Explore Israel with LeSEA Tours

Psalm 121:1 - Can you guess where we are?

2012-02-11T14:22:00.000-05:00

Psalm 121:1 - A song of ascents. I lift up my eyes to the hills--where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, Maker of heaven and earth.

Jerusalem! Jerusalem!

The last few days I've been listening to people talking with each other on the tour. It's so interesting to hear the first impressions of those who come to Jerusalem for the first time.

I feel the Holy Spirit everywhere!

There is a special feeling here and it touches my soul.

I feel like I am home...

At the end of each day I say to myself, this was the best day. Each day is so wonderful.

There is so much to see and learn here. I can't wait to come back!

I'm sorry I waited this long to come here.

There is no place on earth like Jerusalem!

Jerusalem is indeed a special place, that touches your soul and feels like home. Where you never want to leave because there is no place on earth like it. If you've never been here you can't really "get it". You read these words with curiosity but you don't truly get it until you've walked the streets in the Old City, prayed at the Western Wall, followed the same path that Jesus carried His cross to His crucificion and gazed upon the Eastern Gate that Christ will return through. Until you've experienced it for yourself it's hard to understand the impact that visiting Israel makes on your life.

If you're reading this blog and have never been to Israel, I urge you to stop right now and pray. "Lord, make a way!" He WILL make a way. And you know that longing you feel when you read or hear someone talk about the Holy Land? Listen to it. God has a special blessing for you here. Don't live with regrets - life is too short. The Lord WILL make a way and when He opens the door, you need to walk through it.

When you travel to Israel with LeSEA Tours, you will not travel alone. We will be right here with you every step of the way. There is no stress or worries while you are with us, because we will take care of everything. All the details of your trip will be taken care of by us - you will simply relax and allow yourself to feel God's presence in a whole new way. How awesome is THAT? ("Pretty awesome, Kim!")

Today was an emotional day. The highlight for me was when we visited Golgotha and when we actually stepped into His EMPTY tomb and saw where He laid! We celebrated His resurrection by taking Communion right in front of the tomb! Singing and praying and remembering the sacrifice He made for us...

Tomorrow is another thrilling day of exploring the Old City... it's hard to get to sleep some nights realizing where I am. The exact place on Earth that God chose for His home. I'm here! I'm here in Jerusalem!

Kim

Feb 8, 2012 - "Down by the River..."

2012-02-10T08:14:00.000-05:00

Ahhh yes! This is the day that we explore the Galilee region which includes a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee AND water baptism in the Jordan River. It was a goose-bump kind if day. A kind of day that makes you want to giggle a little every once in a while just because you feel so much joy in where you are. Today, I will let the pictures do the talking... You might even get a goose-bump or two just looking at them!

Boarding the wooden boats on the Sea of Galilee! Jesus walked on these waters!

Happy Boaters!

Pastor David Sumrall teaching us on the boat.

The BEAUTIFUL reactions from being baptized in the Jordan River!

Look how happy Pastor Abraham was to have the opportunity to baptize his two daughters and his wife in the Jordan River! Precious moments.

Never give up your dreams! She's a beautiful 80 "something" year old and she braved the cold waters of the Jordan to show her commitment to Christ. Just look at the joy and love in the faces of her friends and family supporting her. (second pic) This truly was a day to remember...

Goosebumps anyone?

Have you been to Israel yet? Have you been before, but want to come back and experience it through the eyes of a second timer? Each visit is surprisingly different. Give us a call and let us explain how easy and affordable it is to travel to Israel with us.

Feb 7, 2012 - We are in Israel!

2012-02-10T03:53:00.000-05:00

What a thrilling few day's it has been! You know how it is... We’ve all felt the excitement and anticipation that comes before a big event. Sometimes there is little anxiety and sometimes we even daydream of what is to come and what we might expect. Well, traveling to Israel, whether it’s your first time or your 15th time will bring to you a plethora of emotions and anticipation. Will my plane get delayed? Did I pack the right clothes? You try to picture yourself in the Holy Land; like one of the people you’ve undoubtedly seen on the television program. Will I like the food? And more often than any of those questions; what does God have in store for me? Will I hear from Him? Will my life be changed?

123 people came to Israel with many of these questions in their head as did I. In each step of our journey the questions and anxiety began to fade. As they arrived at the airport they immediately met people in our group! LeSEA Tours met them shortly after deplaning and our guides were right there waiting for them. And it wasn’t long before they were driving along the coastline of the Mediterranean Sea headed the first stop of many in the days ahead. We were standing in the Holy Land! Breathing the air, touching what has been left behind from much different days. And though we were tired - it was a long flight and a long day... I could see by the smiling faces at dinner tonight and by hearing the laughter, that each person in our group was thrilled to be here and looking forward to tomorrow.

And more pictures!

2011-11-13T15:11:00.000-05:00

The Wedding Church in Cana - Jesus' first miracle!

"One dollar, one dollar...." Street venders are everywhere and the temptation for shopping is great!

We all wondered if Bruce would make it into the Church of the Nativity. The entrance is small and Bruce is, well, not. Love his smile!!

Bus 1 group picture at Mount Scopus

A first century carpenters workshop in Nazareth Village

A demonstration on how the first century oil press worked with a live donkey! Getting oil was NOT an easy task!

Laughter...

2011-11-13T14:20:00.000-05:00

Saturday

First of all I want to make a shout out to our friends at Anders Dermatology in Toledo Ohio! Hey, aren’t you suppose to be working right now….? Haha- just kidding, I'm glad you're here!

What a wonderful time in Jerusalem we are having! We arrived on Friday evening to our hotel. It was Shabbat which means we are learning a lot about how Israel celebrates the weekend. It’s family time and worship time! The Orthodox take Shabbat very seriously and many come to Jerusalem, stay in the hotels and attend the synagogue. For the Orthodox there are MANY rules to follow during Shabbat. They cannot work or do anything that will require someone else to work for them for one. So, there is a Shabbat elevator in the hotel for example, which is preset so they can enter the elevator and because they can’t press any buttons (that would be considered work) the elevator stops on every floor. During Shabbat the streets are empty because everyone is home with their families. Right now it is Saturday night and Shabbat ended at sunset. The stores and restaurants have opened (even this late!) and people are coming out and celebrating the rest of their weekend. It’s really a whole other world here. There is so much to learn and understand. It makes me think about how I spend my Sunday’s at home. A day of rest? Not so much for me. I want to work on this!

