Arrived in Israel!

We arrived safely in Israel late afternoon on Wednesday. Our journey was disrupted by our first plane’s mechanical problems (identified before we boarded!) This led to some anxiety and then a more roundabout route that involved a stopover in Frankfort. Instead of an 18 hour trip it was more like 25 hours. Pilgrimages, like most journeys, have their disruptions. On a pilgrimage in particular these unexpected challenges remind us that the Christian pilgrimage through life does not always go as we plan it. God has surprises for us; sometimes wonderful blessings, sometimes opportunities to be patient and trusting, and sometimes both. (I also realized that we had traveled from Southwest Florida to Israel in far less time than it took Jesus to travel from Capernaum to Jerusalem. Even with disruptions and cramped seats, air travel is a blessing.)

 

Our driver, Patrick, an Arab Israeli Christian, is a medical student in Georgia (the country), home for the summer. He works for Amer Shehadeh, our Israeli organizer. It was striking to travel on a four lane highway and see the exit for Nazareth. We are staying at the Ron Beach Hotel in Tiberius on the Sea of Galilee. We can see fishing boats reminiscent of New Testament stories – and jet skis, developed somewhat later.)

 

We remember and pray for you all as we settle into this Holy Land. God bless you.