May 27. Click here for day 10 photos
This morning was a little later morning for us. We were able to sleep in some which was nice for many, especially those who have not been feeling very well. There are a few with some stomach issues which we pray will not get worse as we anticipate the long flight back home. We loaded the bus at about 10 am with great anticipation of going back to Israel from Jordan. There was still residual sand in the air from the sandstorm, cars were covered with sand, and visibility was low. But off we went. We went through border control which went very quickly and without any issues as well as we changed buses and got Haim back (Haim has been our driver for the entire time in Israel), which was very exciting for all of us to have him back!! He is a great driver and has such a sweet, quiet spirit about him. Many claps for him when we saw him and we were on our way. As we crossed over the border many of us wanted to kiss the ground. There was a surprising feeling; it felt like we were home. Yes, Israel has made it into many of our hearts. Immediately the group began to chatter back and forth and laughter radiated through the bus. The cloud of oppression lifted and many hearts felt peace which had not been felt in the two days while in Jordan. The weather was beautifully inviting and the sun was shining. There was no more evidence of the sand storm!
On our way to Jerusalem we drove through a newer settlement that had been built in the desert. It was great to be able to see some neighborhoods and get a little window into the Israeli homes and lives. What was once dry and barren is now beautiful homes for many Jews. It was like a little suburbia. It was Shabbat today so it was a bit busy with everyone trying to get home, kids were getting out of school half day, and traffic was pretty heavy. It was just interesting getting a glimpse into their lives.
After our little drive thru tour, we arrived at the hotel and all got out our luggage and did the needed packing and unpacking, distributing weight, to get ready for going to the airport. We had 3 hours of free time. Some who weren’t feeling so well opted to just hang out in the hotel, while others went into the Old City to do a bit more shopping and grab something to eat, perhaps a last Shwarma, or Falafel!!! Some love it some don’t!!!!
After 5 o’clock we left the hotel and headed to eat our last meal in Israel. We went to a Lebanese restaurant and enjoyed a delicious meal and some wonderful sharing time with one another. This journey has impacted each one of us in one way or another. It was neat to share a few of those things that have touched us deeply, and share the things that are at the forefront of our hearts. There is no doubt that God has revealed so much to many, but my heart tells me He has so much more to reveal as we go back to our normal daily lives. He will continue to use this journey in so many ways. I have to ask myself, how is this trip going to impact my life? What does God have for us in and from this experience? Jeremiah 29:11 says, “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” What speaks loudly in my heart is what Christ did for me; He became sin for me, and for you. What an AMAZING sacrifice. And what an honor it is to be a Child of Him, a Child of THE King. I leave this beautiful land having walked where He walked and seeing where He paid the biggest sacrifice with a deeper love for Him, a deeper understanding of Him, and an open heart for what He has in store for my future. It’s exciting. I am thrilled that He saw it fit to have me be a part of this journey with such wonderful people. And I am excited about the future He has planned for many of us.
We arrived at the airport at 8 o’clock….wow what a LONG process that was. Arriving 4 hours early is a must! Some were questioned and security procedures were pretty intense. It took about two and a half hours for the last two to get through. Their security is very thorough which is comforting. We walked on the plane and here we are sitting on the plane as I type! We have an 11 hour flight and then we will be home, home with many more memories, many more friends, and a deeper love and understanding of His chosen people. We are all SO excited to see our families and friends.
Thank you for walking this journey with us through prayer and following us through the pictures and journals. We are so thankful for God’s protection over us all these last 11 days.
And thank you to all of my new friends that walked this amazing journey with Scott and I, Diane, Joe, Steve, Donna, Jeff, Joanna, Dave, Christopher, Marge, Maryanne, Marnie, Mary Jane, Glen, David, Donna, Dave, Heather, John, Mark, Susan, Paul, Gary, Kathryn, Beverly, Marilyn, Dale, Anne, Jeanette, Russ, Staush, Bobbie, John, Renee, Jill, and Laurel! What a spectacular group of people that He has brought together. It has been fun wandering through God’s land with you all……a trip of a lifetime, never to be forgotten.
Shabbat Shalom and blessings to you all, Tiffany
Today was our first full day of ministry and we were so blessed to see God moving! Thank you for your prayers because we can see God working through us in so many ways! In the morning we broke up into teams. The first team did construction at the brown house (the ministry house). We are building a log cabin/play house in the backyard for the kids in the neighborhood so some of the kids helped Doug and Mark begin sanding the wood and building the foundations for the cabin. Another team visited with and mowed the lawn of an elderly lady named Rose and her husband. One of the teams helped paint murals on the fence behind the brown house. The idea is to eventually paint stories from Genesis through Revelation. Our team is helping paint stories in Genesis. There were also many other little projects that happened that morning. Even though the Salvation Army and the Life Center were closed, everyone was excited about the events of the morning and we had fun improvising.