Today we started the day with a group photo on the top of Mount Scopus. There is a beautiful view of the Old City from here. Then we went to the Upper Room and to King David’s Tomb. Then to Caiaphas’ House. After that we went to Bethlehem – and let’s talk about another word! Even though Bethlehem is in Israel it is a very different atmosphere than the rest of the country. Of course it’s Palestinian controlled and life is very different there. It’s not easy to enter Bethlehem. There is a lot of security in and out… and when you finally do get to the Church of the Nativity the line to see the manger cave is long. It’s pretty exhausting and if you’re not careful you could easily miss out on the significance of this place. But who can come to Israel and not visit the place where the Jesus was born? As frustrating as it is to travel to Bethlehem, I encouraged everyone to see past the hassle of it all, to look through the icons and rituals all around us and to remember just what happened here… and the importance of this event. The birth of Jesus Christ.
Not all of our groups come to Bethlehem. Sometimes it’s just too difficult, takes too much time and prohibits us from seeing other important places. Sometimes there are security issues. But we did it; we visited Bethlehem and remembered the miracle.

It was a great day – but do you want to know what I think of first as I sit here reminiscing about today’s events? Dinner. Tonight’s dinner was noisy and packed full of people. The hotel, all the hotels are full because Israel is enjoying a time of tourism maximus. (I made up that word, I know) So, the dining room included people from all over the world who just like us have traveled Jerusalem and explored the Holy Land. We were all tired…but what I remember and cherish tonight is the laughter! Laughter – lots of laughter from every direction…smiling faces enjoying a meal with new friends, talking about the events of the day and enjoying a good laugh. Good times, good times…

Tomorrow is a big day! We will walk the same path that Jesus took with the cross…and so much more. Until then… Shalom!

Kim

Pictures, pictures and more pictures!

2011-11-11T15:31:00.001-05:00

Oh brother! It only took me a few HOURS to figure out how to get my camera to work with my computer so that you could have the pictures that I promised you. But it was worth every second because I love to post pictures of us having a great time in Israel! Here you go, ENJOY! And feel free to comment on them!

Visit Israel, you'll never be the same!

Kim

I listened...

2011-11-09T15:34:00.000-05:00

I watched today. I listened and watched. That’s the best part of my job. This morning I watched as our group ate breakfast and boarded their buses for a thrilling day of walking in the footsteps of Jesus in the Galilee area. I’m so blessed. I chose to ride bus 3 today to start. Our guide was Ra’anan, or Ronnie and even though I’ve been with him many times in the past, I always hear something new and interesting. Ok, well – maybe not some of his jokes, but I found myself laughing anyway. He has a unique way with words. The way he can paint a picture and take me back to some far distant past is amazing. I found myself closing my eyes many times as he described places not as they were today, but as they were in Jesus’ day.

Caesarea Philippi was first on our itinerary. It’s way up north in the “finger tip” of Israel along the Lebanon border. Along the drive we all listened to Ra’anan talk about this area. The Galilee area. The Sea of Galilee, the Golan Heights and so much more. As he talked, the Sea of Galilee became smaller and smaller outside our window and the views were incredible. I listened to those around me on the bus too and I enjoyed the excitement of seeing these sites for the first time through their eyes. “Oh my goodness!” That was Nic’s repeated reaction to the first impressions of the Galilee region. It was so fun to hear the excitement in his voice and the others around me pointing out places and things that were interesting while snapping pictures and taking it all in.

After Caesarea Philippi we came back down to the lowest fresh water lake in the world, the Sea of Galilee and visited the Mount of Beatitudes and also Capernaum, Jesus’ home town for the three main ministry years of his life. Ra’anan helped make it all come together and explained everything in such a way that my eyes were opened and could see and understand much clearer than I had in the past. I caught myself a couple times stopping in my tracks and thinking… “Could Jesus have stood in this very spot?” The answer was YES, it’s VERY possible that Jesus could have stood or walked on the same paths we took today. It’s actually highly likely even, knowing what the Bible says and learning too from the archeological proof. This was my theme of the day! I put myself in Jesus’ shoes and used my mind’s eye to create life in His day. It wasn’t very hard with Ra’anan’s expertise showing me the way with his clever and descriptive words and the fact that the Galilee region is the most untouched locations where Jesus lived and ministered.

I’ve been here before, it’s true – but it never gets old. Today, with my new theme, I sat on a wooden boat on the Sea of Galilee… a boat that is a replica of a boat in the time of Jesus. After we sang and prayed and learned about the lake we took a few minutes of silence. This silence was the best part of the boat ride. To sit there, on this boat in the middle of the lake with only the noise of the waves lapping on the sides was touching. I put myself in Jesus’ shoes (ok, sandals) again and I thought of Him and the disciples on a boat like this fishing for their daily catch…I thought of their reactions during a sudden storm and also pictured them disappointed after not catching a thing and then pulling in their nets after Jesus told them too…nets full of fish! I bet their laughter and joy was heard across the lake echoing for miles! Oh the conversations that must have taken place in the noiseless world they lived in. Without cars and buses, boat motors and airplanes overhead. Loud speakers, televisions blaring, cell phones ringing. The silence was beautiful and natural and I realized just how much noise I have in my life. Not only noise. But even the noise of distractions and hustle and bustle of life, the many thoughts running through my head of my busy day or week etc. It’s all noise really. I want to listen past the noise. And I have a feeling that while I’m listening, I will hear… is anybody where I’m going with this????

I’m sorry to say that I could not down load pictures tonight. I am somewhat technically challenged and in my rush to leave for the airport forgot an important component to downloading pictures onto my computer. Yea, the cable. I forgot it. Well, I do have a backup plan, so if you’ll bare with me one more day I truly intend to show great pictures of this day.

This day ended like no other day – ever! You just can’t duplicate a special day like today. We were baptized in the Jordan River today. Oh My Goodness! What a lump in your throat, goosebump kind of day! I’m sitting here struggling to find the right words to express what our baptism was like but I’m struggling. The emotion and the spiritual connection that was felt was overwhelming. I will just say this… there was singing, clapping and shouts of praise. There were tears of joy and hugging and more tears of joy. I heard whispers of thanks for our Savior from faces that were buried into a loved one’s neck. Tomorrow I will post the pictures, I hope you’ll check back and see if you recognize any of the glowing faces.

Thank you Jesus, that’s all I’ve got left to say about today…Amen.

Kim

Shalom and welcome to the Holy Land!

2011-11-08T15:47:00.000-05:00

The group landed in Tel Aviv and got a beautiful welcome to Israel by stopping at some of the most breathtaking places on their way to the hotel. Caesarea by the Sea which are ruins along the Mediterranean Sea’s shoreline (say THAT five times fast!). This is a beautiful stop and it was gorgeous weather to boot! The waves crashing along the shoreline, the fresh sea air…and magnificent ruins to explore! From there they stopped at Megiddo and also at Mt. Carmel, where I always get goose bumps! I’m planning to ask a show of hands tomorrow of how many people got goose bumps overlooking the enormous valley of Armageddon at Mt. Carmel too! I know that I’m not alone!

