in conclusion

street food

It's been hard to recount our trip.  It's hard to find the words to really describe the experience.  Since I was an older teenage I have wanted to go to Israel.  It was the number one item on my "bucket list" and I still can't believe we went.  Amazing.  

It was an awesome trip.  Unexpected, different that I might have imagined, profoundly moving, eye opening, beautiful and sad and wonderful all at the same time.

On the first night that was stayed in Jerusalem we ended up leaving our hotel and taking a walk.  Rob and I started off on our own but soon met up with a group from our tour and then wandered the streets together.  It was fun to take in the sights and just to walk and talk together.  

A few days later on our tour we ended up on the exact same street. What I didn't know that first night was we walked right by the Garden Tomb, like literally brushing our hands along the outside wall as we went down the road.  This street vendor is standing outside of the Damascus gate of the old city.  I had no clue. We walked down the road where for sure Jesus walked not once but more likely many many times and I had no idea. 

This trip to walk where Jesus walked was so crazy because there we were.  Sometimes I really felt the spirit testify of the sacredness of where we were and more importantly of the divinity of the Christ.  Sometimes it was just a regular- super amazing, historic, beautiful wonder :)

Since we've been back I've been talking to people, mom and dad mostly but also others, who have wanted me to share what it was like.  What did I learn, feel, see.  There aren't really good words for that because I went knowing Jesus Christ.  Knowing about his life.  Having read the Bible many times. Having heard the stories from my youth and having taught them my whole adult life there was nothing "new" to that.  But seeing where it happened, and in some cases where it might have happened or close to where it happened, made it pop in my mind to a new level.  What once was sort of black and white now is in living color. I will always cherish those memories and be grateful I went. (not that I didn't learn a lot, our guide was amazing and the cultural, historic, political, geographic insights he gave and teaching his did was incredible)

At the same time I am well aware that a journey there is not required for a rich and full understanding of who Jesus is.  I love Him and am SO grateful for his atoning blessings in my life.

I wonder how often I have walked down the road of life having no idea how close He was, or missing what I should see/learn/do because I was distracted by life, by the sights and sounds and wonders around me? Distracted by seeking fun or amusement.  When we were on the road the 2nd time and I realized all I had walked by obliviously an evening or two before it really hit me that I need to be a devoted disciple all the time.  That my purpose needs to be singularly focused on doing what is good and right and in seeking after Jesus.

That lesson and many other lessons I bring home with me from the Holy Land.  That and a dead sea tee shirt, stuffed camel and olive wood nativity ;)

Jaffa