What My Future Holds

Okay. Time to clear up a few things.

The day before I left for Israel I applied to Richmond University in London for grad school. Yes. The London in England. I also applied to University College London, but Richmond was my number one choice.

The FIRST day in Israel we went to the Western Wall to pray. 

All this past school year I faced a lot of rejection and it's been difficult to be patient with my future and God. I prayed for my future at the Western Wall. Wrote the prayer and put it in the wall. Such an amazing experience.

The next morning I woke up with an acceptance email from Richmond. 

(Richmond University, Kensington Campus, London)

WHAT?! God is too good to me y'all. 

I'm not saying that I got accepted because I prayed at the Western Wall. But I am so thankful that God waited for me to have that experience to reveal to me His plan for my future. What a sweet sweet moment in my walk when He does those things for me.

There's NO WAY that I got accepted through my own accomplishments. In my opinion, my application was sub par at best. I didn't even take the GRE. Not only did God grant me acceptance into Richmond, but UCL wanted to interview me! I wasn't even expecting to hear anything back from them. They have a very competitive program and the fact that they wanted to interview little old me is crazy. God didn't have to do that for me, get an interview, but He did just to bless me, I think He knows I need to encouragement.

With that being said, the entire time I was in Israel I was carrying this weight of all the things I had to get done for Richmond. a deposit of 60% of the tuition, a CAS so I can apply for a visa, Health forms, housing deposits, you name it, it's STILL on my list.

I even started to doubt Grad School abroad. Which, if I've talked to you at all about me and grad school, it's always been a hard "No, I don't want to go ever." But, knowing the art market and industry, God has slowly opened up my heart this year to the idea of Grad School. 

After studying abroad in Italy, I knew that if I ever did go to grad school it would HAVE to be abroad. I need to be where the art is. And London is that place. It's also the place for the cheapest flights. So, if the art isnt there, its not too far or too costly to get to the art. 

The fact that I was doubting the desire to do my studies abroad again really scared me. It was like the enemy was and still is using EVERYTHING he can to deter me from this path God has set before me. 

I was originally going to travel 10 days after our trip ended through Jordan. But, three days ago we sat down to plan it and the money and time out of the states was too much. I broke down and called my mom. 

The deadlines for Richmond are at the end of this month, originally I wasn't going to get home until July 3, too late for all of these deadlines I haven't been able to work on due to my travels. So, my mom started making phone calls.

She ended up getting a flight for me the day our trip ended with the first group that left Israel and they only charged the ticket change fee. Praise the Lord! My other flight back home was too expensive to change, but my mom and brother were in Kansas for a basketball camp so I flew into Kansas and drove 9 hours back home with my mom. which, seriously, worked out perfectly because my brother left 30 min after I landed to head to camp. So my mom didnt have to drive home alone. 

God is good.

There were many moments throughout the trip where His provision and peace were experienced. Our last day in Israel I bought a little ceramic pomegranate as an Ebenezer for this trip and experience in Israel as a reminder of God's provision not just in Israel but in the days to come.

From His timing of my Richmond acceptance letter to a healed heart and last minute travel changes (and everything in between) shows just how personal the God I serve is. 

I am glad to be home and have time to adequately prepare for this new adventure that is grad school. But I wish I was still in Israel. All the turmoil and heartache that is there just makes me long to be there more. I want to be there to help the people more and bless them. For I have been blessed tremendously by God and therefore can be a blessing to these people, His people. 

Back to the happenings in Israel. The boys are still missing. And just because I'm not there anymore doesn't mean the conflicts have stopped. The things I read in the news this morning were saddening. It is only getting worse. I pray that you will want to keep up with God' s people and pray for them. Praying for them is the best thing you can do for them. 

I am so excited to finally publicly say I am going to Richmond in London in the fall and that it can be a testimony of God's provision in my life. Excited to see what He has in store next. He never fails to send me on a grand adventure.

What awaits me here at home is my to-do list for Richmond, and moving out of my apartment. A job would be nice, but I we will see where that gets me. I'm looking forward to an unplanned summer with a month or so to reflect on the changes happening in my life. College graduation, volunteering in Israel for a month, and acceptance to Grad school in London is a lot to take in. I also need to get working on my summer book reading list ;) and see my friends one last time. 

This is a sweet sweet time for me as I transition in life and I'm so humbled that you have kept up with my time in Israel and the way God is working there. He has big plans for that small place. 

En Gedi and Other Travels

THURSDAY JUNE 19

First things first.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY BROTHER CARSON!!!! WOOOOOO!!!