It was a big day and even though I could see the weariness on their faces when they walked into the hotel tonight, I could also see a joy behind the tired eyes. They are in the Holy Land! A dream is coming true.
Tomorrow, our wake- up call is early and we have another big day ahead of us but stay tuned to see the joy in their faces when I post pictures of them enjoying the most incredible places on earth. Places that we have read about in the Bible throughout our lives. Places that God chose for miracles to occur. Places that Jesus walked, taught and healed… Places that at one point in our lives we couldn’t even imagine having the opportunity to visit, and yet, here we are!

Tomorrow morning God will bless us with a beautiful sunrise over the Sea of Galilee and I know that I know… that God has great things in store for us while we are here. Amen!

Please pray for a good night’s sleep for everyone!

Shalom and good night! Oh and feel free to leave messages on the blog for your friends and family, I'll pass them along!

Kim

Travel Day!

2011-11-07T10:19:00.000-05:00

Today is a travel day and everyone is making their way to the airport. Excited and anxious to step foot on the Holy Land. The flight is long but surprisingly comfortable with meals and movies and sleep. Tomorrow morning they will arrive and visit some breath taking spots along the way to the hotel. Come back for updates!

This is no ordinary place!

2011-05-11T08:28:00.000-04:00

There's nothing like spending a week in Israel in the summer! LeSEA Tours is gearing up for another trip to the Holy Land in June and everyone is VERY excited about it. Why? Great question! A visit to Israel in the summer guarantees you GORGEOUS weather! The sun will shine every day! It will be warm – sometimes hot, but it’s very tolerable. The days are longer and with the great weather, you will have the opportunity to walk around the city and markets after you return from touring for the day!

The hotel we will be staying at on this trip is called the Dan Panorama. It’s in the heart of Jerusalem – a fantastic location to walk to the Old City, to Ben Yehuda Street, the German Colony – just about anywhere! Grab an after dinner coffee right across the street with the new friends you’ve made or take a walk to the Western Wall and marvel at the evening prayers being lifted up to heaven. I look forward to the smells in the air and to hear the enchanting sounds of the Holy City. I love the adventure of not knowing what God has in store for me. What will He reveal? How will I be touched by Him? Make no mistake about it, I know that God will move and lives will be changed – there is no doubt.

God has chosen this group of people at this divine time to visit and commune with Him in a very special way. This is no ordinary place and this is no ordinary visit. This is a pilgrimage!

Are coming with us this June?

Free day choices - mud, cable cars and history!

2011-03-09T23:16:00.000-05:00

The options you have on your free day on a LeSEA Tour are endless. After all you're in Jerusalem! The Holy City is right beneath your feet.

Some people will venture out on their own and revisit favorite places, like the Western Wall. Or grab a taxi and visit Bethlehem and the Church of the Nativity. (more about Bethlehem later) The Old City corridors are another fun place to walk around in and mingle with daily life. You’ll pass barber shops, meat markets where the meat is hanging freely for your choosing and spices are piled high displayed in beautiful colors. The smells of food cooking, coffee shops with delicious cappuccinos and pastries and of course the sounds of shop keepers calling you to “come in and take a look” are all part of the experience here. You can expect to get lost in the market place but don’t fret. Relax and have fun. When you are ready to find your way out just ask “which way to the Jaffa Gate,” everyone speaks English and everyone is willing to help you. My best advise is to use cash for your purchases (they accept USD) and haggle for what you want. It’s just the way it’s done. Whatever you buy here will be linked to the memory of this special day.

Many people will choose to purchase the tour offered by LeSEA which includes traveling to Masada and taking a cable car to the top to learn about the amazing people who lived and died here. Then a stop at Qumran for lunch and a chance to view the actual caves where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found. Right here! The story of how these ancient scrolls were found is fascinating. Afterward, you will get to slip on their bathing suit and experience the unsinkable Dead Sea, the lowest place on planet earth! The mud along the shore line is good for your skin and therefore gives adults a great excuse for “playing in the mud”! Kate and I sure did. How could we pass up that opportunity! I don’t care how old you are, playing in the mud is just plain fun!

What did YOU do on your free day? Send in your pictures!

Whatever you choose to do on this day, you will meet back at the hotel for a very special farewell dinner where we will say good-bye to all our new friends. With heavy hearts and a lump in our throats we will leave Jerusalem after dinner and are transferred back to the airport for our midnight flight home. 99% of people I’ve talked to tell me that the ride back to the airport is melancholy. It’s feels like your leaving “home”. There is just something special about this place that draws you in and makes you feel like you belong here. And you do!

If you want to experience this for yourself. Request the free information packet today We can show you how this dream can be a reality!

Shalom my friends, for now,

Kim

Covering the country of Israel

2011-02-19T15:04:00.000-05:00

We have really covered a lot of ground this week! Yesterday we drove to the coast and visited Caesarea by the Sea, Megiddo, Mt. Carmel and Nazareth. Today we went to Mt. Scopus, Mt of Olives, walked the "Palm Sunday route", Garden of Gethsemane, Church of All Nations, the Upper Room, Caiaphas House, a Bethlehem overlook and the communion at the Garden Tomb! Whoa! That’s a lot of ground in two days. It’s no wonder I’m tired. So tired that today I will post pictures of the last two days instead of talking about them. I know that’s what you want to see anyway!

Here you go… enjoy!

Now... time to rest.

Tomorrow is Masada, Qumran Caves and floating in the Dead Sea!

Shalom,
Kim

"Wow" Day!

2011-02-17T16:57:00.000-05:00

Today was full of "Wow's". I heard it from my daughter, Kate when we first stopped at Bet She'an. "Wow". That's just about all she could say for 30 minutes. I really did try to talk to her, but all I got back in return was; Oh WOW. I understood where she was coming from because all I could answer in return was, "yea, I know."

Back on the bus to Tiberias where we boarded a boat for a ride on the Sea of Galilee! What a beautiful day to be on the water that Jesus walked on! Pinch- ouch! - yep, I'm really here...

Pastor Al even renewed the wedding vows of Miriam and Jacinto - they have been married 50 years this year! What a beautiful place and a touching moment to reconnect and renew their love for each other and to Jesus.

"I have decided to follow Jesus..."

That is what we sang as those getting baptised today lined up in the chilly waters of the Jordan River. I didn't see that the water was bothering them though - What I saw were faces that were focused and serious at what they were about to participate in. A water baptism in the Jordan River just as John baptised Jesus in these same waters!

Here are a few photo's. More to come!

And we drove back to Jerusalem with our hearts full... what a day! What a day indeed! "Wow!"

Kim

Hit the ground running...

