Meeting the Team

Hello, hello. So, I wasn't expecting to be typing up another blog post so soon, but already my thoughts are exploding and I haven't even gotten to Israel yet!

My ORIGINS team is absolutely fabulous. I feel completely comfortable with each one of them which is really weird for me. Usually, I'm the quiet girl for the first couple of days and then when I feel completely comfortable, then I'll start being myself. But I jumped right in with this group and the lady at the hotel was even surprised to hear that we had just met each other only a few hours ago.
My roommate is Kaytra Copper and she is wonderful. I was going to take a picture but unfortunately she's in a bit of a dilemma right now as her hair gel spilled all over her suitcase. Just what you need right before you travel to another country for a month, right? So, that'll be coming later.

I am now even more excited for this trip than I was before now that I have met who I will be traveling with. Tonight we got to hear about how everyone heard about the trip and what they want to gain from it and it was just amazing being able to hear what everyone had to say. Their love for God and their desire to learn about the Jewish people and their culture just blows me away.

Something that Bruce, our leader, said was that at the end of the trip, though the touring of course is so important and it will definitely be impactful to be able to walk where Jesus walked, the best part of the trip will probably be the first two weeks when we are able to actually be with the Jewish people. Communicate with them. Learn about them by being with them.

That is how you learn. I have grown up with a love for Jewish people and Israel, but I think I will truly be able to appreciate them for who they are once I am able to spend more time with them and help them and just BE with them. Just being there and volunteering at the hospital will be a testimony to them and I can only hope that I can be an impact on them like I know they will be to me.

So, here I go. Learning to love like I have never loved before. I am so thankful that God has blessed me with this opportunity and blessed me with this wonderful team.

Thank you for all of your support and encouragement. You have no idea how much this means to me and how much of an impact you are making in not only my life, but many others that we may never even know.

So, as my last day in America, I say goodbye (I just learned the Hebrew word for goodnight but I have no idea how to spell it!) and hello Israel. I am ready to sweat!! :)