels so that taking a shower was possible). :-D
After that, we went to breakfast in a big tent. We got to sit in chairs for this meal. Typical Israeli breakfast: fruit, weird vegetables, eggs, and pudding. Yum yum eggs and pudding. We discussed worship chouruses that should be removed from the church for about 10 years. Those that come to mind are Heart of Worship, Lord I Lift your name on high, and Let the River Flow. Haha.
When breakfast was over, we loaded the bus and traveled to our hotel and unpacked in our rooms. This time I'm just staying with Rufus in a double. It is small and I seem to have clothes strewn everywhere already. I don't know how they're all gonna fit back in this suitcase. We then proceeded to travel to En Gedi. We stopped at a store and grabbed lunch - I had this really good turkey with carrots, fries, and a banana/apple/orange juice. It was a good lunch - I couldn't even finish it.
On our way to the Dead Sea, we stopped by the Ahava factory, which makes skin care products from all the minerals found in the Dead Sea. When we first got there, we had to watch a documentary about how they make the stuff and about the dead sea, and they had this lady in her bathing suit spilling minerals over herself and laying in the water. We made fun of her - but after almost all the girls bought something from the factory, and pracitacally no guys did, Eric made the observation that maybe if they had a male model, their male sales would go up. :-) I call him Pepperdine for short.
Random fact: David Crowder lives in Dr. Pepper's house. The guy who made the soda.
We finally arrived at the Dead Sea. Burt decided to leave his shoes on the bus and had a terrible time walking on the hot sand all the way down. Kevin eventually carried him. Kevin is from San Antonio and is a children's pastor in Pastor Heagy's church. We waddled down the beach, and set our stuff under an umbrella. (under my umbArella….lol). Then, after sun screening it up, hit the water. It was really hot water…probably like 85-90-95 degrees. Like, really really really warm almost hot water. So I walked out, until I couldn't touch…but I kind of still floated. Its weird because if you just stand straight for a while, either your legs float up in front of you or behind you. You literally cannot sink. Which is cool because I never can float in a pool, no matter how much "my back is straight" or whatever those swim instructors say. It was SO cool. That got old soon though (because of my ADHD - which I really don't have so scratch that. Its one of the most overdiagnosed disorders in the USA and people use it as an excuse for so many things and I don't believe them. So something else just caught my attention). I headed over to the mud pit. Eventually, we all got totally covered in the Dead Sea mud (which is supposed to be a great exfoliant) and then, appeared in a what will soon be a youtube video of us doing an "african chicken dance" led by Rufus. It was so amazing.
After our stunning debut in our youtube video, we decided to let the mud dry, and then wash it off. Most people took it off pretty quickly, because it burned. It didn't do it so much for me, so I kept it on the longest. IT does make your skin a little softer, that's about it. We did some more swimming and then it was time to go. The Dead Sea does take it out of you. Maybe it’s the 33% salinity. After that we had about 2 hours at the hotel to chill and relax before we had to go to dinner. It was nice to lay there and relax and catch up on journaling. Dinner was at 7:00 and I had shnitzel with noodles…like in the Sound of Music. Sondra from Germany say people don't eat shnitzel with noodles…I beg to differ. I have a picture to proove it. Anyway, there was also some turkey meat stuff, and I don't rmember what else. Hummus as always.
At 8:30 we had a meeting. We just spent a lot of time in worship. At the beginning of the worship session, I just felt like I couldn't worship. It was really weird. I think I just felt so unworthy to be used of the Lord and felt like He wouldn't need me, a worthless sinner, to intercede for Israel. It was really hard seeing all these people interceding, and me just sitting there feeling like I'd never be used like that. But then, Eric started praying that God would take the coal and cleanse our lips, like in isaiah (or ezekiel?). Anyway, after that, I remembered that we have been clothed in garments of righteousness; regardless of our past sin. It was such a simple thing to remember - but I think so many times the devil gets a foothold and keeps us from realizing our full potential because he reminds us of our past mistakes and how we're "destined to repeat them." The important thing is that when we ask the Lords forgiveness and and make sure we're operating in HIS strength to overcome our problems. After that, we had a good time of interceding and worship, and I was an active participant. It was Daniella's birthday (from Germany). She is 26. So we laid hands on her and prayed for her. It was a powerful, powerful time. I really didn't expect a lot of people to be pentecostal, but it seems like a majority of us are, and we are operating in the Spirit a lot and I'm learning so much just through our times of prayer. I pray that God takes these things that I'm learning about prayer, worship, and intercession, and that I can take it back home.