2011-02-17T15:47:00.000-05:00

No nonsense here. When we start touring, we really don't mess around. Today we started off early to get to the temple mount. It's only opened for a few hours and only on certain days. Sometimes we can't get up there at all - so today is special and we begin our day walking around the temple mount and learning about how and why the muslems have been given religious rights to this area. On our way to the entrance we are able to take some great photo's of the Western Wall from up high. This is a rare treat to get pictures looking down like this. Awesome!

Before we left the mount we walked over to the most amazing place... It was the EASTERN GATE from the back side! This gate is sealed with cement and there is a cemetery outside of it; all in hopes to block the way for Jesus's return. (like that will stop Him!) Naidean and I got chills just being so close to this gate. Just to think about Jesus's return and where we were standing...(I'm serious when I tell you that I had to pinch myself!) It's just so unreal to be here sometimes.

After we left the temple mount we started The Way of the Cross. It was an interesting journey through the Old City narrow streets. We stopped many times along the way for our guide to give us details.

Here we are on temple mount.

And here we are during the way of the cross. Listening very intently. It's so thrilling to be right here where Jesus was. He could have been standing on this very spot! I think Kate was pinching herself too (she is my 16year old daughter in the orange coat) She didn't speak too much on the way of the cross... I think she was deep in thought.

Our first day was filled with so many wonderful places and experiences. The Western Wall was so amazing and powerful and then at the end of the day we stopped at Yad Vashem, the Holocaust Memorial. It was somber, but so important to remember - and so important in understanding the people here.

Exhausted but happy... tomorrow might just be my favorite day of all!

Until then...
Kim

We are HERE!

2011-02-17T15:08:00.000-05:00

For some this was the longest flight they have ever taken. For a few this was their first airline flight they’ve ever taken! And we are here! The group arrived at the hotel in the morning so their rooms were not quite ready for them to check in yet. It didn’t take them long though to park their luggage and take off exploring Jerusalem! Some went to shop, some when to eat and some went to the lobby for some sleep. (Hey that rhymed) By 1pm they were all in their rooms and settling in (or still exploring!). We met at dinner for our first Israeli meal together as a group. It was nice to hear from Pete Sumrall who reminded us how important it is for us to get some sleep tonight and also not to sweat the small stuff while we travel…to remember the big picture of why we are here. Pastor Al introduced us to the happy couple who came to Israel with us and had gotten married the previous day! (Valentines Day) How sweet is that? This is the first time someone has gotten married on one of our tours. Most of us didn’t stay long after dinner since we were so tired. Tomorrow is the first day of touring and we have a lot to see and do.

Good night everyone!
Kim

Let the countdown begin!

2011-01-11T17:14:00.006-05:00

I looked at the calendar today and my mouth fell open. It's January 14th already! We will be in Israel in 31 days! In just a month we will be walking and exploring the land of the Bible. I can't wait to smell the air and hear the enchanting sounds of the city. I look forward to the short walk to Ben Yehuda Street in the evenings to listen to the street musicians and people watch. The hotel is perfectly located to explore Jerusalem and get a feel for the city. A walk in the other direction will take us to the Jaffa Gate and the Mamilla Shopping area. A perfect union of Old and New City shopping - anything you need can be found in this area! I like to sit down with a cappuccino and yes... people watch!

Two year ago my son Travis traveled with me to Israel and we had such fun time together. He made me laugh and explore Israel in a way I had never done before! This year my 16 year old daughter Kate will be joining me! I am so excited to show her this wonderful place! She and I and about 80 others are soon to begin an adventure of a lifetime. Check back and watch the adventue onfold! And just think...YOU can be on the next adventure of YOUR life!

If you want some information on our tours to Israel, let me know and I'll be happy to send you the details!

Naidean, Mary, Amelia and Wanda...I can't wait to see what God has planned for all of us once again!

...written on their faces...

2010-11-14T15:00:00.016-05:00

It was an emotional day for me - and for others as well. Each one of us had moments today that took our breath away. Sometimes I heard the moments in verbal gasps and other times I could just look at someone's face and see it. Kim E's moment I believe was in Saint Anne's church. Pastor Blakes and the Wagners, the Wall. Everyone has had their moments today of awe. We started the day early to get in line to clear security to enter the Temple Mount. We were pleasantly surprised how quickly the line moved and we soon found ourselves standing right next to the Dome of the Rock, Al Aqsa Mosque and the back side of the Eastern Gate! If you ever read my previous blogs you might know that the Eastern Gate is a favorite of mine - and - to be able to stand so close to it is always such a thrill for me that I feel 16years old all over again. (giggly!) Yes, as you can see the gate is sealed!

The reason it's sealed is facinating and you simply must come here to find out why! Let's just put it this way...No amount of cement and rock will keep Jesus from returning through this gate when He returns! Nice Try!

From there we went to the Pools of Bethesda and a stop in Saint Anne's Church for some beautiful singing inside an ancient church made for fabulous acoustics. While we were there we noticed that John Hagee was up front singing and praying for people! It was quite a moment for some people.

Look at Anne's face...She's pretty thrilled don't you think?

Walking the stations of the cross was touching and and also an exciting adventure! The Old City market was crazy busy! It's normally crazy but add the "busy" to it and wow!

Hair cut anyone?

At the end of the day Pastor Blakes blessed us with words God provided to him and I could see it on some faces that when he described the day and God's hand on it, that they agreed and felt it too. Off to bed with wonder on how the next day could top this one...
Shalom,
Kim

More pictures!

2010-11-13T16:52:00.008-05:00

Here's more pictures from the day. After dinner we were taken to David's Citadel and watched a very moving sound and light show, then walked to the Western Wall! It was awesome to see the Western Wall at night!

Dinner is over but great conversations with new friends keep going...

Love this picture of Johnnie Mae taken after she was baptised in the Jordan River! Praise the Lord!

And of course... METV is here in the hotel and Dr. Sumrall's teachings as well...

Yawn... early morning tomorrow...must sleep! More tomorrow!

Kim

Jerusalem!

2010-11-13T08:51:00.008-05:00

Wow- Israel is jam packed with tourists! I read that over 1 million tourists traveled to Israel in just the first 4 monts alone but now I see with my own eyes the number of tour buses and people from all over the world. They are here! Here with the same purpose. It's so awesome to pass another group...from another part of the world. I love to say Hello and it seems the only way we can communicate is "God Bless You" and I get choked up thinking about how all these people from all over the world are here for the same reason I am - we are truely brothers and sisters in Christ! Whoo Hoo!

Our day started off at Mount Scopus where we took bus photo's and a group photo. It's also a good spot to start and try to get a grasp of where we are, logistically. Then we moved up to the Mount of Olives and walked the Palm Sunday route to the Garden of Gethsemane. JESUS WAS HERE! He prayed here so often! WOW!!!

