2/9/2010

I am continuing to pack for my trip. I absolutely adore international travel and all the wonderful experiences and opportunities that come with the ordeal - except packing. OH MY GOODNESS! I struggle immensely with knowing what to bring and what to leave at home. If there was not a weight limit and fee charged for exceeding that specified limit (which I believe is now 50 LBS.), I would be in good shape. I usually have enough space in my suitcase and carry-on to accommodate all of my belongings. However, I always have an incredibly hard time knowing what to bring in terms of clothing. If I was able, I would bring my entire closet! Unfortunately, that is impossible and space does not allow me to do so. Because of this, I am forced to pick and choose between what is necessary and what is not. I am told that this time of year in Israel, it is winter. This means that the temperatures are in the 40s-50s in Jerusalem and not much higher. In different parts of the country, at lower elevations such as the Dead Sea, temperature can differ dramatically and be much hotter. In addition, when in Israel the seasons will change and transition from winter to spring. Spring in Israel arrives with temperatures in the 60s and higher. This transition is the cause of my worry over attire! I just don't know what to bring so that I am not too hot, but not too cold. From friends and the help of the internet, I have been advised to dress in layers. Layers it is! =) Other than that, I have basically everything I need.

• Camera + case
• Laptop + case
• Towel / wash cloth
• Sheets
• Toiletries
• Sneakers + sandals
• Reading material
• International cell
• Chargers and various cords
• The anointing of God(!)

Today I was able to go to Wilmington, DE and give my grandmother one last hug good-bye. She is naturally bent to worry about her family, and my going to Israel does rest easy with her. Please pray that she would feel at peace with my trip and comfortable with the fact that I am going away. I know all the biased media portrays Israel as a chaotic war zone unfit for a lone 16-year old American girl. I'm going to do my best to change her mind on the subject incrementally. Haha!

I have really been struggling with selfishness lately. Or better stated, feeling selfish. I feel as though I've been sucking all the attention and time from Abby, Caroline, and Hannah. Over the past three weeks so many aspects of our family life have revolved around my trip. The details have consumed so much time and energy. My passport needed to be renewed, ticket booked, camera purchased in another state, and so many other minute details such as buying all the supplies I'll need for being away from home. These tasks were in addition to home schooling and the other daily routines of life. Thank you mom and dad for caring for me as much as you do and giving me the trip of a lifetime. I'm apologize that I have not been more openly thankful.

I can't believe as I look out the window, as the snow softly falls, this time Friday I will be in Israel! WOW! Everything came together so quickly and perfectly that the weeks flew by. I was able to drop my classes painlessly and recieve a 100% refund from Bucks County Community College, my passport was returned in two weeks, I have a brand new amazing camera, and my friends saved the day by loving me above and beyond more that I could have ever deserved. Yesterday, my mom's mom sent an additional $105 and friends today gave me another $100, bringing the total donations to $1751!!! How awesome is that?! Without even asking, God has showered me with blessing after blessing, from person after person. I am literally in awe of His love, but also at the love my friends have demonstrated towards me. I should go away more often! ;)

On a serious note, I am really getting pumped about this trip. I feel the excitement building every time I think about being in Israel again and cannot wait to get there. I will be staying in East Jerusalem near the Damascus Gate on 12 Nur Ad-din Street. I actually was right near the guest house before and didn't even know it! The Garden Tomb, which is the site that claims to be the tomb of Jesus Christ, is in very close proximity to the guest house and church. I was at the tomb in 2008 when I was in Israel and touring the sites in Jerusalem.

I'll close for now, but write more ASAP =)