When prayer died down, we went down and had birthday cake - which was SOOOO GOOD. I had 2 pieces, and almost ate Ben's because he is lactose intolerant, but it was so rich I didn't know if I could go for a third round. But soon after, around 10, we broke to go get some sleep. Tomorrow we are leaving at 4:15 for a sunrise hike to the top of Masada to see the sunrise from the top of the mountian. (I feel like that last sentence was a tad redundant). Ok, that's about it. I called home today…horrah for Jessica getting out and driving. (I had to mention her sometime)
Shabbat Shalom.
After that, we went to breakfast in a big tent. We got to sit in chairs for this meal. Typical Israeli breakfast: fruit, weird vegetables, eggs, and pudding. Yum yum eggs and pudding. We discussed worship chouruses that should be removed from the church for about 10 years. Those that come to mind are Heart of Worship, Lord I Lift your name on high, and Let the River Flow. Haha.
When breakfast was over, we loaded the bus and traveled to our hotel and unpacked in our rooms. This time I'm just staying with Rufus in a double. It is small and I seem to have clothes strewn everywhere already. I don't know how they're all gonna fit back in this suitcase. We then proceeded to travel to En Gedi. We stopped at a store and grabbed lunch - I had this really good turkey with carrots, fries, and a banana/apple/orange juice. It was a good lunch - I couldn't even finish it.
On our way to the Dead Sea, we stopped by the Ahava factory, which makes skin care products from all the minerals found in the Dead Sea. When we first got there, we had to watch a documentary about how they make the stuff and about the dead sea, and they had this lady in her bathing suit spilling minerals over herself and laying in the water. We made fun of her - but after almost all the girls bought something from the factory, and pracitacally no guys did, Eric made the observation that maybe if they had a male model, their male sales would go up. :-) I call him Pepperdine for short.
Random fact: David Crowder lives in Dr. Pepper's house. The guy who made the soda.
We finally arrived at the Dead Sea. Burt decided to leave his shoes on the bus and had a terrible time walking on the hot sand all the way down. Kevin eventually carried him. Kevin is from San Antonio and is a children's pastor in Pastor Heagy's church. We waddled down the beach, and set our stuff under an umbrella. (under my umbArella….lol). Then, after sun screening it up, hit the water. It was really hot water…probably like 85-90-95 degrees. Like, really really really warm almost hot water. So I walked out, until I couldn't touch…but I kind of still floated. Its weird because if you just stand straight for a while, either your legs float up in front of you or behind you. You literally cannot sink. Which is cool because I never can float in a pool, no matter how much "my back is straight" or whatever those swim instructors say. It was SO cool. That got old soon though (because of my ADHD - which I really don't have so scratch that. Its one of the most overdiagnosed disorders in the USA and people use it as an excuse for so many things and I don't believe them. So something else just caught my attention). I headed over to the mud pit. Eventually, we all got totally covered in the Dead Sea mud (which is supposed to be a great exfoliant) and then, appeared in a what will soon be a youtube video of us doing an "african chicken dance" led by Rufus. It was so amazing.
After our stunning debut in our youtube video, we decided to let the mud dry, and then wash it off. Most people took it off pretty quickly, because it burned. It didn't do it so much for me, so I kept it on the longest. IT does make your skin a little softer, that's about it. We did some more swimming and then it was time to go. The Dead Sea does take it out of you. Maybe it’s the 33% salinity. After that we had about 2 hours at the hotel to chill and relax before we had to go to dinner. It was nice to lay there and relax and catch up on journaling. Dinner was at 7:00 and I had shnitzel with noodles…like in the Sound of Music. Sondra from Germany say people don't eat shnitzel with noodles…I beg to differ. I have a picture to proove it. Anyway, there was also some turkey meat stuff, and I don't rmember what else. Hummus as always.
