Mediterranean Sea

June 16

Shalom from Israel! Today was yet another wonderful day in the Holy Land. The adventure of the day was going to the Mediterranean Sea! We got to sleep in a little bit and had lunch at noon and then from there we went to the beach. It was absolutely gorgeous. The water was clear and the perfect temperature. We also played some Frisbee and volleyball (both which I am awfully terrible…).

Some interesting things also happened throughout the day. For instance, I saw one of the girls Priscilla by herself talking to an Israeli man so I went over to see what was up. Well, I’ve learned that the Israeli culture is very direct and this man had no problem in telling Priscilla that he took a liking to her. So, for the next half hour or so, I did not leave Priscilla’s side as she continuously got hit on by this man! He even proposed! Some of the guys came over after a while and got us away by saying we were going to play volleyball, so it all worked out. But we did get to share with him a little bit about why we were here in Israel, and he thought we were so weird when we said we were volunteers! He also found out that we were believers in Yeshua, Jesus, and also asked why because he didn’t believe in any God. So, for a few minutes we got to share a little bit before the subject was changed. So, hey, maybe a little something good came out of his creepiness. ;) It was pretty funny, though!

I also learned that Ashdod beach that we were on is mentioned several times in the Bible. One time in particular that Bruce mentioned was when the Ark was taken from the Israelites. One thing that he said that I hadn’t thought of before was why the Ark had been taken. It was because they didn’t have the right perspective of God. They were treating Him like a vending machine, or a good luck charm. That is not the God we serve. It really made me think about my perception of God. I really try hard not to think of God that way because of the all-powerful God He is. But now that I think about it, I do sometimes. For instance, in my finances. When I was trying to raise money for this trip I almost just expected God to provide all of it in full. Some of my friends who were going on other trips were managing to get fully funded and I thought, well, why shouldn’t I? I mean, I am going to His land! I was confused on why when it came time to leave, I was still not fully funded. Wow. Was my perception of God wrong! I can’t just expect Him to do things for me, even if it is with right intentions. God is not my vending machine. He is my Father and He does what He knows is best for me even when I don’t always understand. I have to put my full trust in Him and know that He is POWERFUL. I cannot shrink God down into something that my little human mind can understand. When it comes down to it, I CAN’T fully comprehend God. And you know what? I’m glad! I don’t want to serve a God that a sinful human mind can comprehend. I love that God is SO great that it takes a lifetime—an eternity to be able to understand. It gives me the opportunity to learn and grow in Him more and more each day and it’s wonderful! That’s what makes this a relationship.

I am also learning more about the Jewish people and their culture. We talked tonight to give a mini orientation on how to connect with Jewish people when working in the hospitals (we start tomorrow!). Their faith (not necessarily meaning practicing) is what defines them and as long as they stick with what they were “destined” to be, they will make it to Heaven. It is this life that matters most to them. They don’t intermingle, like only Jewish people can marry Jewish people. Arabs can only marry Arabs, etc. So to them, I would be a traitor if they knew I was a Jewish believer. I also learned not to wear a cross because it reminds them of the persecution that Christians have put them through. This saddens me. But I just have to remind myself that we are not the Christians that persecuted them, and I will try my best to be a testimony to them and show them that there is a difference! There is a difference in the way we live and through the relationship we have with God. How Yeshua has saved me from myself and this life. The joy that He can give in your life!

Even if it’s only a smile that can make someone’s day. If only I can plant seeds through the next few weeks, with taking initiative and being helpful. Serving with a servant’s heart.

Why am I here? Because I love God. God loves Israel. I love what God loves. I hope that I am able to show that. I just want to show them God’s love.

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