Here are some pictures... more to come!

Bus #1 - Ami's bus -(below) They were too busy laughing at Ami than my picture! Good thing we had a professional photographer there. Look at those smiles! I love it!

Bus #2 - Eli's bus (above)- You guys did the best job with "visit Israel, you'll never be the same" - I bet you make it on TV when we put the next program together! Fun!!

And Bus #3 - Mark's bus - You guys are WILD! You made me laugh! Look at the smiles!

Eli, Bus #2 tells his group about the Old City walls, explains where the Garden of Gethsemene is from here and how it relates to where the Garden Tomb is...etc. It's a good starting point!

Alfreda Noble -I love your hat! She just bought it from a vender on Mount Scopus! Beautiful!

More pictures and details to come. I just had a few moments so I wanted to share these!
Blessings!
Kim

Arrival into Jerusalem

2010-11-12T14:30:00.006-05:00

Today was a big day! We packed and loaded and drove and walked and ate and walked and took pictures and laughed and walked and prayed and drove and walked and took pictures and listened and arrived into Jerusalem with a dramatic welcome singing..."JER - U - SALEM! JER - U - SALEM!" Wow what a fantastic goose pimply way to arrive to the most significate city on earth! The son of God came to Jerusalem and died here...for us. And WE ARE HERE!

We are HERE!

We unloaded, learned about Shabbat...waited for elevators and unpacked and ate and settled into our new hotel here in Jerusalem. Tomorrow morning our day starts with a group picture and the Mount of Olives...and our first time to really gaze on the Eastern Gate and imagine Christ's return.

I was so busy tonight getting everyone checked in and settled in that I forgot my camera...forgive me! I promise to have LOTS of pictures tomorrow!

Here's a few from the past dinners...

Pastor R. C. Blakes spoke briefly on our day while in Tiberias -

Stay tuned to hear about our exciting adventure tomorrow!

Shabbat Shalom!
Kim

We are here!

2010-11-11T15:07:00.008-05:00

I can barely keep my eyes open…but I MUST BLOG!!! I promised I would and so I must! I honestly didn’t know that anyone actually read the blog! But I’m hearing from some of you that you are waiting patiently for a group update. This is exciting and I’m glad you are here!

And YES! We are all here! Yes, even Johnnie Mae! (She’s had trouble with the phone and could not call home and asked me to post this note to her family! She’s doing great and says hello!)
This is Johnnie Mae planting her very own tree in Israel!

We had a couple of ladies who missed the flight from Newark due to an airline mechanical issue but they were blessed to get Lumi to help them secure a flight only a day later and miss only 1 place on the itinerary! It was miraculous what Lumi did! Those flights were oversold and yet these 4 ladies got a seat on the plane! Thank you Lumi!

Oh my, we have done so much in the short time we have been here. Here, is in Tiberias. Our hotel is on the shores of the Sea of Galilee. Here is a few from my room – which is similar to everyone. The sunrise is extraordinary, breath taking, magnificent, glorious!!! (I really like the sunrise – can you tell?)
I mean really… WE ARE LOOKING AT THE SAME WATER THAT JESUS WALKED ON! Somebody pinch me!

Some of us got baptized in the Jordan River on the very first day. (Talk about digging right in and experiencing the land of the Bible!) No matter how many times I’ve been here to see this…it still makes me get a lump in my throat. It’s powerful and 81 people on this trip felt the power. Amen!

Here are some pictures to check out… see anyone you know? Want to leave them a message? Just make a comment! I’d love to hear from you!

((above)This is Art - he is one cool traveler!)

We are on our way to Jerusalem tomorrow! WOW!

Kim

Surrender, for God's best for our lives

2010-09-01T08:25:00.000-04:00

September is a hectic month here at LeSEA Tours. Lumi and I are busy preparing for the upcoming November Israel tour! We are receiving final payments, processing airline tickets, name tags, luggage tags and many other documents that need to be completed as we get closer to our exciting departure. It’s easy to get caught up and frazzled in the busyness of the office these days with 40 messages waiting for a call back and a plethora of paperwork to do… I’m sure you can relate in your own way, through your own crazy Monday’s, cluttered desks and living rooms, kids schedules, bills, appointments and deadlines. Stress happens. Recently when I thought I’ve had just about all I can handle, God gently reminded me that He was waiting to take back control of my life if I was willing to surrender it. What a relief! Somewhere I had lost my focus. I am reminded that in surrendering, we admit that God is ultimately in control of everything, including our present circumstances. Surrendering helps us to let go of whatever has been holding us back from God’s best for our lives. Each person in their own way has surrendered to be on this trip. Finances were not easy for some, but they surrendered to Him. Family and friends questioned their judgment, some struggled with taking time off of work; others were uneasy about the unfamiliar foods and culture they would experience. Surrendering is all part of a life changing step. Can you feel that gentle reminder too? 1 Peter 5:7 casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.

It's technical!

2010-06-20T08:02:00.000-04:00

Technology can really be awesome and helpful and then there are times when you count on it and it fails. This is one of those times and for whatever reason this hotel has some challenges with its internet. For two days I’ve tried to get online and haven’t been able to. That’s two days of blogging missed! Ugh! I will do my best to update the blog as soon as possible with pictures and stories. I’m doing my best to remember what Pete Sumrall said on the first night “Don’t sweat the small stuff and don’t let small set backs interfere with your time here” So I decided that the internet is small in the grand scheme of life really. But I wanted to let you know anyway...

In the meantime, if you have friends and family on the tour, know that they are having a wonderful time! It’s hotter than average this week and it has worn us out. But overall this has been a beautiful time to be in Israel. Today is the “free day” and 38 people went on the Masada optional tour. I know that they will enjoy getting into the Dead Sea today and cooling off. Tonight we celebrate our farewell dinner together because tomorrow morning we board our flight to come home. Seems like yesterday we just got here…yet we have seen and learned so much that my head is spinning. I’m sure that I’m not alone!

We had an emotional communion service at the Garden Tomb yesterday. It was great to see that tomb empty and to remember… (pictures coming soon!)

We walked down from the Mount of Olives to the Garden of Gethsemane…visited the Upper Room… I tell you these are amazing places to visit. We will be coming home changed people that’s for sure!

Home soon –
Kim

Taking it all in...

2010-06-18T10:32:00.000-04:00

I'm sitting on my balcony and thinking about the amazing day we just had. Car's are honking their horns, loud vehicles pass on the street 8 stories below me, groups of people laughing by the pool to my left. Jerusalem is like a different world from where we just came from - the Galilee.