At 8:30 we had a meeting. We just spent a lot of time in worship. At the beginning of the worship session, I just felt like I couldn't worship. It was really weird. I think I just felt so unworthy to be used of the Lord and felt like He wouldn't need me, a worthless sinner, to intercede for Israel. It was really hard seeing all these people interceding, and me just sitting there feeling like I'd never be used like that. But then, Eric started praying that God would take the coal and cleanse our lips, like in isaiah (or ezekiel?). Anyway, after that, I remembered that we have been clothed in garments of righteousness; regardless of our past sin. It was such a simple thing to remember - but I think so many times the devil gets a foothold and keeps us from realizing our full potential because he reminds us of our past mistakes and how we're "destined to repeat them." The important thing is that when we ask the Lords forgiveness and and make sure we're operating in HIS strength to overcome our problems. After that, we had a good time of interceding and worship, and I was an active participant. It was Daniella's birthday (from Germany). She is 26. So we laid hands on her and prayed for her. It was a powerful, powerful time. I really didn't expect a lot of people to be pentecostal, but it seems like a majority of us are, and we are operating in the Spirit a lot and I'm learning so much just through our times of prayer. I pray that God takes these things that I'm learning about prayer, worship, and intercession, and that I can take it back home.
When prayer died down, we went down and had birthday cake - which was SOOOO GOOD. I had 2 pieces, and almost ate Ben's because he is lactose intolerant, but it was so rich I didn't know if I could go for a third round. But soon after, around 10, we broke to go get some sleep. Tomorrow we are leaving at 4:15 for a sunrise hike to the top of Masada to see the sunrise from the top of the mountian. (I feel like that last sentence was a tad redundant). Ok, that's about it. I called home today…horrah for Jessica getting out and driving. (I had to mention her sometime)
Shabbat Shalom.
Day 11 - Sderot & Kfar HaNokdim
This morning our suitcases had to be outside our rooms at 6:30 - yes this meant it was another early morning. With not getting much sleep the night before due to packing, I think a lot of us were out of it. However, I got my suitcases out in the hallway at 6:36 and I was the first one to do so (oh yeah! Celebration dance!). I then showered and packed an overnight bag for our stay at Kfar HaNokdim. It is a "beduin/bedwin?" place. But more about that later.
We had breakfast and wnet to visit the Barzilai Medical Center. This is the closest hospital and treats all the patients that get injured in the rocket attacks that the Palestinian Authority shoots from the Gaza Strip to Sderot. We toured the hospital and talked with the PR lady and one of the doctors about treating people. They had some nice brownies (without sugar though - or maybe powdered sugar), some homemade prezels (NOT COOKIES as I thought - I also made this mistake in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs) and some little pastry thing that was pretty good with water. We got to see their system for treating mass emergency situations. It is very organized; but it’s a shame that they have gotten so good at this kind of thing because the Sderot people are frequently fired upon. I think the figure was that over 300 rockets have been shot just up til now for the year 2008. People like that don't deserve their own land if they can't act civilized.
After that, we went to a point to view the Gaza Strip and had a guide tell us about it. He kind of shared the same view of Gaza as I just described: He said he believed in peace, and was all for evacuating Gaza so that they could have their own land and independence. But, now they continue to fire upon innocent civilians in Sderot. There is nothing "politically correct" or justifiable in their actions. They are taking innocent lives. Yet the United Nations constantly condemns Israel. It's ridiculous.
Wwe had lunch at a little place a while later that had the typical Israeli meal - but with this really good curry fish. Oh, and apparenty this beef that was cooked in beer. A lot of the people said they could smell and taste it, but apparently the alcohol cooks out of it. In any case, that beef wasn't very good. Not very good at all. But praise God, the fish was excellent. I think I had three helpings.
Random thing that I think I am getting set on: when I was younger, I used to always want to prove how smart I was by going to an ivy league school, the best of the best being Harvard. I think when reality sunk in, and the fact that I wanted to be a missionary came into play, Harvard was excluded from the top college choices. But one of my friends here, Esohe, just graduated from there with a Masters in Education. And it’s a one year program. And they like people with "diversified" undergraduate degrees. (And probably if I'm serious about this I should start studying for the GRE's now). Just one thing I'm thinking about.