He turns 18 today, which makes me feel so extremely old. He's going to be a senior in high school, I feel like I'm still 18 and should be in high school, but I'm going to grad school. Where has the time gone?

(Grad school?? Dont worry, I'll give you the details at some point)

Today we had our last day of sight seeing. 

I dont know if I mentioned the fact that a group of Germans came for a week to volunteer and they stayed with us at the guest house. But they did. And they went to En Gedi with us. 

We are all wishing they had come a lot earlier, they were so fun to get to know and talk to. And it was just fun having another language in the house. English, Hebrew, Russian, and now German.

So anyways, we went to En Gedi, which was so beautiful.

 It was so amazing how in the middle of the desert there is WATER!! 

Such a beautiful picture of God's provision, especially for someone like me who is from a dry and arid climate in need of rain and water. (also, God's provision has been a theme throughout this trip, also more on this later).

Then we went to the Dead Sea. 

The first time we went we were very rushed and the beach wasn't good. This time we went to the Ahava factory beach where they have the black mud. 

So we all mudded up and got to float on the sea again. 

Seriously. I could float in that water for the rest of my life.

The rest of the evening was low key. We went out for dinner and debriefed some about our highs and lows of the trip and some significant things that happened for each of us. Our favorite places to visit, and some input for future trips. Sights we wish we had seen and that kind of thing. 

FRIDAY JUNE 20

This has been a VERY long day. 

We woke up and went to an archeological sight where they sift through the dirt that was removed by the Muslims from the Temple Mount. Which they did illegally AND threw into the city dump. 

So. Infuriating.

I won't get on that soap box, so anyways.

We are talking dirt that predates Jesus. It's from the Temple Mount. 

And we got to dig through it and find really cool things. It was very rewarding.

I personally found a piece of ceramic tile that was from the original Dome of the Rock decoration and dates back to the Ottoman Empire. I also found a piece of pottery that dates back to the Byzantine Empire. SERIOUSLY. If you know me, you know that all this history was killing me. I was loving it. 

Two other really awesome things that were found by our group was a nail used to put on horse shoes during the Crusader time period AND they found a crusader arrow head. Which is a VERY rare find. They said they find one every few months or so, if that. So that was really awesome.

Next we had some time for last minute shopping and then we went to the Holy Sepulcher and the Garden Tomb.

It was really cool to see these areas. It was neat to see where people think that Jesus was crucified and buried and what the tomb would've looked like.

The Holy Sepulcher was absolutely beautiful. 

We explored all the different passages through the Cathedral. 

It was very crowded and reminded me a lot of Europe. It made my heart long for Italy.

The Garden tomb, on the other hand. Was so serene and calm. It wasn't busy when we went there, which was a blessing. The Garden Tomb is located right outside the Muslim Quarter of the Old City right outside Damascus Gate. It was such a great contrast from the bustling of the city and markets and a peaceful quiet space with trees and plants.

It was so humbling to see an empty tomb and know that I serve a living and loving God. It was the perfect ending to our trip. We began with prayer at the Western Wall and ended with Prayer at the Garden Tomb. Powerful.

Friday is Shabbat. So we had our last Shabbat dinner. We went to the arab market outside of Damascus gate to get a few vegetables for our meal. 

Since Friday is a holy day for Muslims and Shabbat was starting and the kidnapping and uprisings, there were a lot of streets closed to traffic in Jerusalem. We also saw a lot more IDF and Israeli Police officers patroling the streets. This was all done to make sure more uprisings dont break out.

We went home and started cleaning the house and cooking and doing laundry and packing. It was crazy. 

I was one of the ones packing. 

Yes, this means no more Jordan for me (more on why later). I changed my tickets three days ago so I didn't have much time to prepare my heart for the leaving of the Holy Land. But I know it was God's will how it happened so easily for my flights and reservations to change. It is also humbling to be reminded that the plans I make, even though they are concrete plans, can and will be changed and are flexible. Many think they know what's best for their life and want to control their future. I am painfully slowly become less of that person and more trusting and open to God's plans for me. 

Anyways. So we left for the airport in Tel Aviv at 1am. Got there at 2. My plane left later than everyone elses. So I waited around until 4:30am to check in and through security. A 3 hour flight to Rome.

God is so good to me for my layovers to be in Italy. It is amazing the healing He has done in my life the past month in Israel. On the way to Israel when we flew into Rome there were many tears, most of which were held back, because it broke my heart thinking of my past relationship and the sweet time that was spent in Italy during the relationship. 