We left this morning heading north and our first stop was Beit She'an, Israel's largest archeogical dig. Beit She’an is a fascinating place; huge and inspiring. A whole city destroyed in an earthquake now uncovered to teach us. I daydream about what it would have been like for me to live back then in this once elaborate city.

Back in the air conditioned bus we head for the Sea of Galilee… a lake actually which is now called Lake Kinneret. This is in the Galilee region of Israel where Jesus spent most of his time. This area, as far as you can see is quiet and peaceful! They can't build a church over the lake...and the have strict rules about buildings built around the lake...so around here it's easy to picture Jesus walking along the water's edge and spending time ministering. We boarded a wooden framed boat very appropriate I would say; to represent a boat Jesus would have taken out on the water.

Before we could sail out to the middle of the lake and cut the motors I looked around and saw people weeping with emotion. I saw faces turned outward onto the lake and hillside, silent in contemplation and I saw hands raised.

My heart aches as I share this experience with people who feel the same way I do. THIS, is my favorite place…

Pastor Al spoke briefly and Ronnie, one of our guides gave us some details of the area before we headed to the other side of the lake for lunch. St. Peter’s fish! (optional of course)

The day passed and most of the group was anxious for our last stop. The baptism! Wearing white robes…I heard someone say that our group looked like angels!

The water was refreshing both physically and spiritually. While waiting their turn in line people sang hymns and prepared their hearts. They were getting baptized in the Jordan River just like Jesus did!

Emotions were high, tears were shed – I saw one woman sob gently after she was baptized, overcome with the opportunity to be in the Jordan River and grateful for our Lord’s sacrifice.

Most of us came here not knowing anyone but I saw today what a closes bond that is being made in the group; looking out for one another, supporting each other physically and spiritually. I can see life long friendships being made already!

It was a beautiful life changing day... what are you waiting for? Come to Israel!

Kim

Breathtaking day 1

2010-06-16T18:20:00.000-04:00

I can barely keep my eyes open, I’m so very tired – but I must update everyone on the first day of touring! Wow- what a g-r-e-a-t day! I rode on bus #2 today and Amnon is the guide. Amnon has this great way of teaching and we are enjoying him greatly. Our day began with breakfast outside in the terrace! Sounds wonderful? It was! We ate outside with the beautiful morning sun and it was a tasty buffet! I LOVE to eat outside.

It wasn’t long and we were traveling along the Old City walls to the Dung Gate. This is the gate closest to the entrance of the Temple Mount and the Western Wall. The Temple Mount was our first stop – climbing the walkway gave us a birds eye view of the Western Wall that not many people have the opportunity to see. Amnon stopped here so we could take pictures. It was breathtaking!

The coolest thing about being on the Temple Mount to me was the opportunity to stand just feet away from the backside of the Eastern Gate! Today was the closest I’ve ever gotten to this very special place…

From here we visited the Pools of Bethesda and St. Anne’s Church where 2 people from our group sang beautifully while the acoustics here in this ancient church amazed us. (Here is a picture of Lisa reading scripture at the Pool of Bethesda)

It was enlightening to walk the Via Dolorosa – way of the cross. We tried hard not to get distracted by the shop keepers calling out to us but it was difficult. There is so much going on in such a small area. We stopped for lunch and ate outside in the market. Some of us got falafel and some got shawarma (does anyone know how to spell that? haha). I’m all about a falafel in the Old City. Its tradition – everyone should have a falafel when they come to Israel! Yum!

We wondered through the Christian Quarter, the Jewish Quarter and Cardo to end up at the Western Wall. We burned a lot of calories today! It was hot, sunny and I was thankful I wore my comfortable shoes!

The Western Wall is a moving place for me. Over 3 million people visit the wall annually. I have to pinch myself because I just can’t believe I am here. I had prepared several prayers on small pieces of paper and when I went down to pray I found peace slipping the prayers into the cracks in the wall. I prayed for so many things and so many people and then…I just gave them all over to Him. Your Will be done is all that kept running through my mind.

If you know me, you know that I love the sun, warm weather and summer time. I drive my kids crazy because I don’t run the air conditioner in the summer. I have a pretty high heat tolerance you might say. But today…after all that walking, when we got back into our air conditioned luxury bus that our bus driver had stocked with water…I was so grateful for Michael Faraday (the inventor of the air conditioner)!

Last stop… Yad Vashem. Coming to Yad Vashem is a necessity to any trip to Israel. Visiting this memorial to the Jewish victims of the Holocaust is heart breaking and leaves me with a knot in my throat for 2 hours. Walking through and hearing the stories, seeing the pictures and items recovered from this tragedy is tough – but so important. Part of me wants to outright sob at times and then I turn the corner and I find myself extremely mad. Mad that the world sat by and did nothing. Nothing! Oh don’t get me started!

I had time to relax before dinner and guess what…it was OUTSIDE! We had a lovely dinner with beautiful tables set up elegantly around the poolside deck. Rafi Ben Hur, the deputy director-general of the Ministry of Tourism spoke to our group during dessert. It was really nice to hear from him! It was a great day – great evening and now… I must sleep because tomorrow is my favorite day and I need my sleep! What is tomorrow you ask? Better stop by and see…. You won’t be disappointed, I’ll be sure to take lots of pictures!
I’d love to hear from you… any messages you want me to pass on to your loved ones on the tour? Just let me know!

Exhausted and blessed,
Kim

The Saturday, 630am to Monday 5:30pm blessing..

2010-06-15T15:24:00.000-04:00

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

Counting down...

2010-06-02T18:52:00.000-04:00

Everyone here at LeSEA Broadcasting is feeling the anticipation that comes joyfully before each Israel tour! And personally, no matter how many times I go to Israel – I still feel the butterflies! Yes, the countdown to the June tour has begun. The phones have been ringing with excited voices asking questions about what to pack and what the weather will be like. In less than two weeks we will be walking where Jesus walked; where He taught, where He performed miracles and where He died for us! The 70 people of whom God has chosen for this journey will never be the same. They will meet people that will become life long friends, their Bible reading will come alive and their relationship with Christ will become closer than ever before. If you are not one of the 70 coming with us next month, you can come on our next trip – there are still some openings for you to join us in November. In the meantime, would you please pray for this very special God appointed group? They are coming from all over the United States and meeting in faith in Israel – trusting God as they heard Him calling on their hearts to join this group and visit the Holy Land. My prayer is simple… Father, let each heart be open to the wonderful blessings you so graciously want to present to us. Help us to hear your voice, surrender to your will and allow you to direct our paths… in Jesus name, Amen!
If you want to keep track of the group while we are in Israel you can come back and visit. I'll send pictures and daily updates!