Following lunch, we had a Q & A session with the tour guide, who is starting a school in the area to prep people to run for politics with a good, spiritual heart for Israel. His plan is innovative and I will pray that it becomes sucessful. We said goodbye to him about an hour later, and headed to Ben Giorun (sp?) University to visit an Israel Experience Alumnus. He is getting his doctorate there in international medicine. Through the Israel Experience he has made connections and some Jewish sponsor is actually going to pay for him to study in Ethiopia with a doctor one summer. This program is all about making connections I guess. Whatever can get me into Harvard I say… :-)
People went to the ATMs on campus then to get sheckels. You needed your passport to get money on campus though, and of course mine was packed below. So I had a friend get me some money and paid him back in american cash. Rufus, Hope, Kevin, and I had the entire tour bus to sleep on for about an hour while everyone else exchanged money at the ATM. When everyone got back safely, we went and journeyed into the desert. I think we almost drove off a cliff once, which was a little scary. Thank God for good brakes. We litterally journeyed into the middle of nowhere, and directly in te middle of nowhere there is this small village Bedwin place (I remember that because it rhymes with Edwin). We got there, unpacked our overnight bags real fast, and then had a camel ride for about a half hour. Maybe that's being a little generous on the time, but yeah. It was fun. Ben and I shared a camel. Those things are definitely bouncy. Your legs start to hurt after riding them a while. If I'm a missionary in an Arab country, hopefully I'll be an A/G missionary and get a Speed the Light vehicle. Not a camel.
Returning from the camel ride, we sat down to a dinner, Bedwin-ian style. We sat on the floor indian style, and had little raised trays on metal "tables" that suspended them about 2 feet off the ground. We had a bunch of rice wrapped in a huge tortilla looking thing, with some pieces of meet. Then we had all the toppings in bowls around it. There was a weird mustard sauce, some veggies, and some other quetionable things that we didn't really eat. Haha. We had a lot of extra "tortilla" wrap things, and also smaller ones that looked like pupusas from Nicaragua. We devoured it pretty fast. Ben, Esohe, Kevin, Burtrand, and I shared one "table." Dessert was plums and really sweet hot tea. I wasn't feeling either of those too much.
Our post-dinner show was an entertainer on his mandolin, where we all gathered in this huge tent. There was some ritual where you had to drink 2 or 3 cups of coffee. I thought it would be good to drink at least one, so I grabbed the second one. It tasted like DIRT. Coffie grinds and water. Without a coffee taste. D-I-R-T. And I'm going to be a missionary so I might have to shut it up. But that wasn't so good. He asked for some volunteers to sing and dance for him while he played his mandolin thing, and at first no one wanted to, but eventuallly we had a big dance circle going. IT was a lot of fun, and really tiring. We tried doing the Horah thing in a circle, going in, coming out, doing a freestle thing in the middle. Lydia (NYU) and I did the thing where you bend down low and kick your feet out. Harder, MUCH HARDER, than it looks. We sang "Avah..Naketa hava…da da da da da…lol" But we had a lot of fun. When in rome…
We had a bon fire later that night, where Burtrand kept throwing more and more straw on the fire and Shamir about had a capillary burst cause he thought it was gonna catch the whole place on fire. But Michael reminded him that Burtrand is from the Amazon…and that calmed him down. Haha. We had a good time of worship around the fire, though a lot of the songs were very high pitched and my voice started to go. After worship, we all slept in one huge bedwinian tent. All 26 of us. On mats, and we had sleeping bags for when it got cold (which it did - around 4 in the morning). IT was a really fun day - and I keep thinking it can't get better….and it does.
God is good. Blessings from Israel.
We had breakfast and wnet to visit the Barzilai Medical Center. This is the closest hospital and treats all the patients that get injured in the rocket attacks that the Palestinian Authority shoots from the Gaza Strip to Sderot. We toured the hospital and talked with the PR lady and one of the doctors about treating people. They had some nice brownies (without sugar though - or maybe powdered sugar), some homemade prezels (NOT COOKIES as I thought - I also made this mistake in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs) and some little pastry thing that was pretty good with water. We got to see their system for treating mass emergency situations. It is very organized; but it’s a shame that they have gotten so good at this kind of thing because the Sderot people are frequently fired upon. I think the figure was that over 300 rockets have been shot just up til now for the year 2008. People like that don't deserve their own land if they can't act civilized.
After that, we went to a point to view the Gaza Strip and had a guide tell us about it. He kind of shared the same view of Gaza as I just described: He said he believed in peace, and was all for evacuating Gaza so that they could have their own land and independence. But, now they continue to fire upon innocent civilians in Sderot. There is nothing "politically correct" or justifiable in their actions. They are taking innocent lives. Yet the United Nations constantly condemns Israel. It's ridiculous.
