Post2: Getting Ready

I found the words of Henry Miller to be true after I traveled to Israel: “One’s destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things.” Prior to the trip, my mind’s eye pictured Israel as a land plagued with religious strife, where conflicts between Arabs and Jews erupt on a daily basis to create a war-torn nation. I envisioned young, gun wielding men roaming the streets, the whistle of explosives overhead, and the stress of being in a country with such world-wide animosity directed towards her. What I found contradicted all my preconceived notions, reducing them to mere allegories. Not once did I fear for my safety. Not once did I feel like my life was in the balance, even when I stayed in a settlement in the West Bank. On the contrary, I enjoyed every minute of my time in Israel, from climbing Masada at sunrise, to riding camels in the Negev, to dining with Orthodox Jews for the Sabbath in Jerusalem. I was met by a kind and hospitable people, more than willing to share their religion, values, and culture with a foreigner. This natural warmth held true for Jew and Arab alike. The purpose of the trip was to gain a better understanding of the Jewish roots of my Christian faith, but I walked a way with much more: a deep desire to bring a solution of peace to this troubled area of the world.

On Wednesday January 20th I went out on a limb and dropped my classes at Bucks County Community College. The morning before my mom casually tossed out the idea of going to Israel again. I hadn't been in contact with Heaven Sent Ministries in over two months. Nonetheless, I wrote to Andrew Tattersall, whom I had been in contact with in October 2009. Originally, I wanted to go to Israel in early January 2009, and the plans fell through when our house didn't sell. I wasn't sure if Israel was still a possibility.

I had planned out all the classes I would need to take to graduate high school with my Associate's degree, which was no small feat. That is just the kind of person I am; I love making plans and doing whatever it takes to stick with them. I make lists and do my best to check everything on that list off. Completing my A.A. degree by the end of high school was at the top of my mental list. I never thought that I would be so excited to throw all the careful planning away! I felt nervous as I signed my name on the page consciously agreeing that I would not be a student at Bucks the following semester. But I couldn't help to feel an immense sense of freedom and excitement simultaneously with the uneasiness. I was jumping off a cliff into the waters of the unknown, or so I thought.

Well, today marks two weeks after I dropped my classes. I needed to update my passport because it expired this past September. It was expedited and came back incredibly fast - I waited less than two weeks! I am happy to say I booked my ticket! It is official now - my dream has become a reality. The ticket cost $1190 through a Christian agency that works with Heaven Sent. I cannot believe that God has orchestrated this trip so seamlessly. From the classes to the finances to the connections I have seem His had at work on my behalf. This morning my mom, sisters and I went to FedEx Office and sent the check via overnight shipping. It should arrive to its destination tomorrow afternoon by 4:00 PM. This is my itinerary:

SERVICE DATE FROM TO DEPART ARRIVE
US AIRWAYS 09FEB PHILADELPHI PA TEL AVIV YAFO 925P 330P
US 796 TUESDAY INTL BEN GURION IN 10FEB
V ECONOMY AIRCRAFT: AIRBUS INDUSTRIE A330-200


When in Israel, I will be volunteering with Karen Dunham in Jerusalem. Her ministry is called Living Bread International and has locations in Jerusalem, Jericho, Hebron, Bethlehem, Ramallah, Gaza, and Beersheva. She works with the Jew and Muslim alike, and reaches out to all in need regardless of nationality, ethnicity, or religion. She works with the 'least of these' and strives to be the hands and feet of Jesus. The volunteering house where all internationals stay is located in Jerusalem though, so that is where I will be! I remember Jerusalem from my first trip as a busy but beautiful city with great food, wonderfully mild breezy weather, and kind natives. I am thrilled to be going back! The seasons will be different - in September was the hot summer the first time I was in Israel. Now the next three months I will experience the winter and transition into spring.

I have no expectations or agenda for how I will be spending these next 2-3 months. That might sound crazy to go around the world without any plans as to how you'll spend your days. From Karen's ministry website the following are some areas to which I may contribute:

• Worshipers and those that love to prophesy in song and Word
• Outreach to refugees- taking aid to the camps
• Education to refugees- teaching Bible studies, helping the children with homework
• Media and production- camera, editing, P.A.’s- all areas
• Prayer warriors- we need warriors that can help push us through
• Administration- office, media brochures, mail, accounting- all areas

I just am looking for the opportunity to be the hands and feet of Jesus. I felt like anything less than two months away from the distractions and cares of normal life would not be enough time to dedicate to God. I want so badly to be a vessel fit for his use in whatever capacity he chooses. I want to immerse myself in a culture completely different from my own, take lots of amazing pictures of Israeli culture and life, try to learn as much Hebrew and Arabic as possible, and possibly decide a direction for my career! So, I am guilty of an preconceived idea of what my trip will yield! These are not expectations however, but goals. I'm ok with these, because I think setting goals is critical. They are important to think about and formulate so you don't get stuck doing nothing.