With butterflies,
Kim

2010-03-23T09:33:00.000-04:00

Dear LeSEA Tours,

I felt in awe from the first step I took in the Holy Land. I thought everything was so fantastic…then one day I stumbled on one of the steps while walking on the Way of the Cross. I hurt my foot and was afraid that the tour was over for me. I have arthritis in every bone in my body and hurting my foot did not help. Our next stop was the Western Wall. When I had gotten to the top of the stairs and looked down on the Western Wall I felt a burning inside my body from the tips of my toes to the top of my head! The closer I got to the Wall the hotter the burning feeling became. I placed my prayers in the Wall and told the Lord that I was expecting my healing in the name of Jesus and thanked Him. As I backed away from the Wall and turned and walked away toward our tour guide the pain I felt in my whole body was gone! I to this day have felt no pain in my bones. I told my Doctor. He cried. Thank you and most important THANK GOD! Amen.

Wanda West

Ahhh sweet Wanda West traveled on a LeSEA Tour just last month and took the time to write us about her miracle healing that took place at the Western Wall. The February tour touched not only Wanda’s life, it changed the life of many people. LeSEA Tour’s give’s God the glory and is honored to play a small role in facilitating the travel to such a powerful and important place where lives are transformed. Come to Israel and feel God’s power for yourself. Daily I am reminded of the continued work that the Lord has been doing in our lives since our return home from Israel. From Wanda and Amelia, Mary and Naidean to June's friend and even myself - Had we not traveled to Israel would this all be happening? I truely believe God has blessed us with our love of Israel and our faithfulness to visit His Holy Land. If you are feeling drawn to Israel you are being promised a blessing in hearing His call.

If you've traveled to Israel and God has touched you in a special way, I'd love to hear about it!

Kim

Lumi!

2010-02-19T08:54:00.000-05:00

There's nothing like coming back to the office and to be welcomed back by Lumi. Ahh Lumi! She is the sweetest soul I know, and a very crucial member of our team here. I don't know what I would do without her. She has such a heart for Israel and such a heart for people in general. When you call LeSEA Tours, you will most likely be greeted by Lumi's beautiful Romanian accent. She will answer all your questions and guide you thru the easy steps of your journey. She will cry when you cry, laugh when you laugh and after you hang up, she will usually say a quiet prayer for you. She is all about love and we indeed love HER!

Thank you for all you do Lumi!

Kim

"Remember when...?"

2010-02-16T10:48:00.000-05:00

“It’s hard to leave.” I said sadly to Daniela our Israeli hostess and friend as we waited outside the hotel for the luggage to get put under the bus. A handful of us stood on the side walk, stalling to board the bus until the very last minute. Horns are honking, a dog barking, a warm breeze on our cheeks, and a hint of exhaust drifting over from the street nearby, people walking – Absorbing our surroundings. I bet each of us was vowing silently not to forget this moment. I know I was.

Air travel is the greatest invention! I’m drinking coffee 37,000 feet above the ground. My body is moving at 535 mph and outside my window its -83 degrees. How is this all possible and do I really want to know all these details because it kind of freaks me out! There is 4 hours and 19 minutes to our destination. (Newark) I’ve been watching the tracking map that Continental displays through-out the flight. I watched it a week ago too, but this time I notice that I have a different feeling.

Reyklavink. That’s the city that I see on the map now. Iceland is not far from us. I watched as we flew over Athens, Rome, Berlin and London and wondered what life was like for them. Do they know Jesus?

I had such a wonderful time, met the greatest people, walking the steps of Christ! It’s so bittersweet to leave! I was really excited to hear that Frank gathered everyone’s email/snail mail information and is planning to keep everyone in contact with each other. I also heard the excitement of many people who are planning to return…some are planning another trip this year!

February, June and November every year… I’ll be there and hope you will too! A big fear I have for myself and others is “living with regret”. Lumi and I talk to so many people on a daily basis who we hear in their voice the passion to visit Israel. It’s strong, it’s emotional and they are so hopeful that they will get there someday. I pray that each of you who have yearning in your heart to visit Israel will listen to it…pray about it. God placed it there. He wants you to come, visit, and draw closer to Him in this land… This is where God chose for His son to be born… and for Him to die on the cross for us. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again…because it is so true… You will never be the same. Don’t wait too long to do something about that feeling you have in your gut. Life is shorter than we expect sometimes. God wants you to live a full and blessed life. I am thinking about Amy, Derrick, Jessica and Lake right now. This is a family who came this week and will be talking about this trip for the rest of their lives! What a bond, what a family vacation to change the dynamics for the good in each of their relationships. “Jessica, remember when we rode a boat on the Sea of Galilee…?”

What a trip.

With a big sigh,
Kim

Hey, is anyone out there? I'd love to hear from you!

Scott and Jane!

2010-02-14T09:32:00.001-05:00

Oh Scott! You cracked us up in the Old City yesterday! Do you even know how many heads that head-scarf has been on? ewwwww! (Just kidding!)

You and Jane are a blessing to have on the trip!

Mary and Naidean!

2010-02-14T09:27:00.000-05:00

For all of you who are curious who are celebrity guests are who are celebrating their 10 year anniversary. (They met here 10 years ago on tour and have been best friends since!) This is their 11th trip to Israel!

My surprise blessing...

2010-02-13T10:58:00.000-05:00

Today was a "WOW" day for me but I didn't go very far away from the hotel. I didn't visit any Holy sites. But I've been touched and blessed! You know, I've been to Israel quite a few times...my heart is here and I love the land and it's people and I am blessed to work for LeSEA and to be able to come often. But sometimes, like today, I wasn't touched by the country or by a specific place I visited - I found myself touched by the people who have come here to experience it. I've gotten to know so many people in the group and I'm amazed how God has put the right people in our lives at just the right time. I'm not surprised...just amazed! I'm sure everyone in this group would agree that God has His mighty hands all over us, working His perfect will into our lives, opening our eyes and hearts to not only His home...but to each other.

Only in this very special place, only this week and only with these God chosen people placed here all together by His loving hands.

Today I went to the U.S. Consulate in Jerusalem. I didn't go alone, I went with another tour member to help her with some paperwork. This remarkable woman shared a fraction of "her story" with me. And as my chest grew heavy and my heart broke, she reassured me that God has blessed her (and even others) through the hardships that she is experiencing. All I can tell you is that she touched me and this is a day that will be engraved in my heart. And this amazing woman will be someone that I will always remember.

Humbled by His love,
Kim

All about the water...

2010-02-12T07:49:00.000-05:00

Scott and Jane Johnson say hello to those special blog viewers! You know who you are! We had a beautiful day in the Lord today! Scott and Jane are just two of the many smiling faces!

Today we went up north to the Galilee. Our first stop was Bet She’an. This is the largest archeological dig in Israel and is simply amazing. You could literally spend 2 full days here exploring the city that was destroyed in a major earthquake. It’s one of my favorite spots actually and what a beautiful day!
The sun was out and we enjoyed temperatures in the high 70’s! (Sorry all of you who are snowed in back home!)