Wwe had lunch at a little place a while later that had the typical Israeli meal - but with this really good curry fish. Oh, and apparenty this beef that was cooked in beer. A lot of the people said they could smell and taste it, but apparently the alcohol cooks out of it. In any case, that beef wasn't very good. Not very good at all. But praise God, the fish was excellent. I think I had three helpings.
Random thing that I think I am getting set on: when I was younger, I used to always want to prove how smart I was by going to an ivy league school, the best of the best being Harvard. I think when reality sunk in, and the fact that I wanted to be a missionary came into play, Harvard was excluded from the top college choices. But one of my friends here, Esohe, just graduated from there with a Masters in Education. And it’s a one year program. And they like people with "diversified" undergraduate degrees. (And probably if I'm serious about this I should start studying for the GRE's now). Just one thing I'm thinking about.
Following lunch, we had a Q & A session with the tour guide, who is starting a school in the area to prep people to run for politics with a good, spiritual heart for Israel. His plan is innovative and I will pray that it becomes sucessful. We said goodbye to him about an hour later, and headed to Ben Giorun (sp?) University to visit an Israel Experience Alumnus. He is getting his doctorate there in international medicine. Through the Israel Experience he has made connections and some Jewish sponsor is actually going to pay for him to study in Ethiopia with a doctor one summer. This program is all about making connections I guess. Whatever can get me into Harvard I say… :-)
People went to the ATMs on campus then to get sheckels. You needed your passport to get money on campus though, and of course mine was packed below. So I had a friend get me some money and paid him back in american cash. Rufus, Hope, Kevin, and I had the entire tour bus to sleep on for about an hour while everyone else exchanged money at the ATM. When everyone got back safely, we went and journeyed into the desert. I think we almost drove off a cliff once, which was a little scary. Thank God for good brakes. We litterally journeyed into the middle of nowhere, and directly in te middle of nowhere there is this small village Bedwin place (I remember that because it rhymes with Edwin). We got there, unpacked our overnight bags real fast, and then had a camel ride for about a half hour. Maybe that's being a little generous on the time, but yeah. It was fun. Ben and I shared a camel. Those things are definitely bouncy. Your legs start to hurt after riding them a while. If I'm a missionary in an Arab country, hopefully I'll be an A/G missionary and get a Speed the Light vehicle. Not a camel.
Returning from the camel ride, we sat down to a dinner, Bedwin-ian style. We sat on the floor indian style, and had little raised trays on metal "tables" that suspended them about 2 feet off the ground. We had a bunch of rice wrapped in a huge tortilla looking thing, with some pieces of meet. Then we had all the toppings in bowls around it. There was a weird mustard sauce, some veggies, and some other quetionable things that we didn't really eat. Haha. We had a lot of extra "tortilla" wrap things, and also smaller ones that looked like pupusas from Nicaragua. We devoured it pretty fast. Ben, Esohe, Kevin, Burtrand, and I shared one "table." Dessert was plums and really sweet hot tea. I wasn't feeling either of those too much.
Our post-dinner show was an entertainer on his mandolin, where we all gathered in this huge tent. There was some ritual where you had to drink 2 or 3 cups of coffee. I thought it would be good to drink at least one, so I grabbed the second one. It tasted like DIRT. Coffie grinds and water. Without a coffee taste. D-I-R-T. And I'm going to be a missionary so I might have to shut it up. But that wasn't so good. He asked for some volunteers to sing and dance for him while he played his mandolin thing, and at first no one wanted to, but eventuallly we had a big dance circle going. IT was a lot of fun, and really tiring. We tried doing the Horah thing in a circle, going in, coming out, doing a freestle thing in the middle. Lydia (NYU) and I did the thing where you bend down low and kick your feet out. Harder, MUCH HARDER, than it looks. We sang "Avah..Naketa hava…da da da da da…lol" But we had a lot of fun. When in rome…
We had a bon fire later that night, where Burtrand kept throwing more and more straw on the fire and Shamir about had a capillary burst cause he thought it was gonna catch the whole place on fire. But Michael reminded him that Burtrand is from the Amazon…and that calmed him down. Haha. We had a good time of worship around the fire, though a lot of the songs were very high pitched and my voice started to go. After worship, we all slept in one huge bedwinian tent. All 26 of us. On mats, and we had sleeping bags for when it got cold (which it did - around 4 in the morning). IT was a really fun day - and I keep thinking it can't get better….and it does.
God is good. Blessings from Israel.
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