Separated by the Mediterranean Sea and less than a two hour flight, we left Greece and headed for Israel. Passport control was loaded. Despite that, my youngest daughter spotted us amongst the throng of people. After a lengthy wait, we headed to claim our luggage and set off for our next adventure. Not so fast! Some how, an airline can misplace your bag on a direct flight. After filing a claim, we could head out to find our next bed and some food to energize us. Arriving after dark with address in hand, we were a bit skeptical and a little unnerved about our “chic by the sea” apartment. Our instructions stated a code for entry, however, this door had no key pad. The “garden” entry hadn’t seen flowers in years and we were at a loss. Waiting for a reply from the management office, we were scouting around as an older woman walked by. I asked her if she spoke English and she signaled a little. Before I could even ask my question, she looked at our bags and said, “not here, down there.” Sure enough, two doors down, we entered and found our apartment. Beginning with these two hurdles, it wasn’t feeling like we were getting off to a very stellar start. We were in need of food and some good sleep to put it all in perspective.
We started our first morning with Aroma for breakfast. This is the only coffee I drink. I believe the bitter-free coffee and fresh food would give Starbucks a run for their money! After, we headed to Independence Hall, where the modern state of Israel was birthed.
It is difficult to understand how desperately Jews desired a place of their own following the horrific and destructive acts so few survived during WWII. The hard work and perseverance needed to bring this land back to life was inspiring. This has transpired in less than 70 years.
We took a fun day of beach time and a movie (in English) with Hebrew subtitles. Fun to just hang out with my girls.
The next day we headed to David Ben-Gurion’s home for a tour. He was Israel’s first Prime Minister. This site rounded out our history lesson of Israel’s modern state start. All I can say is…Look at this library!!!
He not only had books in various languages and topics, but actually read them. He even learned a new language just so he could read one in the original text. I could spend hours there if they would actually let me open and read these books.
We capped off our time in Tel Aviv with a short walking tour around Jaffa. This is the port city found in both the Old and New Testaments. From the story of Jonah to Peter’s vision which led to sharing the Gospel with the first Gentiles, this small town has a history. Many nooks and crannies to explore while reflecting on all the time that has passed.
Now off to the north and the Sea of Galilee!!! We could only take in a small portion of what was offered around the sea. The water, calm or choppy, had us reflecting on the lives of the fishermen called to follow Jesus and He who calmed the same waters more than once. The hills surrounding the sea were where Jesus preached, shared and healed with so many. This is a picture of the Church of the Beautitudes.
There is also a museum consisting of one boat, which was recovered from the sea in 1986 during a drought, from the timeframe He walked the area. The display was beautiful.
We were able to take an olive oil factory tour and a winery tour up in the Golan Heights region. Produce of all kinds flourishes here. Combining the history and the modern was as rounded of an experience as we could offer.
A couple funny moments from up north…we were staying in a guest house on a property which included gardens, a vineyard, a wine and chocolate cellar, and a restaurant. They had a dog who came in one morning after breakfast and found the coolest room with tile and made himself at home. Ben is old, but very comfortable with us!
Our second humorous moment was trying to find a spot for dinner one night. As we were circling (literally) around the city of Tiberias, the small people were restless for something from home–McDonalds was not going to be an option! After passing by the same corner a few times, (and we had seen it that morning also) we decided to give a restaurant called Sumo a whirl. Thinking sushi in Israel might be an adventure, we stepped up. To our surprise, it was a cross of Chinese and Japanese. I was almost the holdout, but was too tired to fight and ordered. To our surprise, it was so fresh and everything was tasty! Who knew?!?!
We have just shy of one more week to explore other areas of Israel. From the stories of Abraham’s day to the times of King David, to the life of Jesus and the arrival of the Holy Spirit, this land is full, not only of history, but His Story. As I have continued to read the book of Acts, I am reminded of exactly how His Story included me. He intentionally planned numerous events and touched countless lives to reach me. Abundant gratitude sums up how I feel…Have you taken a moment to reflect on how it makes you feel?
May the peoples praise you, God; may all the peoples praise you. Psalm 67:3
No Comments