Starting the Tour

July 1

Wow, I can’t believe it’s July already!! I don’t know how many times I’ve said this already, but time is flying!! Today was our first day of touring. It’s definitely a change of pace!! Always moving and I definitely FEEL like more of a tourist instead of being immersed into the culture like I’ve been for the past few weeks!!

It was amazing though. You can see all my pictures that I’ve posted to see all where I’ve been. Pictures can say it much more than words. But we went to the Independence Hall and got a little tour there which was really interesting! Israel has been through so much, it’s insane. It was really cool to be at the place where it all began. After that we went to Cesaria (sorry if my spelling isn’t on my game, I am trying to get this done really fast so I can get to bed!) and it was amazing. I mean, just to be at the place where all these historical events and where all these people that I admire have been is just… I don’t even know what word to use!! I am just in awe of the opportunity I have been given by being here. It is absolutely amazing. I’ve really been learning so much history and there is so much application as well!! For instance, I was at the place where Herod was eaten by worms because he did not give the glory that God deserved. And it just really makes you think, wow. Do I give God the glory that He deserves?? When people compliment me on a job well done, or even when people critique me… do I give that all up to God? Or do I take it upon myself?? It’s a tough question to ask yourself!! And honestly, yet another thing I have to work on in myself!

We got to our lodge which is really nice, its right along the sea so we got to do some swimming! It was super nice because it was really hot today!! Sadly for my roommate Kaytra and I… our air conditioning in the room is broken!! And no fan!! It’s going to be a hot night… I just took a freezing cold shower. Who knew a cold shower could feel so good!! Anyway, we had buffet for dinner which was really good and then of course had devotions, continuing on in Philippians. We talked about imitating our Messiah’s humility. In order for all of us believers to be united into one body, we all must be humble and selfless. As in, SELFLESS. As in, we must put ourselves below others. We cannot think of ourselves as superior to anyone, which can sometimes be easy to do… This is not to say that we can’t pursue our interests and be proud of the things we accomplish, but whatever we do we must give all the glory to God. And we must never prioritize ourselves and our selfish ambitions over others. Simple as that! Ha. If only it were as easy said than done.

Anyway, it’s only been the first day and I’ve already been learning so much! I wish I could write every single detail down, but I really have to get to bed so that I can be just as awake tomorrow!

As usual, I love my team. They’re still amazing and I get emotional every time I think about saying goodbye. But as I said before, it’s about living in the here and now. Enjoying every second as it comes.