On the way back. No tears. No thoughts of the relationship. Just a love for Italy that will never leave my heart. I ate a YUMMY Italian margherita pizza. If you know me, you know pizza in Italy is my FAVE. Beats out any and all american pizza in my book.

I had a 4 hour layover at the airport. Secretly I think I could've hopped on a taxi to the Pantheon to grab a quick Gelato, but it didn't happen. Unfortunately Rome's airport in out in the boondocks.

While in the airport I was by some older men who were talking Italian. It was fun to listen to their conversations. They were speaking slow enough for me to understand most of it. They ended up being on my plane and sat in the row in front of me. One of them asked me if I spoke Italian because at one point I started laughing because what they were saying was so funny. Sweet Moments.

The 10 hour flight to NYC wasnt bad. Except, I fell asleep on the shoulder of the guy next to me. Which was embarrassing when I woke up, and I don't think his wife sitting on the other side of him appreciated it. oops....

Getting to JFK I shuttled to LaGuardia where I finally got a decent night's rest. If you call 5 hours a decent night's sleep. But it was enough to get me up at 3am to head back to the airport. 

I was awake for like 48 hours or something close. From 8am Israel time on Friday to 10pm NYC time on Saturday (Which is 5am Israel time on Sunday). Wow. Long day. 

Glad to be back in America, because I know it was the right decision. But, my heart is longing to be abroad, as it always is. But soon that desire will be fulfilled thanks to God's provision. More to come in the next post!!!!

Holocaust Survivors, Orphans, and the Dome

MONDAY JUNE 16

We got back from Eilat Sunday night pretty late. And everyone is sick... So, the four of us who arent sick got up early the next morning and went to a single mom's house to do some yard work. Unfortunately she wasn't home, so we didn't get to meet her. But we were there for four hours pulling weeds. It was a forest. Unfortunately none of us took a before picture. One of the woman's neighbors left and then came back home while we were there and all he could do was thank us. It meant so much to him that we were taking time to clean up their front garden area of the apartment complex. He brought us out some cinnamon and ginger water. He was so sweet.

Here is the after picture. All the dirt you see was FILLED with weeds (like the area of garden behind it). 

Up to this point we have been putting on kids programs or special events for single moms or refugees, but the most gratifying work in my mind is physical labor. I can see the results of my work immediately and can see progress while im working. It's hard here with the events because of the language barrier. I have no idea if people are enjoying themselves or if they think we are just crazy stupid Americans.

I loved getting up early and working in the yard. All those summers of gardening at my house payed off. I've put in sprinkler systems, laid concrete and put together a stone fountain, stained fences and play structures and much more. One summer I even worked for a landscaping company and mowed yards. Ive planted grass, spread tons of sand for a playground area and dirt for grass. I know how to lay sod and landscaping barriers. You name it, I've done it. 

Anyways... after we got back around 1 I stayed in the rest of the day. We planned for Tuesday's service events and a lot of people went out to the light show in the Old City, but I had an upset stomach and stayed home with another girl on the team who was sick. It was a nice relaxing afternoon and evening. 

TUESDAY JUNE 17

Today was long. We set up for a banquet lunch for Holocaust survivors. They were all so cute and all the ones I spoke too hardly spoke English. I got their names and the countries they were from. It was so amazing to see so many people who went through such hardship in their lives and are now here in Israel still hoping and praying for their people. If you donated money to my trip, this event was one that the funds we raised fully paid for. We catered kosher food and made the house into a nice banquet setting for them. We sang some songs and talked about where we were from. It was a sweet sweet time. 

Sadly we didn't get to hear any personal stories, but it was such a happy and fun occaision for them I was glad to just be a blessing to them. They said that a lot of the people there had survived the concentration camps and others ran and hid for their lives during the war. 

A picture I snapped during the banquet. 

We had back to back events today. We went straight to an orphanage here in Jerusalem to hang out with the kids. We were expecting children, but they were all preteens and teenagers. Which turned out to be really awesome. This is another event that our fundraising went towards. We ate pizza and played games with them. We all left wishing we could spend more time getting to know the kids. 

After we told them about where we were from in the states and a little about each one they told us about Israel. It was heartbreaking to hear them immediately talk about the hatred here and the wars and attacks and learning that a couple of the kids were from cities who get rockets all the time (some even last night). The translator wanted them to talk about more happy things, so they turned to the weather and the Western Wall. 

