Wow, where has the time gone! We are already in April and so much has happened since my last post in the beginning of February. This blog post is dedicated to recap my experience to Israel that happened the last two weeks of February. Let me start off by saying that if you do or do not believe in the life of Jesus Christ, your life WILL be impacted by going to Israel.
I am beyond thankful to my employer: Educational Opportunities Tours for such a meaningful trip. So if you’re ready, continue reading but rather take a journey with me as I recap. I enjoyed the first few days staying in the Northern part of Israel while lodging near the Sea of Galilee. The best part of starting a journey in the Northern part of the country is that you really experience more of the natural landscape. Because of this, when you are going to historical, archeological, and biblical sites you are able to better imagine what it was like during the life of Jesus. We took a breathtaking boat ride on the Sea of Galilee where I reflected on the many stories where Jesus ministered and made relationships. It really took me a day or so to really fathom that I was in “The Holy Land”.
While in the Northern part, we went to sites such as Capernaum, the mount of Beatitudes, the site of feeding the 5000, and a beautiful baptismal site at the Jordan River. While at the Jordan River I saw many groups from all over the world having baptism services. In our group, we took some time to remember our own baptisms. For me, I recalled being in middle school and really desiring the fullness of life promised in The Bible. As I looked around I saw a young paralyzed boy dressed in a white robe being carried into the river by a pastor. He proceeded to talk to him and then submerged him into the river. I was so touched by this that I began to thank God for this young boys’ life and asked God to bless him to do many things to further the kingdom of Christ. I was so overwhelmed with emotions but yet I felt the Holy Spirit so presently alive in me as I prayed for that boy.
In moments like that I cannot deny that God exists because I experienced God’s heart for others through the amount of compassion that overflowed inside me.
The second half of the trip we stayed in Jerusalem which is more in the center of the country. During those five days or so we visited a lot of sites such as: Jericho, Bethlehem, the Upper Room, Mt of Olives, the Garden of Gethsemane, and even traced Jesus’ last few days of life. Every site we went to the guides would share the archeological evidence that supports what the Bible says. It is so surreal to walk where Jesus walked and to have so many visuals to remember. There were many moments where I put away my camera and really took in what I was experiencing. I can honestly say that going to these places that credit the life of Christ has truly given my faith another firm foundation. I read scripture differently now that I can visualize the places I went to and understand the history and geography better.
There were so many people visiting from all over the planet to see for themselves what it is they have heard and read about it this Jesus fellow. The unity and body of Christ is so much bigger than just our own family or our local church. It is worldwide! I would strongly encourage everyone to travel to Israel at some point in their life. Jesus lived, died, and rose from the grave; Hallelujah to the risen savior!
Xoxo
p.s. This is just a portion of my experiences in the Holy Land so if you want to know more just ask.
kellieshuman 