After Bet She’an we moved onward to Tiberias. This is the area of the country where Jesus lived and performed most of His miracles…very awesome! We got on a boat that looked a lot the “Jesus boat” that was discovered years ago. (A boat that scientists feel date back to the time of Jesus.) Looking around the area from out on the boat was so beautiful.
The hills surrounding the lake were the greenest I’ve ever seen! Usually the hills are bare and brown because of the lack of rain, but today after a lot of rain in the last few weeks the hills are very green and beautiful! The water on the lake was pretty choppy and there were several times that waves splashed up and blessed our clothes and hair with the water that Jesus walked on! We cut the motors, sang songs, and Pastor David Sumrall talked about Peter and letting God use our failures…

Then he renewed the marriage vows of two couples on the tour. What he said about marriage…wow. He made us all stop and think…

The day was one goose bumps moment after another. After the boat we ate at St. Peter's fish! Well, most of us. Jessica and I thought we'd try out the pasta since the fish looks back at you while you eat it...and if you've read my blog, you know my rule about eating things that look back at you. (It just doesn't happen!) But really it was a fun lunch.

After lunch Capernaum, Mount of Beatitudes, Tabgha and .... yes! The baptism! 80 people braved the cold spring waters of the Jordan River! I'm so glad they did and so are they. I'll just let the pictures of the day speak for themselves.

Tomorrow I have some work business...but it's interesting so come back here about it AND I'll give you the latest group update!

Oh, and a crazy picture of Mary and Naidean! ha!

Night!

Kim

Pinch...."Ouch!!!"

2010-02-11T16:03:00.000-05:00

Pinch…ouch!

Hi Mom! I’m in Israel!

Today we got our first look of Jerusalem. Jerusalem! We started out today with a group photo on Mt. Scopus. Mt. Scopus gives us a panorama view of the Old City and it’s a great place to take a photo with the whole group. But the next stop was even better…. The Mount of Olives! Oh yea! The Mount of Olives! Please, please look up the Mt. of Olives in the Bible. This place is where some of the most amazing things have happened and WILL happen. It’s definitely a goose bumps place. Am I really standing here? Pinch, ouch! Yes, I am!

The Eastern Gate… I could stare at the Eastern Gate for a long time. Jesus is coming thru this gate you know! Pinch…ouch! Wow!

I do this most the day… Garden of Gethsemane, Upper Room…pinch…ouch! House of Caiaphas, Yad Vashem…Pinch…ouch! Then to top the day off, we got back to the hotel in time to relax before dinner and after dinner Pastor Dave Sumrall from the Philippines enlightened us about our Bibles! I’m sooooo tired!!

Tomorrow is my favorite day…come back and find out why!

Kim

We are here!

2010-02-11T15:30:00.000-05:00

“Ladies and gentlemen we will be arriving into Tel Aviv in just a few moments...”
What?
Already?

My day started off like a lot of people on this flight… with the alarm going off way early! For me it started with the alarm going off at 2am to catch my flight with the group. It was a long day – but I must say I didn’t feel as weary as I thought I would. I think it was the excitement of seeing all the LeSEA Tour’s name tags at the airport! Traveling with a group is really very fun! I love meeting all these new people who are excited about experiencing the Holy Land. I must admit to you something… I was never a “group tour” kind of gal before this trip. I was someone who needed to do everything myself, on my schedule and the thought of hanging out with strangers was just weird to me. But then I went to the Holy Land with LeSEA and my whole perspective of group touring changed. First of all, these “strangers” became my friends very quickly – some who I still keep in contact with even after 13 years! Of course the proof in the pudding is Naidean and Mary. They were total strangers 10 years ago this month; then they met on a LeSEA tour to Israel and became Best Friends! And guess what, they are with us today, in Israel celebrating their friendship and how good God is! They believe with all their heart that it was God that put them together. They live in different states, have different lives but are the best of friends and even come to Israel every February together! There are so many other benefits too. On a group tour you really get to relax. Experts plan the day for you. People who know where to go and what to see…they will make sure that you see it and understand it. If I would have come to Israel alone I would have missed so much for sure – and even if I would have gotten to the important places, without my guide I wouldn’t have a clue what I was looking at. I learned so much from having a guide and a driver take me all over the land of the Bible and using with the Bible as the guide book…it’s an eye opening, life changing experience! On group tours you don’t have to wonder where to eat and how to order it…then stress over how to pay in Shekels! On a group tour tips to the hotel staff and guides/drivers are included in your price so you also don’t have to worry about who to tip and when and how much. I must say again…relaxing! Or maybe the better term would be stress free. Our Israeli hostess is always around the hotel to answer my silly questions too.

Anyway…!

Here are a couple pictures from our first Israel dinner together! We’ve had a long day to get here…but we know it is worth the effort. (ok, so I'm learning how to post pictures to this new site so please bare with me! ugh!)

Pastor Sumrall said something that really stuck with me tonight. He said something like… “don’t forget while you’re learning about the past to remember that this (Israel) is also our future…we all will spend considerable time here when Jesus returns…” Such a new perspective for me to consider… Thanks Pastor!

Tomorrow is our first full day here and it’s a full one! Come back and find out what we did!

Now…how do you sleep when you are so excited?

Kim

butterflies and daydreaming...

2010-02-01T13:47:00.000-05:00

7 DAYS!

I walked in the office today and the first thing I did before I even took off my coat was correct the countdown on my whiteboard to read "7". I feel like such a kid sometimes... counting down the days, getting that funny butterfly feeling inside...and daydreaming. Lumi and I have talked to so many people who are just as excited about this trip. Everyone is now in "packing mode" and this is the week where we get more calls about luggage, weather and packing than any other week. It's fun to hear the excitement in everyone's voice.

There will be 128 people with us next week. 25 of those will be from the Philippines and Pastor David Sumrall's church, Cathedral of Praise. Of course the group is broken down into 4 buses so that we actually experience Israel in intimate groups of 35 or so. Every bus will have their own guide and driver and the group as a whole will meet at various times during the week and every night at dinner.

7 days from this moment I imagine I'll be hearing an announcement... "Welcome to Continental flight 84 with non-stop service to Tel Aviv; we'd like to begin pre-boarding the aircraft..." If you see me in the airport you'll notice that I will look calm, cool and collected - but inside, that inner child is jumping up and down!

Where will you be in 7 days? If you will not be hearing that announcement with us this time, then consider coming with us in June of this year. Start your own count down now (133 days until the June tour departs!) and get your own butterflies! It's truly a trip of a lifetime.

Call us or visit our website for all the details!