Some things in life we just know in our hearts of hearts that no matter how difficult they may become we just need to press on and see it through – in the end we are glad that we did. Usually we end up better for having the experience. Funny though, while we are in the midst of difficulty it’s hard to see the other side of it all.
My journey to get to Tel Aviv began at the airport on Saturday at 6:30am – and I didn’t arrive until 5:30pm on Monday! The difficulties I’ve experienced on this road to Jerusalem are all part of the adventure and the plan and part of the blessing. Yes, even waiting 10 hours for a connection, then sitting on the runway for 3 hours and then a cancelled flight…a blessing. It hasn’t been a piece of cake but God never promised us easy living here on earth. There’s a lesson in this! And a blessing in this!
Tonight I met the group as they arrived into the hotel. We passed out room keys, gave directions to dinner and explained how to work the unusual elevators! It was lots of fun to meet the people that Lumi and I have talked to on the phone! I learned that some people in the group had their own struggles to get here… luggage has been lost, a flight was overbooked and someone was bumped, aches and pains and no sleep just to name a few. But they all pressed on and they are here! (ok, well the one who was bumped will arrive tomorrow, with a blessing to share I bet!) I look forward to meeting everyone and learning the story of how God brought them here at this moment in time. Everyone has a story. By the end of this week we will see how the difficulties triumph into blessings… and the people that you kissed good-bye yesterday? Well,they will return no doubt changed; because when you come to Israel whether it's your 1st time or 100th time...you'll never be the same. Stay tuned!
Side note to Mary and Naidean…tomorrow is the wall!
Goodnight for now,
Kim
Shalom Kim! I so enjoy reading your blog. It's fun to follow along with you as you describe the events each day. We love the pictures, especially the one of you by the Eastern Gate. It's wonderful that you could get so close to the back side of it. Naidean and I are with you in spirit. We have been praying for you and the group everyday. We know the Lord will touch hearts and change lives as He always does with people on the tour. It is amazing to see how He always does this. There is no place like Jerusalem!! We wish we could be there with you, but as you know, we are looking forward to the February tour!! Please say hello to Pete, Drew, Daniela and our Jerusalem friends. God bless you! Mary Hardt
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