The kids are at this place because their family cant take care of them or dont have the means to or for a variety of reasons. They were all very nice to us, but they also all wanted our attention, plus the Isreali culture added to the rambunctiousness of the evening.

It was a filled and exhausting day, but it was also very fulfilling and rewarding. I am so thankful to those who supported my trip, specifically on days like this where we are able to touch the lives of locals who have experienced so much pain in their lives.

WEDNESDAY JUNE 18

We woke up early today (or a select few of us who dragged ourselves out of bed did) and went to the Dome of the Rock.

You get an amazing view of the Western Wall on the walk up to the Dome of the Rock. 

ITS SO BEAUTIFUL!!!! Still cant believe I got to go!

It was interesting to see the Jews worshiping at the Western Wall and then the Muslims at the Dome of the Rock. 

What was even more interesting was seeing how physically beautiful this place was, but also how ugly it was. 

First, let's get some things straight...

1. The Temple Mount belongs to Israel, no matter what anyone says. It's very complicated, but basically, for peace purposes, Israel has sovereignty over it, but gave it's jurisdiction to the Muslim government.

2. Anyone is allowed to worship at the Western Wall

3. Only Muslims are allowed to worship on the Temple Mount.

4. The IDF, The Israeli Military, guards the Temple Mount so that the Muslims can worship in peace without fear.

While we were up there, we witnessed a very interesting spectacle. 

We heard men chanting in the distance and thought we would go check it out, expecting there to be a big prayer gathering (Ramadan starts this month so there is much preparation now in the Muslim community).

What was really happening was very different. A few religious Jews were being escorted by two heavily armed guards down by where the sealed gate area of the Temple Mount is. The Muslim men were yelling "Allah aqbar!" or "God is great" at these jews. 

Then the women and children joined in. The women were yelling more nasty and personal insults at the jews and the boys started throwing rocks.

Literally 4 jews walking quietly into a section of the Temple Mount (where they are allowed to be in the morning) started all of this uprising. 

At one point one of the Muslim men turned to our group and shook his head and kind of waved us off like we should get out of the immediate area. 

The only reason why this didnt turn violent is because of the armed guards. Actually, one of the boys tried to throw rocks at us. At some point it turns from just targeting a few Jews, to targeting all non-muslims on the Mount.

This was something that was very beneficial to witness first hand. There were a few minutes where I was legitimately afraid for my safety, at one point the yelling got so loud and the men were pumping their fists in the air and beating on their chests and the boys were hurling rocks from above and the women who were sitting and praying started to yell as well. 

My heart broke for both parties of the event. It is this conflict and tension that Israel survives daily.

It didnt take away from the physical beauty. It made me appreciate the Dome of the Rock even more. Prophesies say that the Third Temple will be built, which means the Dome of the Rock will not always be standing. And I'm thankful I could see it while it is.

After we left the Mount we went to the BEST coffee and tea place again, and talked through the encounter.

To see a glimpse of this turmoil that the country of Israel and Israelis themselves face I will tell a story that our group leader, Robynne, told us. 

One of her friends was in the IDF during the Intifada. This was when Muslim children were throwing rocks bottle bombs at IDF soldiers. Her friend saw a boy who was aiming at their unit about to throw a bottle bomb. He was given the order to fire a rubber bullet at the child's feet to scare him off. Robynne said that her friend looked into the boys eyes and could not shoot at him. 

His best friend died that day because of that bottle bomb, they were in the same unit.

The man also disobeyed orders which resulted in an soldier's death, so he went to prison, where he mourned the death of his friend. He also walks with a limp due to the bottle bomb and the multiple surgeries he had to remove shrapnel from the bomb.

To this day he says he still wouldn't shoot that boy. Knowing the result is the death of his friend, a prison sentence, and physical harm to himself, he would still not aim a rubber bullet at the child's feet who threw bottle bombs out of hatred of Israel and the Jewish people and nation. If that isn't powerful, I dont know what is.

These are the things the people here deal with daily. Robynne says the weight that she carries daily because of the kidnapped boys, the unrest in Israel, and even still, generations later, from the Holocaust, is eye opening. All because she is Jewish. 

Anyways....

After the Temple Mount the rest of the day was ours, yay for a free day. I did the majority of my souvenir shopping for my family and mailed out my final batch of post cards. Which ended up being A TON of walking. The best find of the day... A local artist's collective ceramic store. I bought two beautiful mugs and I absolutely love them and pray they don't break on the trip home.

Dont worry, more politics and happenings of Israel to come in the next postings.